Is THIS the cheapest new Apple iPad? And is that a USB-C port?

Apple iPad leaked renders show us the design of the next base iPad model. Apple could offer a majorly updated new design this time.

Apple iPad 10th Gen leaked renders show a new design with thick display bezels.  (MySmartPrice)

We love the Apple iPad for its sheer power and capabilities. Be it the base entry-level vintage-looking iPad or the eyebrow raising iPad Pro models, the iPad takes the crown of the best tablet from us. However, the base iPad has largely remained the same for several years and rumours had suggested a new base iPad model with a new design as well as a faster chipset than the outgoing model. Now, some leaked renders have shown what this iPad will look like.

Based on a report from MySmartPrice, some leaked renders of the upcoming iPad showcase a new design. Take a closer look though and it barely qualifies as a new design – the iPad continues to have fat bezels and the Home button with a Touch ID sensor. The rest of the stuff seems all new and inspired from the iPad Air 5th Gen. It also seems that the tablet comes with a USB-C port, which could be a bog upgrade for the base iPad.

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Cheapest iPad to get new design

The renders show a display surrounded by the fat iconic iPad bezels still holding a Home button at the bottom. It also appears to have a Touch ID sensor embedded into it. The sides are flat instead of curved, and they seem to be getting a set of stereo speakers. The port section is blocked out but it seems Apple could consider the USB-C port for the base iPad. This could finally make the iPad lineup entirely “Lightning-free”.

The display size could increase up to 10.9-inch thereby making it a much larger upgrade than the current model. The rear continues to have a single camera but it could sit on a iPhone X-style camera hump.

Rumours have suggested previously that the base iPad could come with the faster A14 chipset, which may also bring support for 5G networks other than faster performance. Apple could also make it compatible with the new 2nd Gen Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard. What remains to be seen is whether the display gets a laminated panel like the newer generation iPad models.