iPad Pro 2 release date, news, rumors: Next iPad Pro design to follow iPhone 7? Release expected in March 2017
The current iPad Pro was released by Apple almost a year ago, and the tech enthusiasts are expecting the Cupertino-based tech giant would soon release the next iteration of the device as it is already overdue. During the recently concluded Apple Event this October, several iPad followers were expecting that the company would mention the new iPad device, particularly the iPad Pro 2. Unfortunately, the hardware event focused on the new MacBook laptops, thus leaving the participants without any updates regarding the new iPad Pro design.
Mac World reported that Apple might not be intending to release the iPad Pro 2 this year. If anything, the iPad Pro 2 is slated to be released in March 2017. Apple first held a March hardware event this year, where the company unveiled the iPad Pro and the special iPhone SE model. This 2017, the company might also have their next press event in March as they showcase the new iPad Pro design.
Further supporting the March 2017 release of the iPad Pro is the leaked image reported by Apple Insider last July. The device in the leaked photo appears to be the new iPad Pro device, with supporting details revealing that the production of this still-unconfirmed Apple product would start in September this year. Based on this, the production and packaging of the iPad Pro 2 can be finished in the early part of 2017.
According to Tech Radar, the iPad Pro 2 will be sporting a slimmer and lighter design. Moreover, KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo already stated in his predictions earlier this year that the iPad Pro 2 will have three variants. These are the 12.9-inch model, the regular 10.5-inch variant and the smaller 9.7-inch model. The two larger variants will be the high-tier models, powered by the new A10X chipset, while the smallest variant will keep the current A9X processor.
It is also possible that the iPad Pro 2 will follow the footsteps of the new iPhone 7 design. For one, the iPad Pro 2 is likely to lose the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack just like the new iPhone did. Apple is also rumored to include the new dust and water resistant technology in their next iPad design.