The iPad 8 seems out of stock – at least from the manufacturer: Apple suddenly calls long delivery times in several countries for the entry-level model series of the tablet, in Germany it should be available again at the beginning of October at the earliest. Also in Apple’s shops there seem to be no significant remaining stocks available, collection in German stores is currently no longer possible.
Apple introduced the eighth generation of the iPad with a 10.2 “display in September 2020. The innovations last year were limited to a processor upgrade, the A12 chip provided a significant leap in performance compared to the comparatively inexpensive model series Predecessor, as the test of the iPad 8 showed.
With the Neural Engine integrated in the A12, a special processing unit for machine learning, important functions of iPadOS 15 are also supported, including text recognition in photos.
iPad 9 in front of the door
The postponed delivery times to October suggest that Apple is introducing a new version – and soon. As in previous years, the company could use its September event for an introduction, which will take place on September 14 this year. IPhone 13, Apple Watch Series 7 and AirPods 3 are already expected at the Apple event.
The iPad 9 could be based on the iPad Air 3 and thus become even thinner and lighter. Apple’s A13 chip could further increase performance. Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard have been supporting the entry-level model for a long time, and Apple is likely to market the new generation as a notebook replacement for schoolchildren and students.
IPad mini update overdue
Together with the iPad 8, Apple relaunched the iPad Air last year. So far, however, there are no concrete rumors about an “iPad Air 5”. The iPad mini, which has not been updated for a long time, is about to be updated, which should include a major redesign. The model, which is currently still being sold as current, is over two years old, and the design goes back much further. The iPad mini 6 will resemble the design of the Pro models with a full-surface and larger screen, it was said last.
(lbe)
