The excitement surrounding the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus has barely died down and consumers are already looking forward to the next-gen tablets from the company, which are anticipated to debut in early 2017.
Analysts believe that Apple will debut the iPad Pro 2 alongside the iPad mini 5 or the iPad Pro mini in March 2017. In September 2015, Apple took the wraps off its 7.9-inch iPad mini 4, and in March 2016, it debuted the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, so the lineup has received a refresh not too long ago.
According to Ming Chi-Kuo, an analyst with research firm KGI (who is usually on the money when it comes to iDevice predictions), estimates that Apple will launch not one but three new iPads in early 2017. There will be three iPad sizes: a 12.9-inch, 10.5-inch and 9.7-inch versions.
"We expect three new iPads (12.9" iPad Pro 2, new size 10.5" iPad Pro & low-cost 9.7" iPad) to be launched in 2017," noted Chi-Kuo in August.
Interestingly, the analyst did not mention the iPad mini 5 and his comments would suggest that the 9.7-inch iteration of the tablet could well become the new size norm for the erstwhile 7.9-inch tablet.
The 12.9-inch and 10.5-inch models could then possibly be the rumored iPad Pro 2 and the smaller iPad Pro, respectively. Both these tablets are anticipated to house the A10 X processor as rumored.
Whether the alleged iPad mini 5 gets a size alteration and moves to a bigger 9.7-inch form factor as suggested remains to be seen. However, rumors have hinted that the iPad mini 5 maybe renamed the iPad Pro mini and could house the older A9X or A9 chip.
Apple is also anticipated to upgrade the iPad mini Pro/iPad mini 5 with a Retina display, as well as 3 GB of RAM.
Speculations are rife that the Apple Pencil stylus could also accompany the tablet, which is a possibility if the company transforms the iPad mini to the iPad mini Pro.
Interestingly, Apple increased the storage capacities of its older-gen iPad mini 2 and the iPad mini 4 in September, which may be an indicator that the company is eyeing some changes in the next-gen model.
The iPad Pro 2 is also anticipated to get a faster display and improved Apple Pencil. However, with major overhauls for the Apple tablets expected in March 2017, we will have to simply wait and watch what surprises the company has in store for us.
