Apple currently has two iPad models that are very similar: the 11-inch iPad Pro 2021 and the iPad Air 2020. Both models are about the same size and have much the same design. At first glance, there appear to be few (outward) differences. The difference is mainly on the inside, because the iPad Pro performs a lot better. Chinese sources state that the iPad Air 5, also known as the iPad Air 2022, will look more like the 11-inch iPad Pro.
‘iPad Air 5 gets dual camera’
The chassis of the 5th-generation iPad Air, which is rumored to be released in 2022, would be based on that of the current 3rd-generation 11-inch iPad Pro from 2021. That means the iPad Air is also making the switch to a dual camera, with a wide-angle lens and ultra-wide-angle lens. The source also talks about the possible addition of the LiDAR scanner, although that is not yet certain, according to them. The new iPad Air 2022 would also get four speakers and support for 5G with mmWave.
The iPad Air 2020 currently has four speaker holes, but you only benefit from stereo sound when using the iPad horizontally. With the iPad Pro, this is the case both vertically and horizontally. Other features such as the 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display and the Touch ID sensor in the power button would be retained. The model is also making the switch to an A15 chip. Currently there is an A14 chip in the iPad Air.
It would be a logical step if Apple provides the iPad Air with slightly better specifications, now that the iPad Pro is again more distinguished by the M1 chip in the 2021 model. That creates room for Apple to further improve the iPad Air, without it being too similar to the iPad Pro. However, there were also rumors that the iPad Air would get an OLED screen in 2022, but that is not the case, according to these Chinese sources.
‘iPad mini and standard iPad get only better chips’
Today's Chinese sources also make some remarkable statements about the upcoming iPad mini 2021 and the iPad 2021. Contrary to recent reliable sources, the vendors say that the iPad mini 6 and the new entry-level iPad will only get a better chip and make the jump from the A12 chip to an A14 chip. The format of both models would remain the same, so both with a home button. Especially about the iPad mini 2021 there are rumors that it will have the same design as the iPad Air, so without a home button but with a Touch ID sensor in the power button. The screen of the iPad mini 2021 would be 8.3 inches.