Apple’s Next Entry-level iPad May Switch to USB-C

Apple is reportedly planning to refresh its entry-level iPad with a USB-C port, an optional 5G modem, and a slightly bigger display. The information comes from 9to5Mac, which accurately predicted the release of the redesigned M1 iPad Air earlier this year.

Apple’s entry-level iPad, which currently starts at $329, remains the only model that still uses Apple’s proprietary Lightning port, as well as the slimmer design with chamfered edges introduced on the original iPad Air almost 10 years ago. All iPad Pro models now use USB-C ports, and the iPad Air and the iPad mini also adopted these standard ports in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

By adopting a USB-C port, the next entry-level iPad should support faster transfer speeds as well as a much larger ecosystem of external peripherals. According to previous reports, Apple is also planning to use USB-C ports in its future iPhones, though the switch may not happen until next year.

According to 9to5Mac, the next entry-level iPad may also bump the screen size from 10.2 inches to 10.5 inches or even 10.9 inches. Under the hood, this upcoming iPad is expected to use the same A14 Bionic that Apple used in the 4th gen iPad Air from 2020.

“Unfortunately, we have no details on whether the new 10th-generation iPad will stick with the same old design or whether Apple will move to a more modern design matching iPad Air, iPad mini, and iPad Pro. But based on what we know about the new display and connector, the design change seems likely,” the report reads.

In addition to this upcoming entry-level iPad Air, Apple is also expected to launch new iPad Pro models powered by the same M2 chips coming in the redesigned MacBook Air and new 13.3” MacBook Pro. These new iPad models may all be announced later this fall, which is also when Apple will launch its latest iPhones.