No Design Changes Expected for Next-Generation $329 iPad, Touch ID and Headphone Jack to Remain - MacRumors
Skip to Content

No Design Changes Expected for Next-Generation $329 iPad, Touch ID and Headphone Jack to Remain

The seventh-generation iPad that Apple is planning to release alongside an updated iPad mini 5 will continue to use the same housing as the sixth-generation ‌iPad‌, according to Japanese site Mac Otakara.

Prior rumors have suggested the device will feature a 10.2-inch display rather than a 9.7-inch display, but Mac Otakara says that it is hearing mixed rumors from suppliers. One supplier said that the display is "10 inches" but another said that the display size has not been changed.

ipadcolors
Regardless of display size, the tablet is expected to continue to use a Touch ID fingerprint sensor rather than transitioning to Face ID like the iPad Pro models, and it will also still have a headphone jack.

Apple is expected to introduce both the updated seventh-generation ‌iPad‌ and a refreshed ‌iPad mini‌ at some point in the spring, perhaps right around the time of its March 25 event. Rumors have said the event will focus on software rather than hardware, but updates could be announced via press release shortly afterwards.

‌Mac Otakara‌ says that it's likely both new iPads will debut at the same time, but the site did not provide any prospective launch timelines beyond mentioning that suppliers are preparing for a launch. Apple's current sixth-generation ‌iPad‌ sells for $329, and the new model is expected to be available at the same price point.

Related Roundup: iPad
Buyer's Guide: iPad (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: iPad

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.4 Adds Two New Features to CarPlay

Tuesday March 24, 2026 1:55 pm PDT by
iOS 26.4 was released today, and it includes a couple of new features for CarPlay: an Ambient Music widget and support for voice-based chatbot apps. To update your iPhone 11 or newer to iOS 26.4, open the Settings app and tap on General → Software Update. CarPlay will automatically offer the new features so long as the iPhone connected to your vehicle is running iOS 26.4 or later....
Apple Business hero

Apple Unveils 'Apple Business' All-in-One Platform

Tuesday March 24, 2026 8:53 am PDT by
Apple today announced Apple Business, a new all-in-one platform that unifies device management, productivity tools, and customer outreach features. The service is designed to be a consolidated replacement for several of Apple's existing business-focused offerings, including Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect. It provides organizations with a single...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Tuesday March 24, 2026 12:31 pm PDT by
Apple today released new firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods 4. The firmware has a version number of 8B39, up from 8B34 on the AirPods Pro 3, 8B28 on the AirPods Pro 2, and 8B21 on the AirPods 4. There is no word on what's included in the firmware, but Apple has a support document with limited notes. Most updates are limited to bug fixes and performance...

Top Rated Comments

dsraj Avatar
92 months ago
7th-Generation iPad to Retain Same Design, Touch ID and Headphone Jack

There. Fixed it for you.
Score: 34 Votes (Like | Disagree)
92 months ago
Still hoping for SE 2. If they can keep the iPad and iPad Mini alive, why not the SE?
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WannaGoMac Avatar
92 months ago
So the cheaper iPad has a headphone jack (which the pro doesn’t) and touch ID which I found to be more flexible than Face ID.

Crazy that the pro doesn’t have as many features as the iPad
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
I7guy Avatar
92 months ago
I need a new ipad, as I have an ipad 2. $329 sounds like a bargain next to the price of the max. I don't care if it's not the latest and greatest.
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dan110 Avatar
92 months ago
When you're a pony and only know one trick. Introducing the All-New "iPad". It's the best iPad, ever.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
92 months ago
I hope they'll make it a laminated display this time.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)