Apple Likely to Announce iPad Update, Not a Major Change

Apple is likely to announce an unexpected update to the iPad this week. (photo: dock. pexels)

JAKARTA - Apple will likely announce an unexpected update for the iPad this week. Initially, 9to5Mac confirmed a report from Supercharged that Apple would announce spec updates for three types of iPad - the base model, iPad Air, and iPad Mini.

Meanwhile, other rumors suggest that the public may not be getting a new iPad, or that there was an announcement but it was actually about a new stylus pen, or that there may be a new version of the iPad that will be announced on Tuesday, October 17.

However, MacRumors highlights a report from Japanese blog Mac Otakara, which states that the more likely announcement is a third-generation Apple Pencil rather than a new version of the tablet. Since then, 9to5Mac has said that its sources have only indicated that "something" iPad-related will be announced this week.

In a report on Sunday, October 15, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said, "I don't believe that significant updates are coming soon." He also mentioned that Apple has a version of the iPad with the new chip in development.

A post in September from a hacker named Majin Bu said that the Apple Pencil 3 would add interchangeable magnetic tips. On Monday, MacRumors highlighted another post from Majin Bu claiming that "the new generation 10.9-inch iPad 11 that Apple will announce tomorrow will have the exact same design as the 10th generation model, plus its accessories will be fully compatible."

9to5Mac says that Apple will release a press statement announcing that the iPad Air and iPad Mini will be upgraded to the M2 and A16 Bionic chips, respectively. Apple updated the iPad Air and 10th-generation iPad last year, but it's been twice as long since the company updated the iPad Mini with the A15 Bionic chip.

The article points to rumors that the iPad Mini's display controller will be updated to address the jelly slide issue. Aside from that and the upgrades to its internal components, 9to5Mac writes that Apple won't change much else, so don't expect any major updates like the OLED screen the next iPad Pro will reportedly have.