Apple might not launch its new generation of iPad tablets until the second half of this year, according to a new report citing supply chain sources.
Some earlier rumors indicated that Apple could at least announce its new iPad line sometime in the spring, but the latest report claims that is not the case.
Citing sources in the upstream industry chain, DigiTimes now reports that Apple's 2017 line of iPads may not be "announced or even released" until the second half of this year.
Three iPad Models For 2017
Apple's new 9.7-inch iPad is expected to go into mass production sometime during the first quarter of 2017, while the 10.5-inch iPad Pro and the larger 12.9-inch model should enter mass production sometime in the second quarter. For now, all three 2017 iPad models are reportedly still in the "planning stage."
Notable here is also the mention of the 10.5-inch iPad Pro, which seems to be gaining traction with the latest rumors. Earlier rumors indicate that the mid-sized 2017 iPad Pro could be 10.9 inches, but an increasing number of reports lean toward the 10.5-inch size.
2017 iPad Tiers
The 9.7-inch iPad will reportedly come at a "friendly" price point, according to DigiTimes. The report further mentions that the 10.5-inch iPad Pro could replace the existing 9.7-inch iPad Pro in the price tier, while the new 9.7-inch iPad (2017) will arrive as a cheaper option, aiming to serve as an entry-level tablet "mainly targeting the education sector."
DigiTimes also reiterates previous rumors that the higher-end versions of the 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro will pack Apple's powerful A10X processor. The publication makes no mention of the processor expected to power the new 9.7-inch model, but it could be a lower-end A9X to keep the price down.
The 10.5-inch iPad Pro is rumored to launch as the flagship model of the 2017 iPad line, which also indicates that its top configuration would be the most expensive of all options. The mid-sized iPad Pro is rumored to rock a sleek edge-to-edge display and no physical home button, albeit it will reportedly still have a small bezel at the top reserved for the front-facing FaceTime camera.
All three iPad models set to launch this year are expected to run iOS 10.3 out of the box, sporting a new "Theater" mode. It remains unclear for now just what that dedicated mode would entail, but it could comprise of some quick settings suitable for a movie night.
Apple's iPad sales have been rather sluggish in recent times, but compelling new models could help pick things up if they offer a good balance between power and price. With nothing officially confirmed at this point, however, it's highly advisable to take all iPad and other Apple-related rumors and leaks with a hefty grain of salt for now.
If the latest report turns out to be accurate and new iPads will hit the scene only in the second half of this year, there's still a long wait ahead and a lot of the rumored plans could change in the meantime.
