For the first time in its history, Apple did not unveil a new iPad model in 2023. However, indications are that the tech giant is poised to make a significant comeback this year, with updates planned for the standard, mini, Pro, and Air versions of the iPad.
A recent chipset leak sheds light on the extent of these upgrades and also seems to confirm some exciting rumours surrounding the upcoming iPhone 16 series.
The information was sourced from a private, unnamed account on X (formerly known as Twitter), as reported by Apple Insider. The account, known for its reliability, shared details about 16 yet-to-be-released Apple products, including both iPads and iPhone 16 models, and their respective chipsets.
Regarding the iPads, the entry-level 2024 models are slated to continue using the t8101 processor, or the A14 Bionic chip, which originally debuted with the iPhone 12 and was also featured in the 10th-gen iPad from 2022. While this might not seem like a significant update, Apple has previously used the same chipset across different generations of iPads, making subtle improvements elsewhere.
The iPad mini 7, on the other hand, is expected to receive a notable upgrade with the t8130, or A17 chip, which powers the iPhone 15 Pro. This represents a substantial leap from the A15 chipset found in the current iPad mini 6.
The iPad Air 6 and the 2024 iPad Pro models, available in two sizes each, are also getting significant updates. The Air will feature the t8112, or M2 chip, which has been used in most of last year’s Macs, while the Pro models are anticipated to come with the t8132, expected to be the M3 chip, alongside enhancements like an OLED panel and a redesigned keyboard case.
As for the iPhone 16 series, the leak suggests that Apple may unify the chipset across all four models (iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max), using the t8140 or A18 chipset for each. This marks a departure from the previous strategy of differentiating the regular and Pro models by their processors. While the models may share the same chip, variations in performance are expected, possibly through the use of binned versions with fewer cores for the non-Pro models.
This approach, especially with the iPhone 16 series embracing advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, reflects Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of generative AI, ensuring that the hardware is capable of supporting the company’s innovative ambitions.
