We all expected to see a redesigned iPad Pro this year with features like bezel-less design and Face ID, however we just might have gotten our first confirmation thanks to several references about the unreleased iPad models found in iOS 11.3 beta code.
iOS 11.3 beta’s code refers to a device called ‘modern iPad’, similar to how iPhone X was referred to as ‘modern iPhone’ in iOS code before iPhone X was released. Apple used the term ‘modern’ to distinguish between hardware that has the traditional design and features like iPhone 8 and iPhone X that had an edge-to-edge display and Face ID.
With Apple referring upcoming iPad as ‘modern iPad’ may suggest that the company will be releasing a redesigned iPad with iPhone X features alongside iPad models that look like the current generations. Along with Face ID Apple might be adding Portrait Lighting to front camera, Animoji and other features to this modern iPad.
Yep, there’s definitely some references to a “Modern iPad” inside iOS 11.3. pic.twitter.com/JHHone2R1D
— Filipe Espósito (@filipeesposito) January 25, 2018
It is likely that Face ID will only be added to iPad Pro lineup in 2018 and pro models are the ones being referred to as modern in the code. These features most likely won’t be making their way to the cheaper options. This is exactly what analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted a few months ago.
A Bezel-less iPad may not be far from reality either since last year’s iPad Pro 10.5-inch had significantly thin bezels on the side and iOS does a pretty decent job at touches that occur due to user holding the device from sides.
(Mockup credit: Benjamin Geskin)
