The next iPad update is expected to arrive in September or October-so an unveiling could happen less than a month from now. New leaks have revealed what the next entry-level iPad could look like.
Update for August 7. Mark Gurman's Power On newsletter says delaying iPadOS 16 was the right decision. Earlier this week, Gurman announced a surprise delay to the software release.
The iPhone and iPad are different products, and their operating systems have been distinct since 2019. In spite of this, this will be the first time a new iOS and iPadOS are released separately.
This entry-level iPad looks different from other iPads. In contrast to the curved back the iPad has had in its entry-level model since 2010, the iPad Pro, Air, and mini all have flat edges
Given the flat edges, it's physically possible, but there's no magnetic charging panel on the renders, so it seems unlikely.
Apple Pencil comes in two versions, as you probably know. The first comes with a pop-off top that reveals a Lightning connector for charging the Pencil.
The second attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad Air, iPad Pro, and iPad mini for pairing and charging.
Either the new iPad will have the magnetic connector and the first-gen Pencil will disappear, or it will remain compatible only with entry-level tablets. This raises another issue.
There are two speaker grilles on top and bottom of the render, suggesting quad speakers. Apple might bring Spatial Audio to more of its devices, and it's not on the current entry-level model.
The dimensions (248.62 x 179.50 x 6.98mm) indicate a slimmer tablet than the one we have now. Also, it appears to have a flash for the first time.