Rumors of Apple looking to refresh their iPad Pro lineup has been making rounds of the interwebs for a really long time. It is now being supplemented with another leak which suggests that Apple is gearing up to unveil the new iPad Pro lineup at a March’17 event. This development comes from Japanese publication Mac Otakara, which also adds that Apple will show off other new device upgrades as well.
This new leak tops off previously similar leaks, and suggests that Apple with debut four new iPad Pro models at the event. It is expected to show off 7.9-inch, 9.7-inch, 10.5-inch, and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models. This means that the Cupertino giant now plans to not only refresh popular models but also introduce newly-sized models to cater to the growing needs of consumers. It will refresh the ever-popular 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models, but plans to replace the iPad Mini 4 with a 7.9-inch iPad Pro model (meaning it’ll pack better specs).
Further, the report adds that Apple will debut a new 10.5-inch iPad Pro, with the long rumored bezel-free display and no home button. Earlier, this same iPad Pro model was reported to sport a 10.9-inch screen but new details have since come to light. The new model, due to its bezel-free display is expected to come packed within a footprint similar to the 9.7-inch iPad Pro model. In addition, Apple is also expected to keep the 3.5 mm headphone jack and top bezel with FaceTime camera intact but replace the LED panels for the OLED display (which is happening, for sure). This release will hopefully also set the precedent for the upcoming iPhone 8 lineup changes.
Though Mac Okatara is known to provide pretty solid early leaks for Apple devices, but previous leaks from Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities and Barclays Research did not include any mention of the mini 7.9-inch iPad Pro model. So, there could be a possibility of the 10.5-inch replacing the said mini lineup. But, these speculations should be taken with a pinch of salt until the official release.
Today, the said report has also added that Apple will refresh their iPhone SE lineup with the addition of a new 128GB model along side the existing 16 GB and 64 GB models. Also, the iPhone 7s and iPhone 7s Plus is expected to receive a fresh coat of paint — RED. Apple is looking to make their smartphone offerings more flashy with this new color variant. This will be complemented with the release of new Apple Watch bands as well.
Further, the three iPad Pro refreshes are expected to be made available in March of this year whereas the bezel-free 10.5-inch model will come later in May 2017.
