iPad Pro 2 release date, news, rumors: Apple to release iPad Pro 2 to rival Microsoft's Surface Pro 5 in 2017

If the latest rumors are anything to go by, it appears that Apple is planning to pit the next iteration of iPad Pro against Microsoft's upcoming Surface Pro 5. However, the iPad Pro 2 is not expected to arrive this year, as it is more likely that the Cupertino-based tech giant's next big gadget will go against the next Surface hybrid tablet in the early months of 2017.

Apple has not yet officially announced the existence of the iPad Pro 2, although it is highly speculated that the next look of the device will be seen in the coming months. Also, other sources online have been reporting that the iPad Pro 2 is indeed happening. In fact, there have been leaked images of the iPad Pro 2 and were shared online. Apple Insider featured some of the alleged iPad Pro 2 images, with the prototype device being tagged as MH1C2CD/F. This code is not yet assigned to any existing Apple devices as of today, raising the speculations that the image is that of the new iPad Pro. 

The leaked images reveal that the iPad Pro 2 might be sporting 12 GB internal storage, although this may be true for one variant. Moreover, the prototype device is seen to be running the iOS 10.  Meanwhile, Yibada reported that the new iPad Pro is expected to match, or even surpass the features of the 9.7-inch variant of the first iPad Pro, sporting a 12-megapixel camera with the iSight capability. It is also expected to have at least 4K video recording and live photo captures. 

According to The Bitbag, it is possible that Apple to will the iPad Pro 2 against Microsoft's Surface Pro 5 in the early part of next year. The Redmond-based tech giant was rumored to launch the Surface Pro 5 this year, but the recent reports suggest that the hybrid tablet may be postponed for early 2017 release. This is because the processors to be used in the device are not yet shipped, and the chipsets are not expected to be ready until late 2016 or the first portion of 2017. The rumored chipset is none other than Intel's next generation of processor, Kaby Lake.