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iPad Pro 2 release date, specs rumors: Water-resistant iPad Pro scheduled to arrive spring 2017?

Given that the first iPad Pro, the iPad Pro 12.9, was released back in September 2015, it's unsurprising that Apple fans are already talking about the imminent release of a possible iPad Pro 2.

The existing iPad Pro was revealed during an Apple media event on Sept. 9, 2015. | Reuters/Beck Diefenbac

At its launch, the original iPad Pro had a huge 12.9-inch screen, a powerful A9X chip, and support for the Apple Pencil stylus. But in March 2016, Apple unveiled another iPad Pro, a smaller and better model with a 9.7-inch screen, a wide color True Tone display, and all the perks that the iPad Pro 12.9 came with.

Now, various sources claim that a new large-screen iPad Pro is coming and that it will replace both the 12.9-inch and the 9.7-inch iPad Pros. Tech Radar also notes that the rumored iPad Pro 2 will neither be a 12.9-inch tablet nor a 9.7-inch variant.

Regarding its release date, MacWorld speculates that Apple could either continue with its style of updating half of the Pro models in autumn and the other half in spring. It could also unify both update events into one launch, possibly in autumn.

Nonetheless, the website says that the iPad Pro 2 probably won't be unveiled at Apple's September 2016 event and that they do not expect the rumored new iPad Pro to launch before 2017.

In terms of specs rumors, PC Advisor UK suggests that the iPad Pro 2 specifications will at least match those of the iPad Pro 9.7. This means that it will likely come with at least a 12-megapixel iSight camera with True Tone flash and Live Photos, a 5-megapixel FaceTime HD camera, and 4K video recording capabilities. But, as with all Apple products, the possible new iPad Pro 2 should also come with features not seen in previous models of the tablet. The website notes that this could mean that the iPad Pro 2 could have an all-new processor.

PC Advisor UK also speculates that the iPad Pro 2 will likely come in Rose Gold, the color variant now available in most of Apple's latest products, including the MacBook and the iPhone.

Meanwhile, Tech Radar reports that the hottest iPad Pro 2 specs rumors include water resistance, the absence of a standard 3.5mm headphone port, and a slimmer and lighter build.

Apple has not announced an official release date for the rumored iPad Pro 2.