iOS 12.2 beta suggests next-gen iPad and iPad mini might not sport Face ID, references new...
Apple might not incorporate its Face ID authentication technology in revamps of iPad and iPad mini rumored to launch in the coming months, according to new data pulled from the company's latest iOS 12.2 beta release.
Apple's fourth-generation iPad mini.
As noted in a tweet from developer Steve Troughton-Smith, the latest beta version of iOS references at least four new iPads and a potential seventh-generation iPod touch model identified as "iPod9,1."
Notably, the iPad designations -- "iPad11,1," iPad11,2," "iPad11,3" and iPad11,4" -- relate to Wi-Fi and cellular models without Face ID, suggesting the hardware will continue to rely on Touch ID technology for user authentication. Consistent with existing hardware, the iPod touch model lacks mention of either Face ID or Touch ID.
On Friday, model numbers for seven new iPad devices were outed in filings with the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC). While not confirmed, the number groupings appear to point to at least two distinct device types, potentially hinting at a refresh to Apple's low-cost 9.7-inch iPad and a fifth-generation iPad mini.
If today's iOS beta find is correct, Apple's next-generation iPad models could be limited to internal component upgrades and will not benefit from a full-fledged redesign.
Currently, the iPad and iPad mini rely on Touch ID, a technology first introduced to the iPad line with iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 in 2014. Incorporation of the TrueDepth camera technology that underpins Face ID would necessitate a complete design, one that lops off the slates' "chin" region where the Touch ID home button currently lies. To maintain symmetry, that change would also require a deletion of the "forehead" section that hosts Apple's front-facing FaceTime HD camera.
Apple's first and only tablets to sport Face ID debuted late last year in the 11- and 12.9-inch iPad Pros, both of which feature revamped chassis designs with largely symmetrical screen borders and no home button. The shift to Face ID, which embedded TrueDepth into the tablets' top bezel, allowed Apple to decrease the chassis size of the larger 12.9-inch model and increase screen real estate on the smaller model.
Reports of a next-generation iPad mini circulated in December suggested the upcoming device would be positioned as an affordable entry-level model, in line with today's Touch ID findings. The smallest of Apple's tablets, iPad mini has not received a refresh since 2015.
The sixth-generation 9.7-inch iPad is almost due for a refresh, having debuted at a special education-focused event in March of 2018.
As for iPod touch, many expected Apple to kill off the line as the dedicated music player's popularity slumped, and its feature set rendered redundant by booming iPhone sales. The sixth-generation iPod touch launched in 2015.
Apple's fourth-generation iPad mini.
As noted in a tweet from developer Steve Troughton-Smith, the latest beta version of iOS references at least four new iPads and a potential seventh-generation iPod touch model identified as "iPod9,1."
Notably, the iPad designations -- "iPad11,1," iPad11,2," "iPad11,3" and iPad11,4" -- relate to Wi-Fi and cellular models without Face ID, suggesting the hardware will continue to rely on Touch ID technology for user authentication. Consistent with existing hardware, the iPod touch model lacks mention of either Face ID or Touch ID.
On Friday, model numbers for seven new iPad devices were outed in filings with the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC). While not confirmed, the number groupings appear to point to at least two distinct device types, potentially hinting at a refresh to Apple's low-cost 9.7-inch iPad and a fifth-generation iPad mini.
If today's iOS beta find is correct, Apple's next-generation iPad models could be limited to internal component upgrades and will not benefit from a full-fledged redesign.
Currently, the iPad and iPad mini rely on Touch ID, a technology first introduced to the iPad line with iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 in 2014. Incorporation of the TrueDepth camera technology that underpins Face ID would necessitate a complete design, one that lops off the slates' "chin" region where the Touch ID home button currently lies. To maintain symmetry, that change would also require a deletion of the "forehead" section that hosts Apple's front-facing FaceTime HD camera.
Apple's first and only tablets to sport Face ID debuted late last year in the 11- and 12.9-inch iPad Pros, both of which feature revamped chassis designs with largely symmetrical screen borders and no home button. The shift to Face ID, which embedded TrueDepth into the tablets' top bezel, allowed Apple to decrease the chassis size of the larger 12.9-inch model and increase screen real estate on the smaller model.
Reports of a next-generation iPad mini circulated in December suggested the upcoming device would be positioned as an affordable entry-level model, in line with today's Touch ID findings. The smallest of Apple's tablets, iPad mini has not received a refresh since 2015.
The sixth-generation 9.7-inch iPad is almost due for a refresh, having debuted at a special education-focused event in March of 2018.
As for iPod touch, many expected Apple to kill off the line as the dedicated music player's popularity slumped, and its feature set rendered redundant by booming iPhone sales. The sixth-generation iPod touch launched in 2015.
Comments
I think it will either be 1) a smaller/ less expensive version of the $329 2018 iPad (including Pencil 1 support) with non-laminated screen at $249-279; or 2) a simple spec update refresh of the current design, at about the same $399/128 GB price. Processor will be at least A10, probably 3GB.
ipod Touch & iPad Mini both have A8 processors, 2018 iPad A10, what are your guesses on new processor?
i think the iPad 9.7, iPad Mini 5th gen., and iPod touch will all have A11...thoughts?
Get rid of these old designs - instead of asking premium prices for it - this bezel tragedy is taking too long.
No wonder they’re losing support - with typical reactions being “Well I’l keep my ....for another years” that have become Tim’s mantra
Personally, I don’t see much use for FaceID on mini besides reduced size. I think FaceID would be to expensive (currently) to be practical...
I suppose it depends on if Apple sees the mini as their low priced offering (I.e. starting at $249).
I also love Touch ID on my iPhone 8. In fact, I like it so much I refuse to buy an iPhone without it.
I did did try an iPhone XR for 10 days but swapped it back for an 8 because I missed Touch ID. I also worry about the safety of Face ID and beaming infrared laser spots into my retina tens of thousands of times a year.
Can't remember when I've last them mentioned. Makes me nostalgic for my iPod Photo - my very first piece of Apple gear....
One could hope such 'innovations' die get corrected and reverted, but I don't think I should get my hopes up that much.
IMO, Touch ID is much easier to keep consistent across platforms and use-cases. Unless they are going to incorporate some kind of special 'fish-eye' cameras, projectors, and sensors, Face ID isn't flexible enough. Plus, just from a security standpoint, I like that I at least would have to be forced to put my finger on the sensor. Face ID is too easy to unlock.