Evidence continues to mount that Apple is readying a pair of 2019 iPad models, along with the return of the iPod touch. Mention of all three are reportedly included in the recent iOS 12.2 beta.
Brief descriptions of them add weight to rumors that these will be low-cost products.
A pair of 2019 iPad models
Developer Steve Troughton-Smith makes a habit of looking through iOS betas for references to unreleased models and other upcoming features. This time he found mention of the iPad11,1, iPad11,2, iPad11,3 and iPad11,4.
In theory, iOS 12.2 references four new iPads in WiFi & Cellular variants (perhaps mini, and 9.7"?), all without Face ID, and a (seventh-gen?) iPod touch with no Touch ID nor Face ID pic.twitter.com/xiJN6kmmTe
— Steve Troughton-Smith (@stroughtonsmith) January 25, 2019
These are typical device codes for iOS tablets. For example, the code for last year’s 11-inch Wi-Fi-only model is iPad8,1. The version of this product with built-in cellular connectivity is iPad8,3. All of 2018 Pro versions are in the pattern iPad8,x.
The only thing unusual about the codes allegedly mentioned in iOS 12.2 is that there’s a gap. Apple is seemingly jumping from iPad8.x to iPad11.x. It’s not known what happened to iPad9,x and iPad10,x.
Along with the four device codes, Troughton-Smith claims to have found very brief descriptons that say two of these 2019 iPad models will be Wi-Fi-only, while the other two will also have cellular connectivity. That apparently indicates these four codes are variations on two tablets. Neither are supposed to have Face ID.
Nothing else is revealed about them in iOS 12.2. At least, not that we know right now. But the rumor mill has been busy with reports that Apple’s planning two additional low-cost iPad versions. One of the these might be an update for the 9.7-inch iPad introduced last March. The other could be the iPad mini 5 that’s been the subject of recent rumors
Don’t forget the iPod touch
A third model supposedly mentioned in the next version of Apple’s mobile operating system is the iPod9,1. This is apparently an updated iPod touch. Again, this is a jump in device codes. The previous model was iPod7,1.
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard that Apple is reviving its micro-tablet. And there’s evidence it will be focused on gaming. According to information allegedly turned up by Troughton-Smith in iOS 12.2, this device will sport neither FaceID nor Touch ID.
