iPad Pro 2 release date, specs rumors: Rumored tablet upgrade to launch in Spring 2017 alongside the iOS 10.3?

The iPad Pro 2 has been the subject of speculations ever since rumors about its possible 2017 release began. Now that the iOS 10.3 is reportedly launching around March or April, will the much-anticipated Apple tablet finally be unveiled as well?

The Cupertino-based tech company has a habit of debuting a new operating system along with a new device, and reports of the iOS 10.3's arrival has also given rise to speculations that Apple's upcoming software could also come with the iPad Pro 2, according to TechRadar.

Earlier last year, leaked photos that allegedly featured the iPad Pro 2, and which were sent to Apple Insider, inspired ideas that the upcoming tablet may come at a slimmer, lighter, water-resistant slate minus the headphone port. However, there is also the contradicting possibility that the iPad Pro 2 could get thicker. The 12.9-inch variant is specifically rumored to get an additional 3 mm, which would make it about 9.9 mm thicker.

Since Apple has recently removed the 3.5 mm headphone jack from their latest smartphone, the iPhone 7, rumors have been circulating that the same will be true for the company's next device offerings, including the iPad Pro 2.

The upcoming tablet is also rumored to come in three different size variants: a 9.7-inch, a 12.9 inch and new middle range model with a display that may measure from 10.1 to 10.9 inches. The 10-inch iPad Pro 2 is expected to feature an edge-to-edge and almost bezel-free display with an actual body size that matches that of the 9.7-inch model.

This rumored spec has branched out to another rumor that says the 9.7-inch iPad Pro may be replaced by the upcoming 10-inch variant. However, Apple may just keep the 9.7-inch model around as a low-cost table option for consumers who may not want to shell out a fortune on an Apple tablet.

Most recent rumors are pointing to spring 2017 as the most likely release date for the iPad Pro 2. However, it may possibly be delayed to a summer 2017 release with rumors that the Taiwan-based chip manufacturing company, which is reportedly making the chips for the tablet, has been seeing lower than expected yields in chip production.

It is always still best to wait for an official announcement from Apple regarding a possible iPad Pro 2 release this year.