Apple’s Three Models of iPad Pro
According to Mac Otakara, Apple intends to launch three models of iPad Pro in the spring of 2017 which comprises of a new 7.9-inch model, updates to the 9.7-inch and 10.1-inch models. The Japan based blog quoting `reliable sources’ states that the latest 7.9 inch Pro model would be featuring four speakers and a Smart Connector identical to the existing line of iPad Pros that had been updated earlier in March this year.
The small iPad Pro would be carrying Apple Pencil support like the rest of the line-up and is expected to replace the iPad Mini 4 provided presently. The three models would be retaining the headphone jack which had been detached from the iPhone line-up in place of wireless Apple EarPods in September when the iPhone 7 had been released. No specific launch timeline and pricing for the new Apple tablets had been provided in the report.
It had also been reported by Otakara that the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2 would be receiving a 12-megapixel camera together with True Tone flash. No more additional specifications were shared. Ming-Chi Kuo Apple analyst of KFI Securities had mentioned in August that the anticipated three new iPads which would be launched in 2017 would be a 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2, a new size 10.5-inch iPad Pro and a low cost 9.7-inch iPad. No mentioned regarding a 7.9-inch model had been done by him.
Latest 10.5-Inch Model – Education & Commercial Markets
As per Kuo, the latest 10.5-inch model would be for education and commercial markets. The price of the same had not been disclosed. Kuo believes that the iPad sales would continue to drop by 10 to 20% each year since Apple has seen the decline in sales in its iPad line-up.
He also mentioned that Apple would bring about huge alterations to the iPad line-up in 2018 with the inclusion of a flexible AMOLED panel with a view on enlarged screen resolution together with essential variations to form factor. As in the case of all rumours, readers are encouraged to take the latest iPad report with a grain of salt. Mac Otakara does not seem to have a flawless track record with the rumours regarding Apple, though its sources have confirmed precisely on several occasions in the past.
New Models Shipped with Lightning-to 3.5mm Audio Adapter
The blog had been the first to report regarding the controversial plans of Apple on the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack and adding of new Black and Jet Black colours on iPhone 7 models. The new 7.9-inch model would be occupying a lower pricing tier than the 12.9-inch and 9.7-inch iPad Pro models. However, in spite of its budget price tag, the iPad Pro would be receiving if not all, but most of the features of 9.7-inch iPad Pro.
The website has correctly leaked the naming scheme, pressure-sensitive Home button together with the bigger earpiece model of the iPhone 7.It is also said that the new models would be shipped with a Lightning-to-3.5mm audio adapter, though the 3.5mm EarPods seemed wrong and had suppressed rumours regarding the inclusion of a Smart Connector.