Apple Store down ahead of rumored launch of new iPad Pro
Apple has taken down the online Apple Store amid rumors of the iPhone maker announcing a new entry-level iPad and high-spec M2 iPad Pro later today, which are expected to be unveiled within an update to Apple’s website imminently.
Apple typically pulls the online Apple Store ahead of any new product launch, so the sudden takedown of the online storefront seemingly confirms earlier rumors, which claimed Apple would announce the new hardware imminently, likely alongside announcing the release date of iPadOS 16.1, and introducing new accessories for the forthcoming hardware.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has teased the launch of a new iPad with a post on Twitter, writing “The possibilities are endless. #TakeNote” in a tweet with a video showing sketches on iPad, although the model of the iPad used in the video is unknown.
The possibilities are endless. #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/msmJg865tr
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) October 18, 2022
Reports earlier in the year claimed that Apple was working on a 10th-generation iPad with the internal codename J272. The device will reportedly swap out the Lightning port in favour of USB-C, which would mean all iPads in the lineup would officially drop support for the Lightning connector, the A14 Bionic chip from the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro, 5G support, and a new, larger 10.5-inch display, up from 10.2-inch display on the current-generation model, and more.
For the new iPad Pro, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported that Apple has been working on wireless charging for the next iPad Pro, bringing MagSafe to the iPad for the first time.
With the exception of the new chip and new MagSafe wireless charging, Apple isn’t expected to launch any dramatic new features with its upcoming iPad Pro refresh, with rumors previously suggesting that Apple could bring the mini-LED display from the 12.9-inch iPad Pro to the smaller 11-inch model, but it seems unlikely based on recent insights that this will happen with this month’s new models
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