They show a device that ditches the iPad Pro’s square screen for a thin black border and curved corners. It also appears to ditch the home button, which would make Face ID and gesture-based navigation likely. Unlike the iPhone X, though, this device doesn’t appear to have a notch. Instead, the depth sensors appear to fit in that thicker black border that encompasses the screen. As always, we’re taking these leaks with a grain of salt, and even Hemmerstoffer admits that they may not be 100% accurate. Interesting, the renders show a “button-like artifact” on the right-hand side of the device, near the volume buttons. The sides also appear to be flat, rather than rounded, which could make it less comfortable to hold. MySmartPrice says the device as a whole will be 280.6x215x5.8mm, with a 12.9″ screen. Apple is also rumored to be releasing a 10.5-inch option, but the dimensions of that aren’t clear. If the renders are correct, Apple also appears to have shifted the Smart Connector to sit above the charging port. This would force users to place it vertically with the keyboard cover initially, likely to accommodate Face ID.
No Headphone Jack
Apple is set to unveil the next generation of iPad Pro at its event on September 12. Previous rumors suggest they will drop the headphone jack, which is missing in this render, However, an icon in iOS 12 suggests that the iPad will have Face ID. Detective work has revealed code in Accessibility settings that also appears to suggest landscape support for Face ID. That doesn’t quite line up with this render, and we’re generally skeptical of the renders. Hemmerstoffer received several of these “official” CAD files over the past couple of months, with one even suggesting a rear fingerprint sensor. It’ll be interesting to see how close these are with Apple’s event just around the corner.
