Earlier this week, noted leaker and graphic designer Benjamin Geskin posted a bunch of images showing the leaked cases of the 10.5-inch iPad Pro 2. The wooden cases showed the cutouts for a Lightning port, four speakers, rear camera with vertically arranged flash, Smart Connector and volume rockers. Geskin has now come up with a series of dummy models, CAD photos, and 3D renderings of the upcoming tablet that he shared with iDrop News.
10.5-inch iPad Pro 2 to have 7mm side bezels
Geskin said the CAD images are based on the model that accessories manufacturers had received from the factory. It means these images show the final design of the 10.5-inch iPad Pro 2. The pictures confirm the presence of two microphones on top between the speaker grilles and a third microphone at the top rear. Contrary to some rumors, the 10.5-inch iPad Pro 2 will not be completely bezel-less.
Exclusive: 10.5‑inch iPad Pro (The model that case manufacturers received from the factory)
100% confirmed. Already in mass production. pic.twitter.com/5S9xNTLuZl
— Ben Geskin (@BenGeskin) May 23, 2017
The designer said the side bezels have been reduced to just 7mm. The top and bottom bezels have also become smaller than on older iPads. The upcoming iPad Pro will house a 10.5-inch display in the same form factor as the 9.7-inch iPad. The top and bottom bezels are about 19mm. There is still enough room for the physical home button. The 10.5-inch iPad Pro 2 is not going to ditch the home button. That will be one of the highlights of the 10th anniversary iPhone 8.
Geskin said the device had already entered mass production. The designer also shared a dummy mockup obtained from a case manufacturer. The mockup also shows the same ports for the headphone jack, Lightning port, Smart Connector, volume rockers, and speaker grilles. The upcoming device will be slightly taller and thicker than the 9.7-inch iPad.
10.5‑inch iPad Pro (Case manufacturers mockup) pic.twitter.com/i7qSWos4bf
— Ben Geskin (@BenGeskin) May 23, 2017
Can Apple revive the iPad sales?
Based on recent rumors and leaks, Benjamin Geskin updated his render to show how the tablet would look. The upcoming tablet is said to feature a 12MP main camera, 4k video shooting, and an A10X processor. The iPad sales peaked years ago, and have been deteriorating for the last 13 quarters. However, Apple CEO Tim Cook is confident that the upcoming tablets will help revive the iPad sales.
10.5-inch iPad Pro | Updated Render pic.twitter.com/5j4T614nO9
— Ben Geskin (@BenGeskin) May 23, 2017
The 10.5-inch iPad Pro 2 was previously rumored to be unveiled in March, and later again in April. Now the rumor mill claims Apple would unveil the tablet at WWDC next month. According to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, there is more than 70% chance it would be announced at WWDC. The WWDC has traditionally been a software-focused event where Apple shows off new versions of iOS, watchOS, and MacOS. But this time, Apple is expected to showcase not only the iPad Pro 2 but also new MacBooks.
Apple increases iPad Pro 2 production
According to supply chain leaks, the 10.5-inch iPad Pro 2 production began in March-April, which would put the device on track for June launch. Sources told DigiTimes a few days ago that Apple’s manufacturing partners were increasing production from 500,000 units per month currently to 600,000 units a month by July. Sources told DigiTimes that the tablet’s annual shipment would surpass five million units in 2017.
The Taiwanese publication added that the upgraded version of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro would enter mass production in June. However, stable shipments will start only in the third quarter, said DigiTimes. Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that Apple would also launch the so-called Siri Speaker at WWDC. Apple engineers have already been testing the smart speaker.
What would happen to the iPad mini? Its fate is sealed. The iPad mini has witnessed disappointing sales due to the growing popularity of phablets. The large screen iPhones such as the iPhone 7 Plus have made the iPad mini less compelling. Apple is reportedly planning to phase out the mini tablets.
