Rumor: Apple prepping 5G iPad Pro with A14X chip for late 2020

Apple created a lot of happy fans with its announcement of new iPad Pro models this week. Along with a fancy (and crazy expensive) new Magic Keyboard with built-in trackpad, the new iPad Pro models feature a new LiDAR sensor on the rear to provide sophisticated depth sensing that will make it particularly adept at AR functions. However, the cellular models continue with 4G LTE connectivity while the SoC is a mildly revised Apple A12X that slightly better performance that it has dubbed the A12Z.

The use of the A12Z instead of a hypothetical A13X, as many had expected based on previous major iPad Pro updates. This decision has started to make sense in light of a new tip from Jon Prosser. According to Prosser’s sources, Apple skipped the A13X this generation to jump straight to an A14X for a 5G-capable iPad Pro he expects to see launched late this year. The rumor makes sense as Apple is expected to launch its all-new iPhone 12 with 5G connectivity around the same time with an A14 chip. Until now, Apple has tended to give its iPad Pro models the 'X' treatment for additional, laptop beating, performance.

From a buy now, or wait later perspective, it should be acknowledged that the A12X/A12Z are already fantastic chips with stellar performance. More than enough, in fact, for most people and more powerful than 90 percent of laptops on the market says Apple. 5G is also still relatively early in its global rollout so unless you especially want or need 5G, there is no reason to hold off buying a new iPad Pro now. However, in the same thread, Prosser also says he expects Apple to release an iPad Pro with mini-LED display in 2021. Mini-LED displays are allegedly superior to OLED panels so that should be something to behold. Decisions, decisions…