Apple Plans to Launch Refreshed iPad Models With Faster Chips This Week: Reports

Apple is planning to launch refreshed versions of its existing iPad lineup later this week, according to two reports. The Cupertino company is said to be preparing to launch an updated iPad, iPad Air, and iPad mini that could be announced in the coming days. However, these new models are unlikely to debut with major changes to their specifications, aside from the chipset. Meanwhile, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman claims in his weekly newsletter that Apple is working on updated iPad models but says an imminent launch is unlikely.

A Supercharged report citing sources familiar with Apple’s plans claims that the company will launch refreshed iPad models this week, including a new iPad Air model with an updated M2 chip. On the other hand, the iPad mini, which is currently powered by Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, could feature the A16 Bionic processor found on the iPhone 15. The publication previously reported that Apple’s next iPad mini model would ship with a fix for the “jelly scrolling” issue that affects the current-generation model.

As these are minor hardware upgrades for Apple’s existing devices, the company will reportedly announce the refreshed versions via press releases on the company’s website and its YouTube channel, instead of a virtual or in-person event. Apple also announces new colour options for its current generation iPhone every year using the same method.

9to5Mac states that it has corroborated the Supercharged report with its own sources, stating that the announcement could take place as early as Tuesday, October 17. However, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman states in his Power On newsletter that while refreshes for the iPad, iPad Air, and iPad mini are currently being developed by Apple with more powerful chips, he does not believe “updates of any significance are imminent”.

Meanwhile, Gurman states that a refreshed version of the MacBook Pro with Apple’s yet-to-be-announced M3 Pro and M3 Max chips are nearing the mass production stage and would be launched between early spring and spring next year. The Bloomberg reporter says that, an M3-powered MacBook Air will take longer to arrive — sometime around the second half of 2024.

According to Gurman, the company is also working on technology that would allow it to wirelessly turn on an iPhone inside its retail stores and install the latest operating system version, then power the phone off. This could help the company deliver its smartphones with the latest iOS version that includes the latest bug fixes and improvements, before the device is purchased.