Apple To Launch 3 New iPad Models Including 10.9-inch iPad Pro; To Phase Out Mini?

For consumers who are planning to buy any of Apple’s current iPads, Ming-Chi Kuo has news that could change your minds. The renowned analyst apparently has done some research, and he is now claiming that the Cupertino giant is planning on launching three new iPad models next year, including a new entry, an iPad Pro with 10.5-inch display.

On Sunday, Kuo released his report that reveals details on what consumers can expect from Apple’s famous tablet lines. Based on his report, Apple will be releasing a 9.7-inch iPad, a 10.5-inch iPad Pro and a 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2, MacRumors has learned. With this, the rumors that the company is launching the iPad Pro 2 this September, alongside the new iPhone 7 models, can now be put to rest.

The analyst noted that the new 10.5-inch iPad Pro could be a great device to target the commercial and education markets. He suspects that the 10.5-inch version will arrive with the A10X processor, which is going to be the same chip to power the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2. As for the low-cost 9.7-inch model, it may sport the A9X processor.

Despite the upcoming three new iPad models, Kuo has said that the tablet series of the Cupertino giant could still see slumping sales for the year of 2017. The only thing that could bring redemption to the company’s finances, as per Kuo, is the revamped editions of the tablets that will be launched and released in 2018, Apple Insider reported.

Meanwhile, Apple is assumed to be finally putting an end to its 7.9-inch iPad Mini line, since this has suffered a lot when the iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 6s Plus were introduced. Also, with the imminent arrival of the iPhone 7 Plus and possibly an iPhone 7 Pro variant, the Mini could end up raking in very minimal profit.

The assumption that Apple could be scrapping the Mini line surfaced following earlier rumors claiming that the Cupertino giant is terminating its iPad Air series after launching the rumored iPad Air 3 this October. As of late, Apple has yet to accept or deny both rumors.