The iPad 10.2in (2021) might’ve only been released in the past few months, but it’s highly likely that Apple is quietly working away on the next-gen tablet behind closed doors at Apple Park.
There isn’t much in the way of concrete news to go on at this early stage, but we can get a good idea at several factors – including release date and pricing – based on previous releases, and we’ve included a Wishlist of our most requested changes too.
Here’s everything there is to know about the iPad (2022) right now. We’ll update this article as news breaks, so be sure to bookmark the page and check back frequently for the latest news.
iPad (2022) release date rumours
There aren’t any solid rumours surrounding the release date of the next-generation iPad just yet, but that’s not surprising given the current variant was only released in September 2021.
But, with that being said, we can take a good guess by taking a look at previous iPad announcements.
The latest 9th-gen iPad was unveiled on 14 September 2021, while the 8th- and 7th-gen iPads were released on 15 September 2020 and 12 September 2019 respectively. It seems that Apple prefers a yearly mid-September update for its entry-level iPad then, but we can go a step further because Apple tends to hold events on Tuesdays.
Let’s apply that formula to the next-gen iPad; the closest Tuesday to the previous reveal dates in 2022 is Tuesday 13 September 2022, with availability expected within a week or two of the announcement. It’s anything but set in stone at this early stage, but it gives us a good idea of when to roughly expect the 10th-gen iPad.
If you can’t wait that long to get a new iPad, the 9th-gen iPad remains a solid entry-level choice. Take a look at our iPad 10.2in (2021) review to find out more.
iPad (2022) pricing rumours
When it comes to pricing, the iPad is the entry-level tablet in Apple’s collection, meaning the price shouldn’t change too much. If Apple raises the price, it risks putting off those on the market for a budget-focused tablet. Considering Apple has plenty of expensive tablets, it makes sense for the iPad to stay at an affordable price point.
The current iPad starts at £319/$329 with 64GB of storage, which is actually a £10 discount on the previous-gen model in the UK. We assume that the price would be similar, if not identical, for the 2022 model, but there’s no solid news either way at this early stage.
We cover where to buy the iPad 10.2in (2021) separately if you want to bag a bargain on the latest iPad right now.
What to expect from the next-gen iPad
It’s early days for iPad 10.2in (2022) rumours, but there are a few elements that are practically a given with every iPad release.
One of the big changes present on the next-gen iPad will likely be an upgraded Apple silicon chipset. The current iPad sports the A13 Bionic, the same chipset present on the iPhone 11, and we expect the next-gen model to make the jump to the A14 Bionic, the chipset present not only on the iPhone 12 range but the iPad Air too.
We don’t expect much of a change in the camera department either, considering the current iPad has had quite the camera upgrade – in the front-facing department anyway. The rear-facing camera is a little more lacklustre compared to other iPads, but even on Apple’s top-end Pro model, the camera quality isn’t comparable to that of smartphones, so we’re not expecting big things on that front.
There could be a jump to 5G, following the trend of most Apple devices hopping from 4G to the faster mobile internet.
There is one caveat though; the mid-range iPad Air is yet to get the treatment. Depending on when that arrives (current rumours suggest early 2022, but it could get pushed to September like the other iPads) Apple could decide to give the Air a year of 5G exclusivity before introducing it to the entry-level model, but we could be wrong.
iPad (2022) wishlist
While there aren’t many solid iPad (2022) rumours just yet, we know what we’d like to see on the next-gen tablet.
Refreshed design
The entry-level iPad stands alone in its design language, with every other iPad in Apple’s current collection making the move to a more angular, industrial design that ditches the Home button for a more full-screen experience. It’s not a huge dealbreaker, but it’d certainly unify the collection – something very ‘Apple’.
Support for updated accessories
An upgraded design would be nice visually, but more importantly, it’ll allow the entry-level iPad to offer support for newer, better accessories like the second-gen Apple Pencil that magnetically attaches to the side of supported iPads, and if there’s a Smart Connection on the rear, it might even be able to use the Magic Keyboard.
It’s more premium, which flies against the entry-level nature of the tablet, but the performance of the accessories far outperforms that of their first-gen counterparts.
Besides, saving money on the iPad itself – by buying an iPad over an iPad Air for example – could allow you to buy more premium accessories. C’mon Apple, give people the option!
True stereo speaker support
The iPad 10.2in (2021) does technically have stereo speakers, but both are situated at one end of the tablet. That’s a stark difference to just about every other iPad in Apple’s collection, with speakers on top and bottom for a more expansive audio experience that recalibrates depending on the orientation of the tablet.
That will only be possible with a redesign, so let’s hope Apple’s about to make the move on the entry-level iPad.