Apple reportedly planning a new inexpensive 9.7-inch iPad model for 2018

According to a report published Friday by Taiwanese trade publication DigiTimes, Apple is planning to unveil a new inexpensive iPad model with a 9.7-inch display.

The report notes that the device is slated for release in 2018 with a target price point of just $259, potentially making it the most affordable full-sized iPad Apple has ever created.

“The sources pointed out that Apple’s new iPad may arrive in the second quarter of 2018 and in addition to regular consumers Apple is also looking to expand the inexpensive iPad into the industrial and service sectors,” reads the report.

It’s unclear what features this rumored iPad might have.

In March 2017, Apple replaced the iPad Air 2 model with a more affordable model.

Marketed as “iPad (2017)”, it comes with a brighter 9.7-inch Retina display and Apple’s 64-bit A9 chip, among other features. The new 9.7-inch iPad starts at $329 for the 32GB with Wi-Fi model, which is Apple’s most affordable price for a full-sized iPad.

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted back in October that all iPad models slated for introduction next year would come outfitted with the new TrueDepth camera system. “We predict iOS devices to be equipped with TrueDepth Camera in fiscal year 2018 will include iPhone X and new 2018 iPhone and iPad models,” he wrote.