Sources: Apple plans to refresh its entry-level iPad with a USB-C port instead of Lightning, an A14 chip, 5G, and an improved display, likely coming in 2022
Earlier this year, 9to5Mac exclusively reported that Apple was working on a new generation iPad Air to have the M1 chip and 5G support …
9to5MacFilipe Espósito
Context & Ripple Effects
Apple’s reported entry-level refresh follows work on an iPad Air with M1 and 5G, extending newer connectivity across more of the lineup while retaining a processor gap between the two models. Later coverage shows Apple reserving more substantial changes for the iPad Pro’s OLED-and-M3 overhaul and expanding iPad Air screen options in its 2024 iPad lineup plans.
The significance is less any one component than the distribution of features across tiers: Apple is raising the baseline for its lowest-priced tablet while preserving higher-end iPads as the vehicles for display, silicon, and accessory redesigns.
First-order effects
Apple would move its entry iPad from Lightning to USB-C and add 5G, making newer connectivity and charging standards available at the bottom of its tablet range.
iPad Air keeps a clear performance distinction through its reported M1 chip, even as the entry model closes part of the connectivity gap.
Second-order effects
USB-C accessory makers gain compatibility with a broader iPad installed base, while vendors tied to Lightning-specific accessories face a narrower addressable entry-level segment.
Apple’s tiering shifts premium differentiation toward the Pro line’s planned OLED, M3, and revamped keyboard rather than basic port or cellular capability.
Third-order effects
If Apple continues lifting baseline iPad capabilities while concentrating major redesigns in Pro models, the lineup becomes more explicitly segmented by performance, display quality, and input accessories rather than connector standards.
That structure gives Apple a repeatable upgrade path: mature technologies migrate downward while new silicon and display changes anchor higher-priced tiers.
The trend: Apple is standardizing core connectivity across iPads while using chips, displays, and accessories to maintain tier separation.
So this would leave the iPhone and AirPods (and trackpad/keyboard) as the last lightning products. This kinda gets rid of the point of lightning imo When AirPods Pro 2 come out I'd be willing to bet they shift to MagSafe and USB C. https://twitter.com/...
Here's my take. USB-C means full redesign with flat sides because you wouldn't want a USB-C port on a chamfered edge. It reduces durability. The 10.5" display is directly from the iPad Air 3, with the same panel reused again. Release date: September event Price: $399 https://twit…
Been doing a lot of thinking and discussing the 14.1" iPad with Max here in the office What if this iPad is going to be a 14.1" iPad Air Max? M1 chip, again. Same specs and features, just a larger display for $749 Launches at Apple's Spring event alongside the 15" M2 MacBook Air
If it has an apple magic keyboard case like the others, this will rival a classic ThinkPad in heft (smaller power brick and no fans or DVD drive though). https://twitter.com/...
Apple lineup thoughts: iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max 14" MacBook Pro and 16" MacBook Pro 13" MacBook Air and 15" MacBook Air 11" iPad Pro and 12.9" iPad Pro 10.9" iPad Air and 14.1" iPad Air Max Identical specs. Larger size. New strategy.
@StephenWarwick9 I agree it is surprising, but both panel and LED suppliers confirmed, so it is accurate. Going from 10" to 14" is a big jump. 10" panel prices in 2022 won't be much different than 14" in 2023, so could be priced low. MiniLEDs would have boosted the price alot!
The reason for the $749 price: The M1 iPad Air starts at $599. I expect the 11" M2 iPad Pro to be priced at $899 this year. The $749 M1 iPad Air Max fits in perfectly. Helps sell a new 14" Magic Keyboard case, I guess.
No idea how to process @DSCCRoss on 14-inch iPad Pro - Apple execs last year said they had mini-LED on 12.9-inch because creators want the largest canvas to do their most creative work, so why would a bigger display not have Liquid Retina XDR? cost? technological constraints?
A bigger iPad with a basic 60Hz panel doesn't make much sense to me personally. My theory: It's actually a 14.1" MacBook Pro with M3 chip, replacing the current 13". They'd likely use the same chassis, but with thicker bezels, less ports, one less fan, and less base storage/ram h…