Apple will release three new iPad Pro 2 Models around Spring 2017 (7.9-inch, 9.7-inch, and 10.1-inch models), claims MacOtakara, a Japanese blog. At Apple’s annual event in September, a lot of potential buyers were expecting to hear of the highly-anticipated iPad Pro 2. Unfortunately, the company did not mention the product in the event and had all its focus on the iPhone 7. But if three new models are on the way, it will more than compensate for that disappointment.
Expected specs for the new iPad Pro 2 models
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2 will feature a True Tone display like its current 9.7-inch counterpart, the blog claims. For this, it will use advanced four-channel ambient light sensors to automatically adapt the display’s color and intensity to match the light of the surrounding environment. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is expected to gain the same 12-megapixel rear-facing iSight camera and True Tone flash as the 9.7-inch model.
Further, the report states that the smaller 7.9-inch model will be the successor to the iPad Mini 4 and likewise will include a Smart Connector, four speakers, True Tone display and a 12-megapixel rear-facing iSight camera with True Tone flash. The report claims that all three new iPad Pro 2 models will gain quad microphones in comparison with the current dual-lens setup.
MacOtakara’s report mostly corroborates with KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who in August said that Apple plans to release three new iPads in 2017. He claimed that the trio of models will include a 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2, 10.5-inch iPad Pro, and a low-cost 9.7-inch iPad. There was no mention of a refreshed 7.9-inch model in Kuo’s report, notes MacRumors.
Though MacOtakara does not have a perfect track record for Apple product rumors, its sources have proven accurate on some occasions.
Will the iPad Pro 2 come with headphone jack?
Several leaks have pointed to expected features and killer specs in the new models. The removal of the headphone jack – similar to the newly-announced iPhone 7 — is one feature that has got potential buyers very excited. However, the report from MacOtakara claims that all three new iPad Pro models will retain 3.5mm headphone jacks.
The company will reportedly release the second-generation of the iPad with almost the same specs as the iPhone 7, including the removal of the audio jack, notes HNGN. Also TechRadar states that the gadget will have 3D Touch and probably be available in Rose Gold and Jet Black. Tech analyst Ming Chi-Kuo claims that Apple’s most powerful chipset version so far (the A10X processor) will power the iPad Pro 2.
Also Bloomberg has suggested on several occasions that Apple will focus on software upgrades and work on the new Apple stylus as well. Bloomberg has reported that the Apple Pencil has been designed as “a handwriting and drawing stylus aimed at professionals.” Users will get the power to interpret objects across the whole operating system and not just in certain applications, as per the reports.
