Oliver Haslam·

Leaked 2018 iPad Pro CAD Image Shows New Smart Connector Location

We already know that Apple will be launching new iPhones in September and there is a growing belief that we will see new notebook computers, too. Add to that the Apple Watch refresh that is almost certain to happen and it’s going to be a busy time for those working at Apple, but there’s another product that is also expected to receive an update – the iPad Pro.

Rumors of a new 12.9-inch iPad Pro being joined by an 11-inch model replacing the 10.5-inch have been circling for a good while now, and notorious leaker OnLeaks has shared what is said to be a CAD image of the purportedly new iPad Pro.

Shared via Twitter, the image does look like it could be an iPad Pro, but there is one curious point that is of note and that is what appears to be a new location for the tablet’s Smart Connector. The image shows the connector as aligned with the device’s Lightning port but on the back of the device, a departure from the current iPad Pro, which has the same connector on the curved edge of the tablet and on the longer side, making it perfect for connecting the tablet to a keyboard in landscape mode. Could this mean that the new iPad Pro will have two Smart Connectors?

Regardless of whether there will be one or two connectors, the Smart Connector depicted in this CAD image is of a different shape to the one that is in use today, meaning accessories will be incompatible.

Beyond this connector, we expect the new iPad Pros to resemble the iPhone X in that it will remove the Home button and instead use Face ID for authentication and gestures for navigation throughout iOS. This will allow for smaller bezels, although it’s expected that some will remain in order to allow the device to be held comfortably.

(Source: Steve H. [Twitter])

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