Lighter and thinner 9th generation iPad will launch in 2021

A report by supply chain outlet, Macokatara claims that the 9th generation iPad will be lighter than the current 8th generation iPad. Expected to launch in 2021, the publisher states that the external size 9th generation iPad display would be 10.2-inch, same as the current model, but with 6.3 mm thinner bezels to make the screen would be larger.

A previous report by CnBeta corroborates Macokatara’s information that the new entry-level table by Apple will be thinner and lighter but says that the 9th generation iPad would be 10.5-inch. CnBeta further added that powered by an A13 chip, iPad 9 would retail for $299.

9th generation iPad with larger display

The current 8th generation 10.2-inch iPad ships with an A12 chip, curved edges design language and its retails price starts at $329. Macokatara reports that the next generation entry-level iPad will deliver better performance with an upgraded processing chip. It also mentions that Apple will continue to use Touch ID in the 9th generation iPad.

According to a Chinese supplier, the next iPad (9th Generation) is likely to be based on the iPad Air (3rd Generation). iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation) and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation) have the same display size and housing, but the performance of A-Chip may be significantly improved.

Previously, in his investors’ note, tech analyst Ming-Chi Kuo wrote that Apple will launch a mini-LED iPad in the first half of 2021. On the other hand, the recent report details that the iPad 9 display would be anti-reflective, True Tone, and full lamination but did not state that it would have a min-LED display.

The display size will remain the same as the iPad (8th Generation) at 10.2 inches, but the thickness will be much thinner at 6.3mm and the weight will be reduced to 460g.
Sources say it will continue to use Touch ID, Lightning ports, Full-Lamination Displays, Anti-reflective Coating, P3 Displays, True Tone Displays etc.

The 8th generation iPad was launched in 2019, if reports hold true then Apple will be updating its entry-level tablet after two years with almost the same design language but a more powerful processor and lower price.