What the next Apple iPad could bring

This story is part of Apple event, our full coverage of the latest news from Apple headquarters.

The struggle to get the perfect computer and tablet for your remote learning or Work from home The setup began almost six months ago. You probably already have a system that works for you, but Apple’s next event on September 15 it could still offer a new iPad (or iPads) to the mix. If you’re buying an iPadStop it: the new ones may be worth the wait.

The newest iPad before this was the most expensive IPad Pro update in March, which added depth-sensing LIDAR sensors on the back and a new optional keyboard and trackpad shell. Will Apple make an improved entry-level iPad? Will iPads switch to USB-C? Will better keyboard cases come? Well maybe.

This is what we expect (and want). And I wish these had arrived, like, a month ago.

A new iPad Air could look a lot like the iPad Pro

The most likely iPad appears to be a redesigned Air that adds the look and feel of the Pro. Mark Gurman’s most recent Bloomberg report points to a new iPad Air that will debut alongside the new Apple Watches. Expect a larger screen, with less bezel and more screen real estate. Also, a processor upgrade (probably an A13, or maybe something else). The newer Air could switch to USB-C for charging instead of Lightning, which would be a great help for buying standard chargers and other accessories. However, the Air is expected to still have Touch ID instead of Face ID, which could be located on a side button, and it probably doesn’t have the Pro’s depth-sensing lidar sensors.

Could there be an entry-level iPad with a spec boost?

The $ 300-ish 10.2-inch entry-level iPad It currently has an A10 processor, which is quite old. The 10.2 model could get a new processor (A12 or better) and instantly be a better device. Hopefully, for application compatibility and performance, this will happen.

USB-C across the board would be nice

Lightning is a weird format now for iPads, especially with all MacBooks that use USB-C and Thunderbolt 3. The whole lineup should change, like the iPad Pro, although that would leave iPhones in the Lightning field (for now).

A new keyboard case would help too

Apple is expensive Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro it’s pretty fantastic, with a keyboard and trackpad that feels like a laptop. Perhaps Apple could create some more affordable options for the new Air, especially since iPadOS makes full use of trackpads.

AR and iPad: possible evolution?

Apple’s augmented reality aspirations have always been driven by apps and services, and education has been an AR goal on the iPad for years. The invitation to the September 15 event has a hidden AR easter egg, suggesting that AR news could be coming. An updated processor in an iPad Air could help enable Latest Apple ARKit Features, and a larger screen could take advantage of some of the larger canvas ideas out there now on the iPad Pro. A new Air is unlikely to have the Pro’s sleek depth-sensing Lidar sensor, but Apple could make this a time to introduce more AR software to a wider audience.

Unlikely: a more focused camera for video chat

Zoom and video chats are annoying on iPads. Despite having excellent cameras, the front cameras only focus on portrait mode shots. Tilt it towards the landscape (where all the daily work is usually done) and it will make the faces appear to be staring into the distance. I would love for iPads to change their cameras, though iOS 14 perform some eye corrections in FaceTime. The chances of this are slim.

We will know very soon. Apple’s event is scheduled for September 15 and will air at 10 am PT (1 pm ET). For now, stick with the iPad you have, especially if you’ve been thinking about a mid-range Air.