In the past few months, it has been rumored that Apple wants to get rid of the home button in the iPhone 8 to consolidate its functions underneath the display glass. However, there are new speculations indicating that the next iPad will go through the major change first before the forthcoming iPhone.
9to5Mac cited a new report from Japanese site Macotakara which claims that the next iPad will feature a 10.9-inch display, and will have the equivalent footprint as the 9.7-inch iPad Pro regardless of the larger screen size. According to the report, an allegedly informed supply chain source in Taiwan states that the larger display size will be balanced out by smaller bezels with the top bezel for the Facetime feature to remain. Furthermore, the home button will be removed, and the bezels on the sides will be reduced in size.
If the rumors are accurate, the removal of the home button is the most crucial aspect of this development. The next iPad is expected to be available in the first half of 2017, and it could help ease iPhone users in transitioning to the next iPhone which is expected to have no home button as well, as per The Verge.
The next iPad might be Apple’s first iOS device with no home button https://t.co/e0nIIE8CoR pic.twitter.com/Ox3bPdmNHg
— The Verge (@verge) November 28, 2016
The speculations also point to a thickness increase in the new model to 7.5mm, as a consequence of the smaller bezels. The increase in thickness neutralizes the reduced height and width of the battery. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is also said to be 3mm thicker, so the same benefits are expected from the reduction in bezels. Previous rumors in August suggested a 10.5-inch model, while Macotakara's report indicates a 10.9-inch design.
Do you like the idea of removing the home button for the next iPad and iPhone, and incorporating its functionality into one seamless front display? Let us know in the comments section below!
