Apple is preparing to release a new 10.5-inch iPad powered by the A13 Bionic chip, and with a lower price than all its current tablet models, according to a new leak. The cheapest iPad on offer today is the 10.2-inch eight-generation model with an A12 Bionic chip. Released in September of this year, the entry-level tablet from Apple is priced at $329.
Apple released the iPad Air 4 along with the eight-generation iPad during its “Time flies” event. The iPad Air 4 features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, an A14 Bionic Chip, and starts at $599. It comes in five colors, including Space Gray and Rose Gold. The 10.2-inch iPad comes in three colors — Silver, Space Gray and Gold. Both the iPad Air 4 and the new 10.2-inch iPad offer up to 10 hours of battery life while using Wi-Fi. Other recently released products from Apple include the AirPods Max, the iPhone 12 series, and two new Apple Watch options.
According to Twitter user @cozyplanes, the new iPad could start as low as $299. While this isn’t a huge price drop compared to the 10.2-inch iPad, it would still offer greater savings to Apple customers, assuming the rumor is correct. Furthermore, the leak suggests this new iPad could arrive early in 2021. Apparently, the cheaper iPad will feature 4GB RAM, a lighter and thinner design, as well as a physical home button with Touch ID support.
How Likely Is A New iPad So Soon?
If this leak turns out be true, Apple could be making a smart move by offering an even cheaper tablet option than it currently offers. A lot of people have struggled financially in 2020 and it will probably take some time for them and their spending habits to bounce back to normal. However, a more affordable option might encourage those who are tightening their tech wallets and purses to make an iPad purchase. This is especially true if the rumored model does come with the more advanced chipset than what’s currently powering the eight-generation iPad, along with a slightly larger display. Both of these factors would further encourage Apple customers to consider the new tablet in early 2021.
Speaking of the suggested date, Apple has made multiple announcements this year with each one highlighting and launching a different product. This sustained approach has meant that another Apple product launch has never been too far away. With that in mind, it would make sense for Apple to once again release a new product in the coming months. However, so soon after the recent iPad batch launch which, included the current cheapest iPad, adds some skepticism to this latest rumor. That’s not to say the rumored $299 iPad is not coming, just it may not arrive as early in the year as suggested.
