Data stemming from iOS 12.12 beta suggests that Face ID authentication may not be supported with the new iPad and iPad mini. The devices are set to launch in the coming months with the latest beta version of iOS referencing as many as four new iPads, with the potential for a seventh generation iPad touch.
The iPad 11.1, iPad 11.2, iPad 11.3 and iPad 11.4 designations all relate to WiFi and cellular models but each lack in Face ID. It’s thought that the models will continue to rely on Touch ID for user authentication whereas the iPod touch model lacks mention of either Touch ID or Face ID, suggesting the device will rely solely on passcode entry.
The Eurasian Economic Commission received filings for model numbers relating to seven new devices last week. Though the number groupings remain to be comforted, the provisional numbers appear to indicate at least two distinct device types. It may just be that we see a slight revamp of the 9.7-inch iPad, renowned for its wallet friendly price tag and a possibly a fifth generation mini. That said, it may be that any imminent releases will be models of internal component upgrades as opposed to a complete redesign.
Face ID remains a no go
A complete redesign is unlikely as if that were to be the case, it’s likely that Face ID would be introduced. The TrueDepth camera technology associated with Face ID would warrant a thorough redesign, one that hews off the slates’ “chin” region where the Touch ID home button is currently found. To retain symmetry, the incorporate of TrueDepth camera technology would also necessitate the removal of the forehead section that supports Apple’s front-facing FaceTime camera. Both the iPad and iPad mini currently rely on Touch ID and have done 2014 and the dawn of the iPad Air 2 and mini 3.
The only iPads on the market capable of supporting Face ID are the 11 and 12.9” Pros. Each of these devices feature renovated chassis designs featuring symmetrical screen borders and like the iPhone X, XR, XS and XS Max, no home button. The switch to Face ID, which integrated TrueDepth into the tablets’ bezel, allowed Apple to lower the chassis size of the 12.9” model whilst increasing screen real estate on the 11” device.
Whispers of a new iPad mini started in December and suggested that a new device would be marketed as an affordable entry-level model, in cohesion with today’s Touch ID findings. The mini has not received a makeover since 2015 now. The sixth generation 9.7” model is also set for a revamp after debuting at an education-centred event in March 2018.
In regards to the iPod touch, it’s a surprising addition to some as many expected Apple to make the device wholly obsolete after its feature set was deemed redundant due to the success of the iPhone. The sixth-generation iPod touch was launched in 2015 and no other iPod has been launched since.
