No iPad Mini 5 2017 Release, Instead Apple Will Expand iPad Pro Line to 3 Variants?

Like the iPhone SE, Apple is reportedly not releasing an upgrade for the iPad Mini 4 in 2017. For its tablet lineup, the tech giant's focus will be on the iPad Pro, which according to new reports will be expanded by next year. Joining the current 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch form factors is a 10.9-inch iPad Pro.

MacRumors reported that while the iPad Mini 4 will continue to sit on store shelves a refresh will not happen in 2017. Pointing to new information provided by Barclays Research, the report said that Apple will classify its tablet line into two categories - low cost and premium.

The former will consist of the Mini 4 that likely will be discounted next year and a refreshed 9.7-inch iPad Pro, which also will carry a lower sticker price relative to the introductory price of the first version. Barclays' reading on the matter somehow agrees with the earlier forecast issued by well-known Apple watcher Ming-chi Kuo - that the iPad Mini 4 will extend its status as Apple's flagship compact tablet.

As for the premium iPad Pro, the 12.9-inch build will get a second version and will be joined by a 10.9-inch form factor. The latter, according to Barclays will be the same device size as that of the 9.7-inch Pro as the screen will stretch near to the four edges.

"That means the display itself will need to have an edge-to-edge design, possibly signaling the removal of the Home button," MacRumors said, referring to the same redesign rumored for the next iPhone or iPhone 8.

But unlike the iPhone 7, which jettisoned the 3.5mm audio jack, the next iPad Pros will retain the sound port, the report added. The Barclays report predicted too that from the dual microphone set up intro with the first iPad Pro, Apple will go for the quad setting and will apply for all models.

And as the flagship model of the line, MacRumors said that the biggest iPad Pros will get a significant camera bump starting with the rear shooter getting a 12-megapixel sensor.

It is unlikely though that the rumored switch to OLED for the iPhone 8 next year will extend to the premium iPad Pro. Apple is planning for OLED to become the front panel standard for all iOS devices but the iPad will only join the club starting in 2018, Kuo said.

Apple will reportedly introduce all three iPad Pro models in March 2017 with the release likely to follow immediately.