iPad Pro 2 release date, specs news: New iPad model to arrive early 2017

Many tech enthusiasts all over the world tuned in to the huge Apple event last Sept. 7 to know the latest device offerings of the company. The public was in for a treat as the Cupertino-based tech giant finally unveiled the iPhone 7 smartphones and the Apple Watch Series 2. However, it was noticeable that Apple did not mention the other devices rumored to get refreshed this year, specifically the iPad Pro.

According to Yibada, the iPad Pro 2 is likely to be released in the later part of 2016, possibly being launched along with the iPhone 7 and Apple Watch 2 this month. Unfortunately for those who expected a new iPad Pro model last Sept. 7, Apple did not unveil a new tablet. To recall, Apple unveiled the 12.9-inch iPad Pro tablet last September 2015, thus making the tech enthusiasts expect that the next iteration of the device will also arrive in September this year.

Nevertheless, the iPad Pro 2 is still a go in spite of being a no-show at the previous Apple Event, that is according to the latest rumors surfacing on the internet. For one, Mac Rumors cited the predictions of a known tech analyst of KGI Securities, Ming Chi Kuo. The renowned tech leaker claimed that the iPad Pro will come in three variants early next year. These are the brand new 10.5-inch iPad Pro, a smaller 9.7-inch version, and finally, the much-anticipated 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2.

"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," Kuo stated in his notes. Furthermore, the all-new iPad Pro 2 will be using the A10X processor, along with the 10.5-inch iPad Pro. The smaller iPad, on the other hand, will adopt the A9X processor.

Other rumored specs of the iPad Pro 2 include a 12 MP iSight camera and a 5 MP front of selfie camera, both in HD and enhanced with 4K video recording feature. As for the iPad Pro 2's appearance, it is more likely that will be sporting a thinner and lighter design compared to its predecessor. Like the iPhone 7 that lose its traditional 3.5 mm headphone jack, the iPad Pro 2 may also follow the wireless headphone trend.