A new report sheds some light on Apple's plans for its iPad lineup in 2017. The company will supposedly introduce a new 10.9-inch iPad Pro that will lose its Home button, sport an almost bezel-free display and maintain the overall size of that of the 9.7-inch iPad Pro.
It's never too early to begin speculating on some of the new features Apple has in store for its most popular products. Next year's iPhone 8 is rumored to feature a completely redesigned glass case that will allow the device to include wireless charging capabilities, something Android equivalents have offered for years. The flagship smartphone is also expected to feature a curved OLED display and an enhanced 3D dual-lens rear camera that will supposedly be built by LG.
Apple Planning New iPad Pro Tablets In 2017
Of course, iPhones aren't the only devices Apple fans are looking forward to. Multiple reports have claimed that Apple is planning to launch three new iPad Pro models in 2017, and one of the slates made an appearance on Geekbench powered by an A10X processor in October.
In November, we reported that Apple was rumored to be working on three new iPad Pro models, a 9.7-inch, 12.9-inch and 10.9-inch slate. The report noted that the new 10.9-inch iPad Pro would feature a bezel-free display that would allow the tablet to be the same size as the 9.7-inch model.
10.9-Inch iPad Pro To Ditch Home Button And Gain Bezel-Free Display
Now, a new report from Mac Otakara claims it received news from an informed source in Apple's supply chain that the 10.9-inch iPad Pro will include a nearly bezel-free design that will have the same overall footprint as the current 9.7-inch iPad Pro. The bezel at the top of the tablet will be used for its front-facing FaceTime camera and the bottom bezel will be significantly reduced.
The report goes on to say that the 10.9-inch iPad Pro will be the first iPad from Apple to ship without a Home button on the front of the device. The new 10.9-inch model will be the same size as the 9.7-inch model but will be thicker than its smaller sibling at around 7.5 mm, compared to 6.1 mm for the 9.7-inch iPad Pro.
The source also previously stated that all the new iPad Pro models will include the 3.5 mm headphone port, which was removed from this year's iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Apple isn't expected to introduce an iPad Pro with an OLED display until sometime in 2018 according to various reports.
