Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is planning to release a new series of iPad tablets as soon as April of this year.
The new iPads are part of Apple’s high-end "iPad Pro" line and could feature improved cameras, a faster processor, and a new type of Mini-LED display on the largest iPad with improved brightness and contrast.
Otherwise, the new iPads will be very similar to the current 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pros. Apple’s current 11-inch iPad Pro costs $799 U.S. and the larger model starts at $999 U.S.
Apple’s iPad business has been boosted over the past year by people looking for computers to work and play from home during the pandemic. During the recent holiday period, Apple reported $8.4 billion U.S. in iPad sales, an increase of more than 42% from the previous year.
Apple typically releases most of its new products, including iPhones, in the fall, but sometimes delivers less significant product updates during spring launch events. In recent years, Apple has been positioning its iPad Pro models as laptop replacements, including introducing mouse support and keyboard accessories such as the $299 U.S. "Magic Keyboard."
