Apple plans to announce the new iPad Pro in April
Bloomberg reports that Apple is planning a number of updates to its iPad line, including the launch of the new iPad Pro in April, a new iPad mini with a larger screen, and a basic iPad update.
The new iPad Pro is expected to have a design similar to the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro released in March, but with a better processor on par with the fast M1 chip in Apple's latest MacBook Air, Pro, and Mac devices.
Both models may also have improved cameras.
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro could have a Mini LED display, which should provide a higher contrast ratio and be less likely to burn than OLED screens.
Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said since 2019 that Apple has tablets and laptops with Mini LED screens under development.
He also said in September: The first Apple device to be equipped with the new screen technology will be the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
Bloomberg also reported that Apple has tested these new iPad Pro devices with the Thunderbolt port, which will be able to transfer data faster than the USB-C port on the iPad Pro at the moment.
Apple's current 11-inch iPad Pro costs $ 799 and the larger model starts at $ 999.
In addition to the new iPad Pro, Apple is also working on updating the iPad mini with a larger 7.9-inch screen currently used in the company's smallest tablet.
Apple last updated the iPad mini in 2019 after the device had not been updated since 2015, and the new iPad mini could be launched as soon as this year.
Apple also plans to update its cheapest iPad with a new design that's thinner and lighter at some point this year, and Apple last updated the base iPad in September.
The report comes as Apple's iPad business has been boosted by people looking for computers to work and play from home during the Coronavirus pandemic.
During the most recent holiday quarter, Apple recorded iPad sales of $ 8.4 billion, up more than 42 percent from the previous year.