Even though iPad sales have been slumping for years now, Tim Cook and Apple remain committed to the tablet form factor. According to various reports we’ve seen over the past few months, Apple has plans to release three brand new iPad models in 2017, including a refreshed 9.7-inch iPad model, a revamped 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and a completely new 10.5-inch iPad that will reportedly feature an edgeless display.
With Apple predictably remaining quiet on the matter, various sources have suggested that Apple may hold a special media event where it will introduce new iPads as soon as March. Interestingly enough, a fresh report from Steve Sande of Apple World Today suggests that the rumored event may take place on Tuesday, April 4.
By looking at various availability dates for the iPad Pro, Sande noticed an interesting pattern, namely that April 4 was listed as the first date of availability for all incarnations of color, storage and connectivity. Sande also suspects that the event may take place at the 1,000-seat Steve Jobs theater at Apple’s new spaceship campus, which coincidentally enough, is slated to open in early April.
We’ve been hearing recurring rumors that a new 12.9-inch iPad Pro, a possible 10.5-inch iPad Pro, a revised 9.7-inch model to replace the iPad Air 2, and even a 7.9-inch iPad mini update might be announced soon. Perhaps Apple’s event is scheduled for Tuesday, April 4, meaning that the new device would have “same day” availability after an announcement.
This makes sense for one more reason as well. At Apple’s last event at 1 Infinite Loop, Tim Cook noted that it would be the last one at the current Apple headquarters. We now know that Apple Park is scheduled to open in April, 2017. It could be that Apple will have the reveal of the new iPad lineup in the 1,000-seat Steve Jobs Theater onsite.
The rumored event date is obviously circumstantial, but with Apple rumored to be holding an event sometime in March or April, the April 4th date is certainly conceivable.
As for what Apple’s new iPad lineup will bring to the table, all three devices will reportedly boast new A10X processors along with a stationary home button similar to what Apple introduced on the iPhone 7.
