iPad Pro 2 release date, specs news 2016: Water-resistant iPad to be released in 3 variants

Miguel Salonga Friday, September 16, 2016

Apple is surely having a very busy year ahead of them. Aside from the recently confirmed devices from the Cupertino-based tech giant, iPhone 7 and Apple Watch Series 2, it is rumored that Apple is about to unveil its refreshed iPad and MacBook line. Specifically, the rumors are rife that the next iteration of the iPad Pro will be seen in the coming months.

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

During the Sept. 7 Apple Event, the participants were kind of hoping that the company will finally showcase the iPad Pro 2. There were rumors running for a long time that claim the arrival of the new iPad Pro this year. Unfortunately, the said event was primarily focused on the iPhone 7, Apple Watch Series 2 and the full version of iOS 10. In spite of this, not all hope is lost for the iPad Pro 2 as Apple might be having another event to unveil the device.

Even without a confirmed release date, there are rumors claiming that the iPad Pro 2 will be following the trend set by the iPhone 7. One of the possible highlights of the iPad upgrade is the water-resistant technology. According to Yibada, the iPad Pro 2 might just be the first from its line to be water-resistant. Also, the iPad Pro 2 might also adapt the wireless headphones already introduced by the iPhone 7. The Apple tablet can be expected to be lighter and thinner than its predecessors, having omitted the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.

Meanwhile, according to Mobile N Apps, the water-resistant iPad Pro 2 will come in three variants. The public can choose from the 12.9-inch, 10.5-inch, and the base 9.7-inch variant of iPad Pro. The 12.9-inch size is similar to the iPad released last September 2015, while the smaller 10.5-inch version is a new addition. Meanwhile, the 9.7-inch is a budget variant of the iPad Pro 2, similar to the small iPad Pro released in March 2016.

A well-known tech watcher and analysts from KGI Securities, Ming Chi Kuo, has previously supported the existence of the smaller iPad Pro 2 variants. Also, he is more inclined to expect the new iPad Pro's arrival early next year. The iPad Pro 2 is likely to be launched in March 2017, MacRumors reported.

"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," stated Kuo in his notes.

"As a result, we expect Apple to launch a 10.5" iPad Pro in 2017. In addition, we estimate the 12.9" iPad Pro 2 and 10.5" iPad Pro will adopt the A10X processor, with TSMC being the sole supplier using 10 nm process technology. The low-cost 9.7' model may adopt the A9X processor, which is also exclusively supplied by TSMC," Kuo continued.