Apple is preparing to launch the next-generation iPad Pro lineup in March, with Mini LED screen technology limited to the larger 12.9-inch model, according to a report on Friday.
Citing sources familiar with Apple’s plans, Japanese blog Mac Otakara reports that an 11-inch third-generation iPad Pro and a fifth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro will be announced in March.
Responding to a previous prediction, website sources believe that the overall design of iPad Pro will not be unchanged from 2020, although the larger variant may be 0.5mm thicker than before. The additional headroom could be designed to accommodate Mini LED parts.
Compared to traditional backlight technologies, Mini LED systems feature a range of unique light sources that illuminate sections of an LCD screen to enhance color reproduction and increase contrast ratios. A similar solution is already seen in Apple’s XDR Pro Display, although the LEDs used in that device are more physically larger than the specifications defined by the Mini LED standard.
In addition to potential Mini LED backlighting, the new iPad Pro series will feature a report with an updated sound design, according to Mac Otakara. It is not known exactly what has changed in terms of speaker performance, although sources say the number of speaker holes has been reduced by two-thirds and their position on the chassis has changed.
Finally, the iPad Pro’s rear-facing camera series will see a small tweak that will flush the system’s lens cover with the camera’s “bump.”
Today’s report is followed by rumors broadcast earlier this week that Apple plans to launch updated iPad Pro models – and the first Mini LED product at the company – in the first quarter of 2021.