Paul Morris·

Courage: Apple To Ditch 3.5mm Headphone Jack In 2018 iPad Pro

2018 isn’t just about a slew of new iPhone models to look forward too. Apple is also set to announce some new iPad Pro models which will instantly appeal to the tablet power user. Now, we are seeing some additional details filtering through about the internal and external DNA of those new models.

Apple is expected to introduce two refreshed models this year. A revamped iPad Pro 10.5-inch model as well as a larger 12.9-inch model.

The former is said to measure in at 247.5mm (H) x 178.7mm (W) x 6mm (T) with the 12.9-inch model commanding a higher price-tag and measuring in at 280mm (H) x 215mm (W) x 6.4mm (T) from a physical dimension perspective. If accurate, those dimensions suggest that both models will be physically smaller than the current models, with the 12.9-inch model offering the same size panel but fitted inside a noticeably smaller frame. That will be an instant selling point for consumers.

The report is also citing supply chain sources in the suggestion that iPad Pro will follow the lead first introduced by iPhone 7 by entirely ditching the 3.5mm headphone jack for audio. Apple is now providing Lightning-based earbuds with new iPhone models but initially provided a 3.5mm to Lightning adapter to try and ease the pain of removing the 3.5mm port on earlier iPhone models.

It seems that the same adapter will not be provided with the new iPad Pro models. The logical explanation here is that the iPad Pro will come equipped with the aforementioned Lightning-based official Apple earbuds.

Those purchasing the year’s Pro models can expect to own a device which does come with Face ID and the inclusion of a TrueDepth camera system to make that possible. They can also expect to see how Apple has tackled the problem of not supporting Face ID in a landscape orientation, which is typically how a lot of iPad Pro owners use the tablet after connecting accessories to the hardware. The Smart Connector is also being moved to the lower side on the rear, closer to the Lightning jack.

The smaller physical size of the hardware will definitely appeal to consumers but how do you feel about Face ID in portrait mode only?

MacOtakara doesn’t exactly have the most amazing track record when it comes to predictions of this nature but nothing in the report seems to be entirely out of the realms of possibility.

(Source: MacOtakara | Image: iPad Pro 2018 concept)

You may also like to check out:

You can follow us on Twitter, add us to your circle on Google+ or like our Facebook page to keep yourself updated on all the latest from Microsoft, Google, Apple and the web.