Apple plans to launch 2 iPad models next week: What to expect (2024)

New Delhi,UPDATED: Sep 2, 2024 09:21 IST

The Apple event is just around the corner, scheduled on September 9. The iPhone 16 series is expected to have the centre stage, but the tech giant is preparing to launch other new hardware as well. iPad 11th generation and iPad Mini (7th gen) are also on the list. While Apple has not confirmed the release yet, the predecessors of these models have not received an upgrade in 2 years. Hence, this event is a perfect spot to refresh it. But what upgrades are we expecting? Let’s take a look

iPad 11th generation

Apple launched the last iPad 10th generation in October 2022. It introduced the new flat-sided design with a new range of colours. This iPad pioneered a landscape-oriented selfie camera, an innovative design element that wouldn't become standard on other iPads for months, making it a standout device at the time of its release. Now, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman stated that the company is “focusing on how to make its production costs lower on the entry-level model.”

The upcoming iPad is not likely to witness a major overhaul of the format or the tech. But it will be launched at a higher price than its predecessor. As the rumour has it that the iPhone 16 series will be powered by the new A18 chipset, it is possible that Apple will install the same in the upcoming iPads. If not, it is certain that it will come with at least an A16 chip, which was seen in the iPhone 15 range.

The iPad 11th generation may be the tablet, which will come with a higher storage variant. It is time that Apple moved its entry-level iPad up to 128GB, so that wouldn’t be a huge surprise if it happens when the iPad 11 finally rolls around.

iPad Mini (7th generation)

The iPad Mini's most recent update was in September 2021, which not only brought significant improvements but also represented the most substantial design overhaul since the original iPad Mini was launched in 2012. The 6th generation iPad Mini marked a significant transformation with its introduction of a flat-edged design, USB-C connectivity, and compatibility with the Apple Pencil 2, although it opted for a more subdued colour palette compared to the iPad 10.

As the oldest iPad model, the current iPad Mini is missing some features found in newer iPads, including a landscape-oriented front camera and Apple Pencil Pro support. However, it's probable that these features will be added in the upcoming 7th generation update, although the camera orientation might remain unchanged, given the iPad Mini's common use in portrait mode.

The A18 chipset is also rumoured to feature in the upcoming iPad Mini (7th generation). This will allow the tablet to feature Apple Intelligence. This means you’ll be able to utilise the new Siri, Genmoji, Image Playground, and more on your new iPad. That being said, these features will not come as soon as the devices are launched, as we reported earlier. The next-generation iPad Mini 7 is expected to double its base storage to 128GB, matching the new iPad Air, and will likely retain the same starting price of $499 as its predecessor, offering more storage capacity at the same entry-point cost. In India, the iPad Mini 6 was announced with a price tag of Rs 45,900, so the new version could also cost the same.

New Magic Keyboard

Gurman has also reported that Apple is working on a new lower end Magic Keyboard for the upcoming iPad models. The upcoming affordable Magic Keyboard for the iPad Mini is expected to be different from the premium Magic Keyboard introduced for the iPad Pro in May. The upcoming keyboard is likely to feature a more budget-friendly silicone material for its top case, unlike the aluminium used in the higher-end version.

Gurman expects the keyboard to be released around mid 2025, if all goes to plan.