New iPad mini, 10.2-inch iPad May Be Closer Than We Thought

Apple has registered two new iPad models with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), suggesting that an Apple tablet refresh may be imminent.

The regulatory filings were first spotted by MySmartPrice, who noticed model numbers for currently unreleased iPad models pop up on the BIS website: A2124 and A2133.

It’s worth noting that iPads with model numbers A2124 and A2133 were previously registered with the Eurasian Economic Commission late last month. Those models were also registered with five other unreleased iPad devices.

Unfortunately, the regulatory filings don’t reveal anything else about the new iPad models except that they will be assembled by China-based firm Hongfujin Precision Electronics.

Apple is widely expected to update its 9.7-inch iPad and iPad mini this year. Both devices could receive a spec bump, according to a research note by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Other than that, both devices are likely to retain the same general form factor of their predecessors — including Touch ID.

Additionally, the 9.7-inch iPad could be outfitted with a larger 10.2-inch display, likely by way of slimmer bezels. It’s also a notable update for the iPad mini, which hasn’t been refreshed since September 2015. There haven’t been any rumors suggesting a firm price point, however.

There are also likely refreshes coming to the iPad Pro lineup, though those probably won’t be released at the same time as Apple’s 2019 entry-level tablets.

While it isn’t clear when a new iPad mini or 10.2-inch iPad may be unveiled, the BIS regulatory filings suggest that their launch may be coming sooner than previously expected.

On the other hand, we’re not exactly sure when or how Apple will unveil its two new entry-level iPads.

There are multiple reports suggesting that Apple will hold a special media event on March 25 at the Steve Jobs Theater. But those reports maintain that the focus of that event will be Apple’s upcoming services, not necessarily hardware.

Of course, both the iPad mini and iPad refreshes are expected to be fairly minor. That could mean that both updates will be unveiled via press release, rather than at an actual keynote event.

Still, over the past few years, Apple has taken to updating its lower-cost iPhones and iPads in March, so some type of release next month is likely.

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]