Leaked CAD renders reveal flat-sided 10th-generation iPad

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in iPad
A new set of leaked CAD files show the 10th-generation iPad could have a slightly larger display with flat sides, but it would retain the Touch ID button.

The 10th-generation iPad could have several design updates
The 10th-generation iPad could have several design updates


The 10.2-inch iPad is the last with a classic tapered case design, Home Button, and Lightning port. The leaked CAD files show a complete redesign could be coming in the 2022 model, but it would retain several features.

The new leaks were shared on Mysmartprice with a handful of images and specs for the device. According to the leak, the display would measure 248.62mm tall by 179.5mm wide by 6.98mm thick. That's slightly wider but slimmer than the current 9th-generation iPad.

The bezels appear smaller on the edges too, which suggests the new iPad could have a 10.5-inch display. However, the faceplate design remains unchanged, with a Touch ID button and front-facing camera.

The more radical changes appear to be to the case and rear of the iPad. The case has flat edges, ditching the aging curved corners for a more modern design. The rear of the iPad has a single camera, but the larger camera bump also has a flash module.

Moving to flat sides is more than just an aesthetic choice. The Apple Pencil 2 needs the flat-sided design to attach and pair with the iPad, and this would finally allow the budget iPad to move to the second-generation Pencil.

Flat sides and a large camera bump show what's changed in these CAD files
Flat sides and a large camera bump show what's changed in these CAD files


The charging port isn't detailed in the CAD file, with it marked by a red line in the cable penetration oval. Some rumors suggested Apple could move to USB-C on this budget model, but that may not happen until the 2023 model.

This leak's legitimacy can't be verified, but it seems in line with previous rumors. It isn't clear why Apple would perform a redesign and retain the Home Button instead of moving Touch ID to the power button like on the iPad Air, but the Home Button may simply be cheaper.

The 10.2-inch iPad is a budget model, and Apple attempts to keep it at $329 using several cost-cutting methods. For example, this updated tablet may receive the two-year-old A14 processor to keep costs down.

Read on AppleInsider

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 8
    retrogustoretrogusto Posts: 1,109member
    Those rounded edges might be aging, but they feel better on the hands and make the device look sleeker. It’s a case of form following function, so you sacrifice some desirable qualities for that “contemporary” look. I’m hoping the flat sides start to look old soon, so they phase them out before I need to replace my devices. 
    byronldewmestompywilliamlondonmuthuk_vanalingam
  • Reply 2 of 8
    Those rounded edges might be aging, but they feel better on the hands and make the device look sleeker. It’s a case of form following function, so you sacrifice some desirable qualities for that “contemporary” look. I’m hoping the flat sides start to look old soon, so they phase them out before I need to replace my devices. 
    Agree, it makes the device feel chunky too
    williamlondonretrogustomuthuk_vanalingam
  • Reply 3 of 8
    The best iPad for your kids, where spaghetti and moisture will end up stuck between the thick rubber cover and the screen.
  • Reply 4 of 8
    HAHA HAHA “ ditching the aging curved corners for a more modern design.” Looks exactly like the original iPad 1.0, which I was actually playing around with last week.
    What comes around, goes around. 
    muthuk_vanalingam
  • Reply 5 of 8
    Flat sides so it can charge an Apple Pencil 2, makes perfect sense.
  • Reply 6 of 8
    jagnutjagnut Posts: 24member
    Maybe a compromise - one flat side for the pencil and three rounded sides for comfort.  😉
    tht
  • Reply 7 of 8
    thttht Posts: 5,421member
    jagnut said:
    Maybe a compromise - one flat side for the pencil and three rounded sides for comfort.  😉
    You say this jokingly, but you know, this is an intriguing idea!

    Well, perhaps not so much for the low end iPad, but for the iPA, iPm and iPP? Intriguing design idea. The no-Home-Button iPads have very few visual indications of which side is up. You have to be pretty aware of where the ports and buttons are. By making one side of them flat, it presents a strong visual cue what the "default" orientation is.

    Once a Pencil is added, it'll do the same thing, but a bare iPad? One flat side could do the same. The transition from rounded to flat in the corner is going to be interesting on how it could be done. Probably flat first, than rounded.
  • Reply 8 of 8
    mpantonempantone Posts: 2,033member
    Flat sides so it can charge an Apple Pencil 2, makes perfect sense.
    Apple Pencil recharging capability would invariably come to the iPad Pro first, not a low end model. Knowing Apple they would probably release a newer, more expensive Pencil for this rather than make the functionality available on existing hardware.

     :p 
    williamlondon
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