Apple's next iPad to come with Face ID and slimmer bezels

Apple is working on a new iPad that will include many features borrowed from recently launched iPhone X such as Face ID, slimmer bezels and of course no Home button. According to Bloomberg, the redesigned iPad could make its debut as early as next year. An improved Apple Pencil is also under development and expected to launch alongside the updated tablet.

By letting go the home button, iPad will have a much a larger screen in the same framework. Apple already reduced the thickness of the edges on the 10.5-inch version vs. the 9.7-inch model it replaced, to maximize screen area.

While the new 2018 iPad is said to be adopting many iPhone X features, Bloomberg's sources do not believe it will feature an OLED display. Instead, it will continue to use an LCD, likely because Apple suppliers are still working on ramping up OLED production. Samsung continues to be the only display maker capable of producing OLED displays suitable for an iPad, but technical and financial constraints will prevent Apple from adopting OLED at this time.

The report also makes no mention of a ‘notch’ design that would eliminate most of the top bezel, as well. It’s possible that this wouldn’t make as much sense on a larger device like this which is often used for consuming video in landscape format.

These latest rumors are in line with prior reports from reliable KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who previously said he believes iPad Pro models set to be released in 2018 will come equipped with a TrueDepth Camera and support for Face ID.