Although Apple has updated its iPad range fairly recently, the iPad Pro 3 is still anticipated for 2018. Apple produced 10.5 and 12.9-inch versions of its flagship tablet, and it will be fascinating to see what the consumer electronics giant has in mind for its next generation unit.
One factor that Apple may wish to consider with the iPad Pro 3 is a critical deficiency in the previous tablet generation. While the price tags for both of the iPad Pro units was pretty hefty in 2017, neither device could realistically be considered a valid laptop replacement. This paucity of power should be addressed in the forthcoming iPad Pro 3, if Apple wishes to produce a tablet that is truly flexible and addresses the needs of all consumers.
Release date and price
The release date of the iPad Pro 3 is rather unpredictable, as Apple has refrained from sticking to a yearly upgrade cycle with its tablets. The first of the iPad Pro tablets hit the stores in November 2015, with the 9.7-inch version of this unit arriving four months later. But the iPad Pro 10.5 and 12.9 arrived in June, with the non-pro iPad, released in March.
What we can reasonably state is that there will be something of a gap between the iPad Pro 3 and the iPhone 9 (or whatever Apple decides to call its next generation smartphone), so the middle of the year can be considered a likely release window.
While many consumers will hope that the iPad Pro 3 is priced more reasonably than previous generations, we can reasonably expect to pay at least $649 for the entry-level version of this tablet.
Latest rumors
With the second generation of the iPad Pro having launched only relatively recently, there isn’t too much concrete information from the Apple supply chain to go on thus far. But we can make an educated guess on many of the aspects of this tablet computer based on rumours.
Firstly, it is unlikely that Apple will introduce new sizes when the iPad Pro 3 emerges, having only recently introduced the 10.5-inch model. With the 9.7-inch version of the iPad Pro not having been refreshed lately, it seems likely this size will now be confined to the more affordable iPad models.
It is also probable that the camera will be rather similar to the one included in the iPad Pro 2, as the photographic capabilities of this device were already enhanced. With the last generation tablet having similar cameras to the iPhone itself, there would seem to be very little need for them to be upgraded in any way.
Other existing features, such as the True Tone display with 120Hz refresh rate, quad-speakers and Smart Connector will all probably put in an appearance when the iPad Pro 3D emerges as well.
Water resistance
However, there is still plenty of room for Apple to improve its third generation iPad Pro release, and water resistance should be a particular priority. This durable characteristic is already included in the iPhone range, and it would be ideal if it were to migrate to the iPad Pro 3 as well.
There is obviously less need for a tablet computer to be used in underwater conditions, but the iPad Pro 3 could still suffer from spillages and rain-related problems, and it would be appreciated by users if Apple was to address this lack of water resistance.
Productivity improvements
Apple has strongly pushed the productivity potential of its iPad range, yet it is still considerably less capable than most laptops. The iOS operating system has been criticized for a lack of versatility, while peripherals is available for the iPad series are currently less than impressive compared to their computing equivalents.
In order to address these criticisms, Apple could beef up the capabilities of the iPad Pro 3 by tinkering with its iOS operating system. More affordable accessories would also be welcome, but Apple should embrace high-quality desktop software as well.
OLED screen
OLED is the new watchword of Apple in 2018, after the consumer electronics giant broke with its customary practice of utilizing LCD exclusively in its iPhone range. OLED is also used in the Apple Watch series, and the superior screen technology could now make its way to Apple’s iconic tablet with the iPad Pro 3.
A large iPad device would be an obvious candidate for a 4K screen, something Apple has already delivered in its desktop Mac range. A mega-impressive screen would be a major selling point, particularly for the larger iPad Pro 3, and something that Apple is likely to seriously consider.
Touch ID / Face ID
With Apple having introduced its new Face ID authentication system on the iPhone X, it would be nice to see this migrate to the iPad Pro 3 as well. Apple could also integrate the fingerprint scanner from the tablet within the display, creating a more flexible and convenient tablet computer.
Battery life
The continual bugbear of Apple products is the battery life that they deliver, or rather the lack of battery life. Even the Apple Watch doesn’t go particularly far on one charge, and the iPad Pro range has also been criticized for being rather greedy with battery life.
Particularly for those utilizing the tablet series as media devices, an improved battery life over the second-generation iPad Pro would be hugely welcome. If it were possible to view media for twelve hours without charging the device on the iPad Pro 3, this would certainly represent a step in the right direction.
Design
There is no doubt that the design of the iPad range has been highly praised, and this has prompted Apple to retain almost exactly the same exterior throughout the entire lifecycle of the tablet computing series. But the Californian corporation could consider updating the appearance of the iPad Pro 3 in 2018.
One possibility is that it could embrace curved edges, something that has become incredibly fashionable in mobile circles.
