Evidence that Apple is testing a new lineup of iPads has surfaced online, adding credence to a recent rumor that new iPads could be unveiled as soon as next week.
Device logs obtained by mobile marketing firm Fiksu appear to show that four different iPad models are currently being tested in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Just because four model numbers have been discovered doesn’t mean Apple will release four different iPads this month. Before the iPad Pro launch, Fiksu saw four internal model names (6,3/6,4 and 6,7/6,8) being tested around Cupertino, California. Only two iPads were unveiled, though, because Apple uses different model names to distinguish between LTE and Wi-Fi-only devices.
Evidence of new iPads
Last year, Fiksu saw new device model names pop up in its logs about a month before the new iPads were announced. Recent logs show that Apple is testing new models called “iPad 7,3” “iPad 7,4,” “iPad 7,2” and “iPad 7,1.” Fisku shared the chart below, which reveals how many times each new device was spotted, with TechCrunch.
Device | Count
iPad 7,3 | 5
iPad 7,4 | 10
iPad 7,2 | 11
iPad 7,1 | 17
Fiksu’s data comes from the company’s tracking and attribution SDK, which is used by thousands of apps. The company’s logs show that the SDK got activated on the new iPads while engineers tested apps like popular games, music, real estate and weather applications. All of the new iPads were either running a mix of the latest iOS 10.3 beta or an unreleased version of iOS 11.
The data could indicate that fans are about to get two new iPad Pros: an updated 12.9-inch model and a new 10.5-inch unit. Rumors have claimed that the 10.5-inch iPad Pro will feature slimmer bezels and no Home button. Better cameras, a speedier processor, 3D Touch and an improved Apple Pencil may also be among the new features.
