Apple could release at least three new iPad models around March 2024, in time for the spring, but those should be “more minor” in terms of specifications.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple should release updates to at least three iPad models by the spring, including the eleventh-generation base one.
In addition, the author claims that the Cupertino tech giant has been preparing updates to the next iPad mini (seventh-generation) and iPad Air (sixth-generation), which should also release around March 2024. A revamped iPad Pro is reportedly in the works, too, but it may not be ready for a March 2024 launch.
New iPad, iPad mini and iPad Air in March 2024?
I’ve written Apple’s been working on a slew of models, including versions of the iPad Air, entry-level iPad and iPad mini with bumped-up specifications. There’s also a revamped iPad Pro in the works. I’m told that Apple is currently planning to release at least the more minor iPad refreshes in March.
He claims Apple intentionally debuted the new low-end $79 USB-C Apple Pencil ahead of new iPads coming down the pike in the spring, but didn’t say why.
Apple currently offers three different Apple Pencils and many different iPad models. Many have noted that the iPad and Apple Pencil lineups have become too confusing for shoppers. To that end, Gurman speculates that Apple will discontinue the first-generation Apple Pencil and only offer low-end ($79) and high-end ($129) versions.
“But that may not happen until the low-end iPad with a Lightning connection is discontinued,” he reasons. “After all, customers will probably want a Lightning Pencil to go with their Lightning iPad.”
More substantial hardware updates for the iPad lineup and a possible redesign shouldn’t be expected until 2026, when Apple is predicted to launch OLED-equipped iPad Air and mini models. Gurman has also anticipated the imminent arrival of a successor to the 24-inch iMac, which has gone without a refresh for more than 900 days following the computer’s debut in April 2021.