Lower-Cost iPad and iPad Mini Refreshes Draw Closer as Apple Files New Models in Indian Database

Apple has registered two unreleased iPad models with the Bureau of Indian Standards, according to MySmartPrice.


The model numbers A2124 and A2133 were already registered with the Eurasian Economic Commission in late January alongside five other ‌iPad‌ models, but the Indian filing suggests that a release is drawing closer.


Apple is widely expected to refresh its 9.7-inch ‌iPad‌ and ‌iPad‌ mini in the coming weeks, with each tablet rumored to receive a spec bump, including a faster processor. The 9.7-inch ‌iPad‌ is also expected to feature a larger 10.2-inch display. It would be the first update to the ‌iPad‌ mini since September 2015.

It's unclear how and when the new ‌iPad‌ and ‌iPad‌ mini will be revealed. Multiple reports indicate Apple will host a special event on March 25 at Steve Jobs Theater, but the word is that the keynote will be focused on Apple's rumored subscription-based news and video services, possibly ruling out hardware.

Given that the ‌iPad‌ and ‌iPad‌ mini refreshes are shaping up to be rather minor, perhaps a press release will suffice. March has become a common month for updates to Apple's lower-end ‌iPad‌ models, so an announcement could be just weeks away.

Two new iPad Pro models are also expected in late 2019 or early 2020, but few details are known about them yet.