Apple is widely expected to announce new iPad Pro models as early as April, and ahead of time, additional manufacturer ESR added a variety of 2021 iPad Pro cases and folios to its online store that offer potential design directions.
/article-new/2021/03/esr-ipad-pro-cases.jpg?resize=560%2C286&ssl=1)
While the cases suggest that the next generation iPad Pro will have no significant design changes, ESR has let MacRumors know that there will be fewer speaker holes on the new models. This is in line with a report from the Japanese website Mac Otakara, which claimed in January that the number of speaker holes on the new iPad Pro models would be reduced by one third, although the reason for this alleged change is unclear.
The reduction of one third will work as follows:
- 11-inch iPad Pro: 13 holes per speaker → 8-9 holes per speaker
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro: 17 streets per speaker → 11-12 streets per speaker
The new iPad Pro models are expected to still feature four stereo speakers, with two at the top edge and two at the bottom.
The new iPad Pro models are expected to be equipped with a faster A14X chip that is virtually identical to the M1 chip in the latest Macs. Last week, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman reports that the new models may also offer Thunderbolt support, which is certainly acceptable, as the M1 chip supports Thunderbolt on Macs. Gurman also expects improved cameras and a Mini-LED screen on at least the 12.9-inch model.
Mac Otakara reported that the 12.9-inch new iPad Pro will be about 0.5mm thicker, while the 11-inch model will apparently have the same thickness, further indicating that a Mini-LED screen exclusively for the larger model can be.
The new iPad Pro is also expected to support 5G with a Qualcomm modem in cellular models.
/article-new/2021/03/esr-airpods-3-case.jpeg?resize=500%2C397&ssl=1)
As noted by the French website iPhoneSoftESR has also listed new cases for the third-generation AirPods that suggest Apple’s wireless charging case will be slightly extended, as earlier rumors have done. The new AirPods are expected to have a similar design to the AirPods Pro, but without active noise cancellation or silicone ear tips to maintain differentiation.