iPad Pro 2017 Specs: 10.5-inch, 12.9-inch Models Have Different Mic Placement As Per Leaked Cases

The new iPads that Apple will release this year will likely have their microphones on the top of the tablets’ back. This is according to the newly leaked photos of what appears to be cases for the Apple tablets.

This Monday, two leakers shared pictures of cases for the 2017 iPad Pro models. The cases are very similar in design and all other aspects. The only difference between the two is their size. Once case is for the highly anticipated 10.5-inch iPad Pro, while the other is for the larger 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

In the images that were leaked by tech journalist Shai Mizrachi via Twitter, a 9.7-inch iPad Pro is placed inside the case for the 10.5-inch case. This gives the idea that the new iPad entry will have the same width as the 9.7-inch tablet. Apple may have simply designed the new tablet to be longer than the already existing line. According to Mizrachi, a Chinese case factory has already begun manufacturing the 10.5-inch iPad case. This could mean that Apple is preparing for the imminent release of the new iPad.

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Another leaker, named Benjamin Geskin, shared a couple of snaps showing cases for both the 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPad models. In the pictures he shared, it is very noticeable that there are small circular cutouts at the top of tablet cases’ back. The cutouts are almost flush with the holes for the camera on the upper left-hand corner of the cases. The new positioning of the microphones is said to be similar to that of the $329 budget-friendly iPad. The existing Pro models have their mics on the sides, as pointed out by AppleInsider.

The leaked cases also confirm the rumored four-speaker system of the upcoming iPads. Apparently, when viewing the top and bottom of the cases, one can spot four long cutouts for the speakers. The cutouts at the top are shorter than the two long cutouts surrounding the Lightning port at the bottom. If true, the new tablets will come with the same stereo audio system as the iPhone 7 and the current 9.7-inch iPad Pro.

Geskin also claimed on Twitter that Apple will not be releasing a new iPad mini this year. This fuels the rumor that the Cupertino giant could be phasing out the mini series of tablets entirely due to poor sales. Apple has yet to release an refresh to the mini series. The line was last updated in 2015.

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Meanwhile, Geskin has shared some details on the specifications of the 10.5-inch iPad Pro. According to him, this tablet will not be bezel-less. However, it will have minimal bezels on the sides. Geskin claimed the side bezels will measure only 7 mm, while the top and down bezels will measure 19 mm. He also stated that the device will sport a physical home button. For renders of the new iPads, he shared a link to Troy Thompson’s iDropNews article that contains pictures of the tablets.

MacRumors reports that production of the 10.5-inch iPad is already ramping up, so the device could debut at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference this June. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is also expected to be introduced at the same event.