Apple's iPad Pro 2021 appears to be getting closer to launch as another leak has popped up suggesting that the high-end tablet may feature an upgraded A14X chip.

Digging into the code for the new iOS 14.5 code beta, 9to5Mac found a reference to a chip GPU called "13G." Given that Apple uses such code names internally for its chipsets, 9to5Mac believes this is linked to a new chipset, an upgraded take on the A14 Bionic found in the iPhone 12 Scope.

Since 13G is not currently available on any currently available iOS device, it's a reasonably safe bet that this is a reference to the GPU that will be found in Apple's upcoming A-series chips. And given the rumors about the new iPad debuting this spring, this chip is likely to be the "X" variant. This chip is typically a boosted version of the latest standard A-series chip, which is used in the iPad Pro.

An iPad Pro with an enhanced A14 Bionic is hardly surprising, as Apple is constantly upgrading its chips with each new iPad generation. However, 9to5Mac reports that it has also discovered that the A14X is based on the T8103 architecture. This is the codename for the Apple M1 chip found in the MacBook Pro M1 and MacBook Air M1. This is the codename for the Apple M1 chip found in the MacBook Pro M1 and MacBook Air M1

While the iPad form factor will never match MacBook Air or Pro-grade performance, it is possible that it will offer significantly more than A14 Bionic performance improvements are possible.

The A14 Bionic, or the current generation iPad Pro, is not slow by any means, but once M1 performance is introduced, the iPad Pro 2021 could become a serious contender to replace the MacBook, especially if the Magic Keyboard is also upgraded. The Magic Keyboard, in particular, could also be upgraded.

Apart from the increased specs, rumors also point to the possibility of the iPad Pro adopting a mini LED display. If so, it would offer better color and contrast than the LCD displays currently used, but would not go the route of using expensive OLED panels.

Touch ID built into the power button, as seen on the latest iPad Air, would be nice, but we do not expect a major design change. Overall, however, it appears that most of the changes to the iPad Pro will be under the chassis.

Time will tell if these rumors come to fruition. But expect to hear more at Apple's event in April.