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.

115044 ipad 2 case speaker
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 store down feature

Here's Why the Apple Store is Going Down

Thursday November 27, 2025 1:01 pm PST by
Apple's online store is going down for a few hours on a rolling country-by-country basis right now, but do not get your hopes up for new products. Apple takes its online store down for a few hours ahead of Black Friday every year to tease/prepare for its annual gift card offer with the purchase of select products. The store already went down and came back online in Australia and New Zealand, ...
iPhone Pocket Short

iPhone Pocket is Now Completely Sold Out Worldwide

Tuesday November 25, 2025 7:16 am PST by
Apple recently teamed up with Japanese fashion brand ISSEY MIYAKE to create the iPhone Pocket, a limited-edition knitted accessory designed to carry an iPhone. However, it is now completely sold out in all countries where it was released. iPhone Pocket became available to order on Apple's online store starting Friday, November 14, in the United States, France, China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, ...
New Intel Logo

Apple and Intel Rumored to Partner on Mac Chips Again in a New Way

Friday November 28, 2025 7:33 am PST by
While all Macs are now powered by Apple's custom-designed chips, a new rumor claims that Apple may rekindle its partnership with Intel, albeit in a new and limited way. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today said Intel is expected to begin shipping Apple's lowest-end M-series chip as early as mid-2027. Kuo said Apple plans to utilize Intel's 18A process, which is the "earliest...
streaming black friday 2025

Best Black Friday Streaming Deals - Save Big on Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, and More

Thursday November 27, 2025 1:14 pm PST by
We've been focusing on deals on physical products over the past few weeks, but Black Friday is also a great time of year to purchase a streaming membership. Some of the biggest services have great discounts for new and select returning members this week, including Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When...
Apple Foldable Thumb

Foldable iPhone to Debut These Three Breakthrough Features

Tuesday November 25, 2025 7:09 am PST by
Apple's first foldable iPhone is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in fall 2026, and it's shaping up to include three standout features that could set it apart from the competition. The book-style foldable will reportedly feature an industry-first 24-megapixel under-display camera built into the inner display, according to a recent JP Morgan equity research report. That...
iphone air camera

iPhone Air Flop Sparks Industry Retreat From Ultra-Thin Phones

Thursday November 27, 2025 3:14 am PST by
Apple's disappointing iPhone Air sales are causing major Chinese mobile vendors to scrap or freeze their own ultra-thin phone projects, according to reports coming out of Asia. Since the ‌iPhone Air‌ launched in September, there have been reports of poor sales and manufacturing cuts, while Apple's supply chain has scaled back shipments and production. Apple supplier Foxconn has...
iphone black friday gold

The Best Black Friday iPhone Deals Still Available

Friday November 28, 2025 6:24 am PST by
Cellular carriers have always offered big savings on the newest iPhone models during the holidays, and Black Friday 2025 sales have kicked off at AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and more. Right now we're tracking notable offers on the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. For even more savings, keep an eye on older models during the holiday shopping season. Note: MacRumors is...

Top Rated Comments

drjsway Avatar
195 months ago
I love how people bash on companies like Bose stating that they charge a premium for the brand. The funny part is this is done on a Mac forum by the same consumers who pay a large premium for using outdated processors just because someone smacked an Apple logo on the hardware.
I do admit the OS is worth it, but lets be serious. :rolleyes:
Comparing Apple to Bose is utterly ridiculous. Apple charges a premium for a premium product. Bose charges a premium for absolute junk.

The problem is, most consumers have no idea what good sound is. It's the same reason why TV stores set their all TVs in VIVID mode with all the colors out of whack, crushed blacks, pumped saturation. Picture quality is absolutely horrendous yet it makes people buy TVs.

Bose takes $2 drivers (not an exaggeration, they really use clock radio quality parts) and manipulates the sound to fool uneducated consumers. To anyone who thinks Bose sounds good, you have no idea how your music should really sound. It's like putting a ton of make up on a cheap hooker and charging supermodel prices for her.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)