However that wasn't as much of a surprise as it should be; that's because leaks before the event pointed to it happening. Instead, we're expecting a launch event in October to bring the gadget, as well as the new iPad Pro for the year. It's worth paying attention to this event though, because it sounds like the upcoming entry-level iPad could present the biggest redesign for this range of low-cost tablets that we've seen in quite some time.
It's worth paying attention to this event though, because it sounds like the upcoming entry-level iPad could present the biggest redesign for this range of low-cost tablets that we've seen in quite some time.
Then further down we’ve included a wish list of what we want to see from the new iPad 2022 to make it the best budget iPad possible. And make sure to check back regularly, as we’ll be updating this article whenever we hear any news or rumors about this tablet.
The first iPad 2022 release date rumor pointed to late 2022, and that makes sense, as the iPad 10.2 (2021) was unveiled on September 14, the iPad 10.2 (2020) was announced on September 15 of its launch year, and the iPad 10.2 (2019) on September 12.
That said, in September 2022, reputable Apple leaker Mark Gorman shared a list of the devices they're expecting to see from Apple before the end of the year, and a new basic iPad wasn't among them, so there's a chance we won't see it until 2023.
The first significant new iPad 2022 leak, pointed to the slate having a 10.2-inch screen (like the 2021 model) and much the same design as its predecessor. We thought that meant the physical home button would probably remain, along with its big bezels. The report said the range won't be getting a redesign until 2023.
The same source says to expect Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 6, an A14 Bionic chipset (which was previously used in the iPhone 12 range and would be an upgrade on the iPad 10.2 (2021)'s A13 Bionic), and a Lightning port.
The lack of Face ID on the new iPad 10.2 (2021) isn’t overly surprising given that Apple currently reserves this tech for the iPad Pro range. But over in iPhone land it’s basically now a standard feature and has been for years, so we’d like to see the company make it standard on iPads too.
The basic iPad range is now alone in being the only tablet range from Apple that doesn’t include a modern design with smaller bezels and no home button, with even the iPad mini (2021) sporting this look
The iPad 10.2 (2021) supports the original Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard, but it lacks support for the Apple Pencil 2 and the Magic Keyboard, making it less good both for typing and sketching than it could be – or than other Apple tablets are.