The rumor mill can’t seem to figure out which model iPad is going to get announced in the early stages of 2017.
The one consensus at this point is that Apple is, at the very least, planning on launching new iPad models this year. But the finer details, like how many, how big they’ll be, what features they’ll bear, and when they’ll get announced all remain a well-debated mystery. And now a brand new report from Mac Otakara is throwing new speculation into the ring.
According to the publication’s latest report, Apple plans on launching a new 9.7-inch iPad Pro next week. Specifically, this new tablet would be an “iPad Pro 2,” and it will feature an A10X processor under the hood. However, the other elements of the iPad Pro 2 will only get minor updates. If this report pans out, then it is expected that this iPad Pro 2 would effectively replace the iPad Air 2 on the market.
Right now, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro costs $599, while the 9.7-inch iPad Air 2 costs $399. So, if Apple does plan on launching a new 9.7-inch iPad Pro 2, the company could simply launch a press release, announcing a few key changes to the specs, and, more than likely, a price drop.
This focus on a new product arriving before the end of March, despite the fact Apple has yet to send out any event invitations, stems from a recent report from MacRumors, which stated that Apple planned on launching new products next week. The expectation in that report was new iPad models, with the possibility that Apple could simply use a press release to launch three new models: a new 9.7-inch iPad Pro, a redesigned 10.5-inch iPad Pro, and a spec-bumped 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
However, a recent report has also suggested that Apple could launch the 10.5-inch iPad Pro (along with the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro) in early April, which would echo a previous expectation that Apple could host a spring event on April 4 at the brand new Apple Park.
Apple’s going to remain quiet on the matter until they do, or do not, launch new iPad products. If the company does announce new devices, do you plan on picking one up?
[via Mac Otakara]
