A major iPad refresh is incoming, if the latest rumors are to be believed. On Monday morning, Japanese Apple blog Mac Otakara published a report claiming that Apple would launch three new iPad Pro models in spring 2017, including a 9.7-inch model.
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Citing reliable sources, the report says that the next flagship 12.9-inch iPad Pro will be equipped with a 12-megapixel iSight camera with True Tone flash, as well as a True Tone display, both of which are featured on the current 9.7-inch model.
The 7.9-inch iPad Pro, which will theoretically replace the iPad mini 4, is said to include all of the same features of the larger iPad Pro models: 12-megapixel camera, True Tone display, four speakers and a Smart Connector for accessories.
In addition to receiving a miniature model, the iPad Pro line will also feature a quad microphone setup as opposed to the dual microphones on the current models. Even more noteworthy: the sources say that Apple’s new iPad Pros will still have 3.5mm headphone jacks, despite the fact that Apple “courageously” removed them from the iPhone 7 line. This might be the most welcome surprise of all if true.
Back in August, Apple insider and KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo shared his own expectations for the future of the iPad line. His report also claims that Apple will launch three iPad Pros, but rather than a 7.9-inch mini model, Kuo believes Apple will instead unveil a mid-range 10.5-inch model.
Although the two reports have some fundamental differences, both suggest that we’ll be waiting until next year for any new iPad models.
