Dummy mockups of the next-gen iPad Pro and iPad mini suggest that they could look very similar to their predecessors. According to the images, the next-gen iPad mini boasts the same design as the iPad mini 5, released in 2019, although it may be slightly thicker.
Meanwhile, the next-gen iPad Pro resembles the last generation model, with a possible slightly less protruding camera bump on the larger 12.9-inch model.
Refreshed iPad Pros and iPad Mini dummies. Triple Camera array on the pros. Central camera up top on iPad mini; slightly thicker. Hard to tell and different in screen size. pic.twitter.com/5Luizv1T2r
— Sonny Dickson (@SonnyDickson) April 8, 2021
The images were shared on Twitter by Leaker Sonny Dickson. Dickson has a somewhat hit-and-miss record as an Apple leaker. According to the website AppleTrack, which keeps an eye on the accuracy of Apple leakers, Dickson has a reliability rating of 57.7%, making him close to right as often as he’s wrong (or vice versa).
Some of Dickson’s biggest scoops have included first looks at a number of previous devices, mainly iPhones. That lends a bit of credibility to this new crop of images. But he’s also been wrong before, such as last year when he suggested that Apple was gearing up to ditch the MacBook Air.
Also worth noting is the fact that these are reportedly dummy units. That means that they are mockups, usually based on CAD schematics sourced through the supply chain. Dummy units are often used by case-makers to get cases ready ahead of product launches.
No big redesigns this year?
The new iPad mini and iPad Pro are expected to arrive imminently. Many expected that they could arrive at a possible Apple event in April. However, it’s not clear that this event will be happening. The iPad Pro is largely in keeping with what many expected since it had an edge-to-edge design added in 2018. This year’s upgrade is likely to feature a mini-LED display, which will improve its visuals — although only for the 12.9-inch version.
The iPad mini would be disappointing, though, since many expected it to get a sizable redesign this year.
What are you hoping for from the 2021 iPad refreshes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
