Affiliate Disclosure
If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Read our ethics policy.

New iPad models in testing near Apple's Cupertino headquarters, data suggests

Ahead of a potentially imminent product unveiling, Apple is testing multiple new iPad models around the San Francisco Bay Area — including its home in Cupertino, according to data shared by a mobile marketing firm.

Tracking data shows four new models, listed as "iPad 7,1," "7,2," "7,3," and "7,4," Fiksu noted to TechCrunch. Prior to Apple's initial iPad Pro releases, Fiksu said it saw iPads marked "6,3/6,4" and "6,7/6,8" in its logs.

The unreleased devices are reportedly being tested with a variety of popular apps, in genres like games, music, and weather, and all running a mix of the iOS 10.3 beta and, allegedly, "iOS 11." The latter is only expected to be announced at this year's Worldwide Developers Conference in San Jose June 5 through 9.

Rather than representing four separate iPads, the new identifications likely point to Wi-Fi and cellular versions of two devices.

Apple is rumored to be preparing three new iPad models overall, led by a 10.5-inch form factor which might minimize bezels. Also expected are an updated 12.9-inch tablet, and a 9.7-inch "budget" device probably replacing the iPad Air 2.

A press event unveiling new hardware could take place as soon as next week. While iPads will likely be the focus, the company may also debut a 128-gigabyte iPhone SE, new Apple Watch bands, and/or a (Product)Red iPhone 7.