Now let's move on to the topic of the fourth generation iPad Pro. Today we'll summarize all the rumors so far about Apple's next professional tablet.
As always, our information is based on rumors only - none of this has been confirmed so far. Therefore, a healthy dose of skepticism is required. The iPad Pro was last announced in fall of 2018 updated in two sizes: 12.9-inch and 11-inch.
Last year, Apple introduced a new operating system called iPadOS and presented iPad models for the small budget - but not a new iPad Pro. But this year, it's time again. In addition to rumors, Apple's previous iPad Pro presentation cycle also suggests an upcoming update. Up until now, Apple has presented a new iPad Pro every 18 months. According to this, the fourth generation should be presented in the first half of the year. A possible March event in the Steve Jobs Theater is considered a hot candidate.
iPad Pro 2020 – The design and display
There will be hardly any changes in the design area - various sources agree on this. OnLeaks has also presented concept images based on rumors and its own sources. OnLeaks is known for revealing the design of the iPhone and iPad before they are released - in recent years, the concept designer has at least been right. A major change will probably be made to the camera module on the back - but more on that later. In the display area, however, something could change. Rumors say that Apple is planning to use mini-LED technology. This would make the device thinner and lighter overall. But the problem is that the rumors so far have been viewed with great skepticism.
iPad Pro 2020 – The Camera
The camera area, however, is considered safe. The new fourth-generation iPad Pro is said to have a similar camera module to the iPhone 11 series - so the well-known triple camera is to be expected. But this is said to have new augmented reality functions and more. Specifically, this is about the much-discussed 3D system. The camera technology in question is said to use the so-called Time-of-Flight technology. In principle, this technology is similar to the infrared TrueDepth camera system that can be found on the front of the iPhone today and enables facial recognition. Adding a 3D sensor system to the rear camera would make detailed 3D photo recording possible. This rumor has been persistent since the middle of last year, which is why the healthy dose of skepticism is slowly but surely fading - at least with regard to the camera.
iPad Pro 2020 – Specifications
There are currently few reports on the individual specifications. In general, the use of the well-known A13 chip is expected in a revised form - perhaps the A13X Bionic? It is considered unlikely that the device will have the upcoming A14 chip (expected in the iPhone 12 series), as this is not due to go into mass production until the second half of the year. However, this only applies if Apple actually presents the new iPad Pro in the spring - if the device does not appear until the fall, the A14 processor cannot be ruled out. Opinions are divided in the area of connectivity. It is generally expected that the iPhone 12 will have 5G - at least that is what various sources and leaks suggest. Now some observers believe that the new iPad Pro 4 could also have 5G connectivity, while others doubt it. Basically, there is no clear trend line in this area.
iPad Pro 2020 - Smart Keyboard
In addition to an updated iPad Pro, a new Smart Keyboard is also reportedly being introduced. At least that's what some suppliers are reporting. But how could this change compared to the predecessor? The controversial DigiTimes claims that Apple wants to introduce the Smart Keyboard with backlighting for the first time - it would at least be a notable feature that has been missing so far. The use of this function would, however, result in a fundamental overhaul of the design. Since the rumor primarily comes from DigiTimes, we should definitely not leave out a healthy dose of skepticism.
iPad Pro 2020 – market launch and prices
As mentioned above, we expect an Apple keynote in March. At this event, the company plans to present a successor to the iPhone SE. This could be followed by new hardware, such as the already unveiled AirTags. The presentation of the new iPad Pro would also be a good idea. Alternatively, a presentation via press release or as part of this year's WWDC 2020 (World Wide Developer Conference) would be possible. Of course, an autumn launch cannot be completely ruled out either. There is absolutely no indication of prices, but it can be assumed that they will be in the range of the current iPad Pro generation. Anyone who is actually planning to buy an iPad Pro is advised to wait. This of course applies to those who absolutely want the latest model. Everyone else should look out for good deals, which are not uncommon at the moment. All in all, the new camera will probably be the biggest innovation - anyone hoping for a redesign will most likely have to wait even longer. (Image: Apple)
- iPhone 12: Everything we know so far
- AirTags – What we know about Apple’s new product
- Apple AirTags, iPad Pro, charging mat and more coming soon
- Looking to the future: What we can expect from Apple in 2020
