Rumor Suggests Low-Cost Ninth-Generation iPad to Debut at Apple Event Later Today

A new rumor suggests that Apple may debut its updated baseline ninth-generation iPad later today, as part of several new product announcements for its "California streaming" event.

iPad 9th gen feature
According to the Weibo account @PandaIsBald, who has shared information regarding iPhone 13 pre-order dates in the past, Apple plans to release the new ninth-generation ‌iPad‌ during or possibly after today's event.

The new ‌iPad‌, as previously reported, is expected to feature a 10.5-inch display, improved performance, and like the current model, it's expected to be tailored towards students and customers wanting an affordable ‌iPad‌ option.

The event is expected to headline the ‌iPhone‌ 13, Apple Watch Series 7, and possibly the third-generation AirPods. While those products are likely to be featured during the event itself, Apple may decide to release other products via press releases.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman this week indicated that Apple is planning a second event for this fall that will focus purely on the iPad and Mac. The ninth-generation ‌iPad‌ is one of two ‌iPad‌ updates expected before the end of the year. The other update, a new and redesigned iPad mini, is the more significant refresh, making it conceivable that Apple could dedicate its latter event to the ‌iPad mini‌ while releasing the more incremental baseline ‌iPad‌ refresh sooner.

As noted by the website AppleTrack earlier today, the current eighth-generation ‌iPad‌ is still unavailable in several retail stores in the United States. Shortages for the ‌iPad‌ began to become apparent last week. A number of Apple products, including Macs, iPhones, and iPads, are currently experiencing shortages due to the ongoing chip shortage.

Whether or not the new ‌iPad‌ makes an appearance during the company's "California streaming" event, Apple still has plenty in store to share. MacRumors will have in-depth coverage of Apple's event across our platforms, including a live blog on our website and live tweets via @MacRumorsLive on Twitter, so be sure to follow to keep track of everything Apple announced.

Related Roundup: iPad
Buyer's Guide: iPad (Buy Now)
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Top Rated Comments

playtech1 Avatar
47 months ago
I think it would make more sense for Apple to introduce the new iPads today alongside the iPhone and Watch, partly because the iPhone 13 is sort an 'S' model, so not really all that exciting, whereas the iPad Mini and Watch are reportedly bigger upgrades over existing models. It gets them into stores quicker to bump sales.

Then a Mac focused reveal in a few weeks time to focus purely on the M1X and the MacBook Pros and Mac Mini that will house it. I think an iPad update in that second event feels odd.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JPack Avatar
47 months ago
The fact that the iPad suddenly became unavailable at all Apple Stores and delivery dates were pushed to mid-October for all configurations already gave it away. If it were chip shortages, it would affect the mini and the Air.

Looks like the new iPad will use the old iPad Pro 10.5” chassis with A13. Let’s hope the price stays at $329.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Pezimak Avatar
47 months ago
So we have a rumour claiming we will get a new cheaper iPad announced today, and another rumour claiming and the Mac Rumours round up indeed claiming no new iPad Mini will be announced today. That makes absolutely no sense at all.
Personally I think they will be announcing BOTH new iPads today or NO iPads today. They are not going to announce one at one event and another at another rumoured event.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jb1280 Avatar
47 months ago

maybe for the budget lineup but it won’t be for 329. It will be higher since laminated displays cost more?
Highly skeptical they raise the price. Most important factor about this SKU is the price. If they can’t hit their numbers with a laminated display, I think the laminated display is out
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
47 months ago
Oh wow! I wonder what’s left for October event? Also, iPads are running low in stock too.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
47 months ago

10.2 inch iPad unavailable pretty much everywhere here also.

Interestingly the 16" MacBook Pro base models are also, 2 weeks delivery and unavailable at 90% of stores for pickup in Aus (13" intel in stock at all stores and 1 day delivery for all base models). Maybe we're gettitng everything in one hit? Wouldnt make much sense though to do that.
Maybe it has to do with chip shortage? We don’t have much time left.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)