Visual inspection time. Above the newly repositioned Smart Connector, we have a new model number: A1980.

Compared with its 10.5" predecessor, it looks about the same, and the lost .2 mm are hard to spot due to the squared-off edges.

Not that we mind at all—it actually reminds us of some of the iPad's more repairable competitors.

Could Apple's tablet line be getting a bit more repairable this time? In light of recent teardowns, we're keeping our fingers crossed.

Final notes before we dive in: no headphone jack ☹, USB-C port (non-Thunderbolt) in place of Lightning, and a long dark oval to charge the new Pencil.