Apple may be thinking of a complete overhaul for its flagship lineups. Speculations suggest that, for its tablet flagship, the iPad Pro series, its follow-up will add another variant.
Noted Apple product soothsayer, Ming Chi-Kuo, has reportedly predicted that the Cupertino-based tech giant will add another variant to the upcoming iPad Pro 2 lineup. Apparently, the Cupertino-based tech giant will add an in-between iPad Pro 2,aside from the new 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch slates. According to MacRumors, Kuo predicted that "If the iPad comes in a larger size, such as a 10.5" model, we believe it will be helpful to bid for tenders within the commercial and education markets. As a result, we expect Apple to launch a 10.5" iPad Pro in 2017."
Interestingly, Kuo also predicted that, with the upcoming lineup addition, Apple will have to release the iPad Pro 2 lineup next year. Previous rumors have said that the new tablet series will debut later this year, possibly in another launch event next month. However, recent reports suggest that the rumored October launch will focus instead on the overhauled laptop lineups by Apple, including the new MacBook Pro and MacBook Air lineups. There are also talks that the October launch may also reveal the much-awaited iPad Air 3.
Should this come true, then Apple will need to adjust its schedule timeline, and will likely launch the iPad Pro 2 lineup early next year. Habitually, Apple has made an annual March launch event, and its 2017 schedule may reveal the new iPad flagship lineup.
Meanwhile, although Apple has yet to confirm the iPad Pro 2 release, supposed specs and features have already made their way online. Purported specs for the next-gen iPad include a newer A10X chipset as well as RAM and onboard storage upgrades. It is also expected that the new lineup will benefit from an upgraded Apple Pencil.
