The hasn’t been a particularly interesting product for a number of years. Apple redesigned it in 2020 with the fourth generation model, and since then – it’s just been spec bumps and small feature upgrades. However, I think the next refresh could be a great opportunity to introduce a large feature upgrade: Face ID.

Face ID has remained iPad Pro exclusive

Despite the fact that Face ID is now an 8 year old technology, you can still only get it on the . This is in stark contrast to the iPhone lineup, where non-Pro models have had Face ID since 2018, and now even the cheapest iPhone 16e includes Face ID.

Recently, reported that Apple would be debuting a new model next spring – alongside a new budget iPad, iPhone 17e, and new model. While not confirmed, the next will likely equip the M4 chip.

As mentioned earlier, has been a boring product for years. It’s been purely chip upgrades, small upgrades like the Center Stage camera, and an introduction of a new 13-inch model. That could change, though – with Face ID.

Apple has clearly been dragging their feet on introducing Face ID to more iPad models. Why?

Well, I think the biggest reason was that before the OLED redesign last year – the and were incredibly similar. There was only a $200 price premium between the two models, and for the most part, you were paying the premium for a 120Hz display, Face ID, and faster silicon. If you removed Face ID from the equation, there’d be much less of a reason to pay the premium.

Now, with the iPad Pro – theres a $400 premium over the , for a much thinner design (ironically), an incredible OLED display, access to a more premium Magic Keyboard, the option for a nano-texture display, as well as Face ID and 120Hz.

With all of those features on the table, I don’t think Face ID is adding much weight to the list of reasons why someone would buy an iPad Pro. Now, you buy the iPad Pro for the display, the thinner design, and more premium iPad experience.

All in all, I think now would be a perfect time to introduce Face ID on the . It’d give more reason for someone to purchase a $599 over the $349 , and it’d add some juice to the line – a device that’s largely been unchanged since 2020. It probably wouldn’t take away from sales in a way that it previously might’ve.

Would you upgrade your if it gained Face ID? Let us know in the comments.

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