Apple's New Trackpad Design Could Change the Way We Use the iPad Pro
Apple is rumored to be releasing an iPad keyboard with a trackpad later this year. According to a new report by The Information, the new features will likely release alongside the new revamped iPad Pro and will feature a fabric design similar to the current Smart Keyboard Folio.
The introduction of a trackpad into the keyboard would bring the new iPad into closer competition with a laptop in terms of functionality and could potentially see the iPad usurping the laptop.
Meanwhile, OnLeaks, a source that, in previous instances, has accurately leaked iPhone and iPad models, recently shared renders of a 12.9″ and 11″ tablet, predicts the new product will launch this month.
Based on the renders, there doesn't seem to be any significant departures from previous models. However, persistent rumors about the introduction of mini-LED technology could mean that the new models may feel significantly lighter in-hand.
One of the biggest developments is rumored to be in regard to its augmented reality capabilities, an area that Apple is expected to double down on in the new model. According to MacRumors' Ming-Chi Kuo, a new time-of-flight 3D sensor will improve the new model's augmented reality and depth perception features and enable a wide range of new augmented reality applications.