Apple Is Testing New iPad Models in San Francisco

Apple is reportedly testing several new iPad models in the Bay Area, according to data collected by a marketing firm.

The iPad models were first spotted by mobile marketing company Fiksu, who discovered the unreleased tablets being tested in Cupertino and around the greater San Francisco area. The firm’s raw data apparently shows four different iPad models under the names “iPad 7,1” through “iPad 7,3” — although it’s worth noting that this doesn’t necessarily mean that Apple will release four iPad models this year, according to TechCrunch.

The unreleased iPad models were found to be using a variety of popular apps, including anything from games to weather applications. Interestingly, they were also found to be using a mix of the latest iOS 10.3 beta and an operating system that could be the as-of-now unannounced iOS 11, according to Fiksu’s raw data, which comes from tracking and attribution development kits embedded in popular mobile apps. iOS 11 could be announced at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference in San Jose, California — an event slated for early June.

Fiksu’s data coincides with another report that claims Apple is currently getting ready to unveil new products — even as soon as next week, according to anonymous supply chain analysts cited by MacRumors. Specifically, the new models could be announced between March 20 and March 24 — although it’s worth noting that no press invitations have been sent out yet.

Apple is largely expected to unveil a trio of new iPad models this year, including an updated 12.9-inch iPad Pro and a new 10.5-inch iPad Pro with no home button and minimal bezels. Both iPad Pro models are suspected to launch running on Apple’s A10X chip. A third, entry-level iPad model equipped with a lower-cost A9X processor would round out the trio. While the new iPads will probably turn out to be the focus of Apple’s spring event, the company could also release a Product(RED) iPhone or a refresh or variation of the iPhone SE.