With the bigger and faster iPad Pro 2 12.9 inch and 10.5 inch, Apple is expected to target and appeal more to the industries, business-related and education sectors, placing the company's tablet sales (Photo : Getty Images/Justin Sullivan)
With news circulating Apple's rumored discontinuation of the iPad Mini lineup after its absence in the iPhone 7 launch, the Cupertino-based tech giant is willing to expand its new tablet family, dubbed as iPad Pro 2, which is said to come in three different variants and improved screen functionality.
According to Mobile&Apps, iPad Pro 2 will allegedly be available in three options, 12.9-inch (as the original iPad Pro launched in September 2015), 10.5-inch (new) and a budget 9.7-inch (as the iPad Pro 9.7 launched in March 2016).
Ming Chi-Kuo, a well-known and highly-respected analyst, already affirmed that Apple is only keen in developing the iPad Pro line up, and is thinking about releasing the new tablet early next year.
"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," MacRumors quoted Kuo as saying.
"As a result, we expect Apple to launch a 10.5" iPad Pro in 2017. In addition, we estimate the 12.9" iPad Pro 2 and 10.5" iPad Pro will adopt the A10X processor, with TSMC (2330 TT, NT$177.5, N) being the sole supplier using 10nm process technology. The low-cost 9.7" model may adopt the A9X processor, which is also exclusively supplied by TSMC," the note went on to say.
In addition, Kuo said that the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2 and 10.5-inch iPad Pro will be powered by an A10X processor, with TSMC being the sole supplier using 10nm process technology, while the budget 9.7-inch model may adopt the A9X processor still supplied by TSMC.
Reports also suggest that the iPad's screen capabilities will undergo significant improvements, such as faster screen zooming, scrolling, and panning compared to its predecessors.
Meanwhile, additional reports claimed that the iPad Pro 2 specs might include water resistance and a thinner and lighter build with the absence of the standard 3.5mm headphone port, the same feature highlighted in Apple's iPhone 7.
With the bigger and faster iPad Pro 2 12.9 inch and 10.5 inch, the company is expected to target and appeal more to the industries, business-related and education sectors, placing Apple's tablet sales in dramatic increase by 2017.
