Apple’s next entry-level iPad will reportedly keep headphone jack and Touch ID

There’s no doubt that Apple will be looking to give its entry-level iPad the customary annual refresh in 2019 as well but a new report now suggests that Apple will be also looking to follow the same style of refresh – the iPad 2019, or the new 9.7-inch iPad, or the seventh-generation iPad is said to pack the same exterior all the way down to the headphone jack and Touch ID, while boasting of a faster processor. Clearly, much like the iPad 2018, or the sixth-generation iPad, this new iPad will be also a “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” affair if the report is anything to go by. 

Last year’s iPad brought a faster Apple 10 fusion processor and support for Apple Pencil – while keeping everything same as the iPad the year before it. Apple was able to make it cheaper, if you didn’t figure the Apple Pencil/Bluetooth keyboard accessory into the equation. Something similar is expected from its successor iPad.  

Apple literally re-made the iPad Pro last year – bringing in a new near edge-to-edge design and Face ID (the iPad Pro did not have Touch ID), in addition to updated hardware. Die-hard fans would have been hoping Apple to include at least some of these features into the entry-level iPad – but that doesn’t seem to be the case as far as the report is concerned. Again, Apple playing it safe with its affordable iPads isn’t new so it won’t be surprising if something similar happens with its iPad 2019 as well. That said, there’s a slight possibility that Apple may refresh the screen size, offering slightly more real estate over the existing iPad. 

There are reports that Apple is also looking to update the iPad Mini, so that is also something to look forward to. 

Apple is said to be hosting a March 25 keynote event at the Steve Jobs Theatre where it will likely reveal its long-rumoured news subscription service as well as its Netflix and Amazon Video rival video streaming service. Apple is rumoured to launch the second-generation AirPods truly wireless earbuds on March 25. It will be interesting to see if the new iPad also makes the cut on the same day. 

Also Read: Apple AirPods 2 Launch Tipped For March 25 Alongside Company’s Netflix Rival