New Next-Generation iPad Case Offers Further Hints of Larger Speaker
Earlier today, a rumor surfaced from a Japanese blog claiming that the next-generation iPad will include a larger speaker grille extending around to the rear of the device. The physical feature has been the subject of considerable speculation since a number of cases purportedly designed for the device contain much larger hole in that location than would be required for the existing speaker design.
Another rumor surfacing at the same time as the initial cases claimed that the next-generation iPad will offer an SD card slot, leading some to speculate that the larger hole at the location of the speaker might be to accommodate such a slot, but today's rumor suggested that the next-generation iPad will indeed simply include a larger speaker in that location.
Claimed second-generation iPad case showing mesh cover for speaker
(Note: iPad and rear features are clearly mockups for illustrative purposes.)Working from the new information,
Engadget discovered a new case
posted on trade site Alibaba.com that seems to support the speaker claim by showing what appears to be a speaker grille mocked up in the area of the larger hole. While the case depicted in the listing clearly contains mockups of the existing iPad in the front view and camera and speaker grille in the rear view, the image suggests that case vendors are designing their cases with the idea that the feature near the bottom rear of the device is in fact a speaker and not a card slot or other physical connector or button.
Popular Stories
Apple today shared an ad that shows how the upgraded Center Stage front camera on the latest iPhones improves the process of taking a group selfie.
"Watch how the new front facing camera on iPhone 17 Pro takes group selfies that automatically expand and rotate as more people come into frame," says Apple. While the ad is focused on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the regular iPhone...
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models as soon as early March, but if you can, this is one generation you should skip because there's something much better in the works.
We're waiting on 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, with few changes other than the processor upgrade. There won't be any tweaks to the design or the display, but later this...
Wednesday February 11, 2026 10:07 am PST by
Juli CloverApple today released iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3, the latest updates to the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 operating systems that came out in September. The new software comes almost two months after Apple released iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2.
The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
According to Apple's release notes, ...
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps.
The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future.
To set up the...
It has been a slow start to 2026 for Apple product launches, with only a new AirTag and a special Apple Watch band released so far. We are still waiting for MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, the iPhone 17e, a lower-cost MacBook with an iPhone chip, long-rumored updates to the Apple TV and HomePod mini, and much more.
Apple is expected to release/update the following products...
