Apple just introduced a cheaper iPad model that replaces the iPad Air 2, but made no mention of a new iPad Pro model.
While that was disappointing for some, others are confident that Apple is saving the best for later, reserving the iPad Pro 2 unveiling for next month when the Apple Park opens its gates.
While Apple has yet to confirm such plans, it would make sense to unveil a new iPad Pro 2 and iPad Mini 5 in April, especially since the company didn't even hold an event for the latest unveiling.
Apple's Cheap New iPad
Apple simply announced a cheaper 9.7-inch iPad, (Product) RED iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus models and an updated iPhone SE in a press release, without much fanfare.
The new 9.7-inch iPad comes to replace the iPad Air 2, which got discontinued, but the iPad Pro models remain unchanged — no new iteration, no old model discontinued, no minor refresh — nothing. The latest iPad launched on Friday, March 24, arriving as the cheapest iPad in the lineup: $329 for the 32 GB Wi-Fi model and $459 for the 32 GB Wi-Fi + Cellular model.
While it's an attractive proposition for budget-conscious shoppers, power users are still waiting for the iPad Pro 2 and an April unveiling seems quite likely.
iPad Pro 2 Release: April At Apple Park?
The impressive Apple Park is all set to open to employees in April, and what better way to celebrate the big opening than with a hot product launch? Apple's non-event this March seems to indicate there's more to come, and the unchanged iPad Pro line further bolsters expectations of an imminent iPad Pro 2 unveiling.
The much rumored 10.5-inch iPad Pro model could make its debut next month, bridging the gap between the 9.7- and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models. This means that we could see three iPad Pro 2 models this year, and recent leaks and reports hint at exciting upgrades.
iPad Pro 2 Specs And Models: What To Expect
Based on recent rumors and reports, Apple could release three iPad Pro models in different sizes — 9.7-inch, 12.9-inch, and 10.5-inch models, to be precise. The iPad Pro 2 line is expected to feature a magnetic Apple Pencil, a more powerful A10X processor, True Tone display, slimmer bezels, smart connector, 12-megapixel iSight camera with True Tone flash, and other neat upgrades.
The original iPad Pro is more than a year old, so the time for a successor seems right. For now, Apple's current tablet lineup consists of the iPad Mini 4, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, and the latest 9.7-inch iPad that replaced the iPad Air 2.
It remains to be seen what Apple has in store for the iPad Pro line, but multiple iPad Pro 2 models in different sizes could debut as soon as next month. With no official confirmation from Apple, however, it's all still in the rumor state for now and it's best to take it with a grain of salt. As always, we'll keep you up to date as soon as we learn more.
