New iPod Touch and iPad Mini 5 ‘on the way’ at SECRET Apple gadget launch
APPLE is plotting to launch new iPads and an updated version of the iPod Touch this year, a new report suggests.
The information is based on code buried inside Apple's latest iPhone update – revealing a possible slew of gadgets coming soon.
Most years, Apple hosts a big launch event in the spring – typically in late March.
We won't find out for sure until a week or two before the event, but rumours are already building about what might be on show.
Ironically, Apple may have accidentally revealed its hand ahead of time.
Gadget site has reported references to four new iPad models and a new iPod model inside the new iOS 12.2 update for the iPhone.
The hidden code was originally spotted by , an app developer who regularly leaks Apple news.
He found reference to iPad 11,1, iPad 11,2, iPad 11,3 and iPad 11,4 – none of which correspond to existing iPad model numbers.
The code even makes clear that two of the devices are WiFi-only, while the other two support SIM cards.
Troughton-Smith also discovered an iPod 9,1 reference, which (again) doesn't line up with existing iPod Touch models.
None of these models appear to support Face ID, which is Apple's face unlocking tech – feature on the new iPhone XR and iPad Pro.
The news comes days after it emerged Apple had registered seven iPad models with the Eurasian Economic Commission.
New iPad and iPod – is it likely to happen?
We reveal expert opinion from CCS Insight analyst Ben Wood...
- "Refreshing the iPad and iPod Touch lines would be a logical move for Apple.
- "There could be a sweet spot for the iPad mini with a screen that is pushed right to the edges of the device, in a similar manner to the iPhone X and it would reinvigorate a product line beyond the iPhone.
- "With regards the iPod Touch, this is still a popular product in a number of areas, particularly with young users, but also in other non-consumer centric areas such as restaurant for taking orders, retail for doing stock checking and in-store customer service and payment or museums and galleries for virtual tour guides.
- "These business centric applications offer a small but growing opportunity beyond the consumer demand."
Last October, Apple unveiled brand new iPad Pro models, aimed at people looking to get work done on a tablet.
But the smaller iPad Mini range hasn't received an update since the iPad Mini 4 launched in 2015.
Rumours of a new iPad Mini 5 have been swirling for months, and now seem far likelier.
It's a similar story with the iPod Touch, which hasn't been updated since the 6th-generation model in 2015.
"We believe the red carpet is finally being rolled out for an iPad Mini," Dan Ives, an industry expert and analyst at Wedbush Securities, speaking to The Sun.
"It’s long overdue and be an affordable product focused on upgrades and new customers in emerging markets.
"We would expect a number of enhancements around the processor, and camera technology.
"We believe the Mini will finally be launched in March at the event."
Apple hasn't formally confirmed any upcoming gadgets, so take all rumours for a pinch of salt for now.
But during this week's earnings announcement, Apple CEO Tim Cook did tease "exciting new products" coming in 2019.
We've asked Apple for comment and will update this story with any response.
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What new Apple gadgets would you like to see this year? Let us know in the comments!
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