Source: Daniel Bader / Android Central
A new report claims that Apple is considering using Titanium chassis for future iPads, but that the tech isn’t economical enough for use right now.
Digitimes reports:
The new iPad will also equip with aluminum-alloy chassis that will be processed by PVD. The sources also revealed that Apple is also considering equipping iPads with titanium-based metal chassis, but the high costs for doing so may not be economical at the moment.
The snippet comes in the context of a report about Apple’s rumored new ninth-generation iPad, which Digitimes says will launch in September and help Apple ship 60 million iPad units this year:
Apple’s 9th-generation inexpensive iPad slated for launch in September may not come with significant design changes, but is still expected to boost Apple’s overall iPad shipments to as many as 60 million units this year, according to industry sources…
Rumors indicate Apple plans to unveil a new base-model iPad with a thinner form factor and a new processor, from Mark Gurman earlier this week:
In a new Power On video for Bloomberg, Gurman listed planned upgrades and expectations for Apple’s iPhone 13, new AirPods, and a new iPad mini, as well as plans for a new ninth-generation iPad:
… as well as a new ninth-generation iPad, geared towards students, with a thinner form factor and faster processor.
Digitimes notes that Apple is only “considering” Titanium at this stage and that the technology isn’t economical to go to market yet. Given the expense, it seems reasonable that Apple might first offer Titanium in a premium device like the iPad Pro.