Apple Rumors: New iPad Pro, 2 iPads Launching in Q2 2017

Although the tablet industry is in decline, Apple has not given up on its iPads. According to a 9to5Mac report published Sunday, Apple is expected to come out with three new tables this year — a refresh of its iPad Pro and iPads with 10-inch/ 10.5-inch and 9.7-inch screens.

There is sufficient reasoning behind the launch of an iPad Pro 2 — with Microsoft’s Surface Studio lineup and the new iMac still being in the works, iPad Pro remains Apple’s only offering to design professionals.

9to5Mac cites KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Quo as saying: “The new models will come in 12.9", 10-10.5” and 9.7" versions. We note the 12.9" model will be the second generation of the existing 12.9" iPad Pro, the 10-10.5" model will be the high-end model equipped with a narrow bezel design, and the 9.7" model will be the low-priced option.”

The analyst further indicated that the new iPads will have iPhone 7’s A10X processor, manufactured by TSMC. A budget A9 chip made by Samsung is expected to power the 9.7-inch iPad.

Ming-Chi Quo expects that the 9.7-inch model will account for 50-60 percent of total iPad shipments.

The new iPads might not be the only tablets releasing in 2017. News about a Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 launch at Mobile World Congress event in February surfaced on Sunday.