Apple’s iPad might continue to be the most popular tablet on the planet but the entry-level models haven’t had a major design overhaul in years. To make matters worse, the more premium iPad Pro now features a stunning look with minimal bezels that allow for a bigger display without increasing the overall size of the device.
Sadly, if you buy the basic iPad or iPad Air you’ll be faced with a tablet that still gets a chunky chin and forehead along with the older way of unlocking the screen via the Touch ID fingerprint sensor rather than the clever Face ID found on the Pro.
However, if a new rumour is to be believed, this could all be about to change with the iPad Air looking set for a blockbuster overhaul.
As spotted by the team at 9to5mac (via Duan Rui), an instruction pamphlet has been leaked online which claims to show the new iPad Air 4.
The pictured device looks far more like the iPad Pro with an all-screen design and no sign of the fingerprint scanner.
There’s also the inclusion of Apple’s Smart Connector on the rear panel which allows the tablet to seamlessly connect to accessories such as the brilliant Magic Keyboard case.
Unlike the iPad Pro, it seems the Air 4 will get a single rear camera and there’s some suggestions that Face ID will also be missing.
Instead, it’s thought the new Air could feature a side-mounted fingerprint scanner to unlock the screen without needing to type in that four-digit password.
There’s nothing to confirm that this leak is real although 9t05mac says it can spot no obvious inconsistencies, and it does line up with the previous rumours.
Many experts have been speculating that Apple could be planning an iPad event for later this year and if the new Air looks like this it’s certainly an exciting prospect.
You currently have to spend over £760 to get this all-screen design on the Pro and if Apple can launch this new Air at the same £479 price of the current model it’s sure to become a monumental hit.
Along with this new iPad we’re also expecting news in the coming weeks about an update to the iPhone.
Apple is fully expected to launch updated iPhone 12 devices in October which could feature better displays, faster processors and access to 5G data speeds.
A total of four new smartphones are rumoured including the release of a smaller 5.5-inch model.
Apple has already confirmed that this launch will be later than usual due to the current health crisis so don’t expect any news in September.
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