Macotakara reports that the new 10.9-inch iPad will be the same footprint as the existing 9.7-inch iPad Pro, despite having a larger screen area.
The report cites an ‘informed’ supply-chain source in Taiwan, noting that the larger screen size will be made up with smaller bezels. It says that the top bezel which houses the FaceTime camera will remain, but the Home button will be removed and the side bezels will be reduced.
It’s been widely reported that Apple will be replacing the Home button with the 2017 iPhone. It’ll likely be embedded into the display itself. If this report holds up, it seems like the iPad will be getting the new change first, before the iPhone.
The report also says that the new iPad will come in at a thicker 7.5mm, which puts it at the same thickness as the iPad Air. The larger 12.9-inch iPad Pro is also said to be gaining the same 0.3mm in thickness, which could hint at the same upgrades to there as well.