Next entry-level iPad could drop the headphone jack

Next entry-level iPad could drop the headphone jack
(Image credit: Apple)

Apple's 10th-generation iPad could ditch the headphone port. If so, it would be the last in Apple's tablet range to do away with the 3.5mm headphone jack.

CAD renders seen by MySmartPrice don't feature the port anywhere, as reported by 9to5Mac (the MySmartPrice report makes no mention of the headphone jack, or lack thereof). This wouldn't be a huge surprise – the iPad Pro, Air and Mini have already lost the socket, leaving the entry-level iPad as the only holdout.

Apple originally dropped the port from its iPhone back in 2016, with the launch of the iPhone 7. (That was also the year it launched its first pair of wireless AirPods that didn't require a headphone socket. Coincidence? We think not.) In the intervening years, Apple's tablets have followed suit, with the standard iPad the last to do so.

The images also suggest the iPad 10 will have a slightly larger screen than last year's ninth-generation model. The sides also appear flatter, while it could replace the Lightning port with USB-C (though this is unclear).

It could also feature a better camera. The renders show an elevated camera module similar to the dual-snappers on some iPhone models, suggesting Apple could upgrade the sensor.

However, remember these are only renders, and don't confirm any definite specs.

This new iPad 10 could launch as soon as this autumn, possibly shortly after the iPhone 14 launch (expected for September). Then Apple could finally cut the cord on wired headphones for good.

MORE:

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Check out the best wireless headphones to pair with an iPad

iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max leaks: release date rumours, price news, and more

Joe Svetlik

Joe has been writing about tech for 17 years, first on staff at T3 magazine, then in a freelance capacity for Stuff, The Sunday Times Travel Magazine, Men's Health, GQ, The Mirror, Trusted Reviews, TechRadar and many more (including What Hi-Fi?). His specialities include all things mobile, headphones and speakers that he can't justifying spending money on.

  • manicm
    Good riddance to the headphone jack.
    Reply
  • Hifiman
    There’s not really an imperative to remove the headphone jack from a tablet for any reason other than either ‘we know what you want more than you do’ or simple cost cutting. It’s not as if the phone argument of too little room really applies.
    Reply
  • manicm
    Hifiman said:
    There’s not really an imperative to remove the headphone jack from a tablet for any reason other than either ‘we know what you want more than you do’ or simple cost cutting. It’s not as if the phone argument of too little room really applies.

    A decent pair of wireless buds is so ridiculously cheap, why anyone would want to use wired ones is beyond me on what is very much a consumer device. I'm using a £30 Edifier pair, and I will never go back to tethered connections for my phone or tablet.

    If Apple does remove the jack on the cheapest iPad I don't think anyone will shed tears.
    Reply