[layer8]

My guess is:

- They want to standardize on the flat-edge design for aesthetic/consistency/synergy/slightly-more-usable-volume reasons. The entry-level iPad was the last remaining iPhone/iPad with non-flat edges.

- Pencil 2 charging conflicts with a landscape camera. (This also explains why the new iPad Pros have kept the portrait camera.) They chose the landscape camera, and the missing Pencil 2 support provides an additional differentiator for the iPad Air.

- They have to migrate to USB-C before the end of 2023 due to EU regulations, and the next update of the entry-level iPad may not happen before 18 months from now.

It probably all makes sense from Apple’s perspective, even though the result is confusing and irritating for consumers.