Apple may finally give its starter iPad a much-needed technology upgrade. 9to5Mac sources claim Apple's next base tablet will switch from a Lightning port to USB-C upon launch sometime in the fall. <br />Like most recent iPads, you could plug directly into monitors and other peripherals while improving the speed of wired data transfers.<br /><br />There are also hints of a broader performance upgrade. The new entry iPad will supposedly include a larger screen with the same resolution found in the iPad Air. You wouldn't get the same image quality as the Air, but you wouldn't have to settle for a significantly smaller display just to save some money. <br />Apple will also equip the iPad with the fourth-gen Air's A14 Bionic chip and introduce 5G support to cellular variants, according to the tipsters.<br />There's no mention of whether or not Apple will freshen the design of the iPad, including support for the Magic Keyboard or second-generation Pencil. It wouldn't be surprising if the slate received a makeover, however. <br />If the rumor is accurate, the new version would jump into the modern era while still giving buyers a reason to spend extra for the Air.
