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Apple looks set to release reinvented, next-generation 12-inch iPad according to new leak

Updated Dec 19th, 2018 8:55PM EST
iPad Air Plus Rumors: Design
Image: Apple Inc.

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Apple has been rumored for quite a while now to be working on an even bigger version iPad that’s tentatively being called the iPad Pro or iPad Air Plus, but the company has yet to share details about such a device. However, French publication Nowhereelse, which has been a solid source for several leaks detailing unannounced mobile devices including images showing unreleased Apple gadgets, has come forward with a new image that reportedly shows a sketch of this 12-inch iPad.

FROM EARLIER: Major details on Apple’s gigantic ‘iPad Air Plus’ revealed in new leak

The source of the image is apparently a Foxconn employee with access to such internal resources, a source who has already provided similar sketches to the same publication a few months ago that accurately depicted the iPhone 6’s design.

The employee further said that initial testing for the iPad Air Plus (which is the name the device has been mostly referred to in recent reports) was stopped in summer, but Apple’s suppliers will soon start mass production for the tablet.

The image, available below, suggests the iPad Air Plus will have a similar design to the iPad Air 2, and it’s clear the sketch doesn’t show the iPad Air 2. The image features several elements seen already on iPad Air 2, including standby button, rear camera and microphone placement, and volume buttons design and location (the mute switch is absent just like on the iPad Air 2), but there’s also a speaker grille at the top that’s not seen on other iPad versions.

This seems to indicate Apple’s upcoming 12-inch tablet might have top and bottom speakers to offer users stereo sound, which is a feature previous iPad Pro rumors also mentioned.

The leaked schematic follows below.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.