iPad Pro release date, specs news update: Apple to launch iPad Pro in 2017 and 2018?

A new report currently making rounds online suggests that Apple is planning to launch two iPad Pro models next year and predicts the adoption of a new display technology by the Cupertino-based giant for the tablet's 2018 lineup.

Reputable KGI analyst and industry leakster Ming-Chui Kuo predicts the launch of a midsized 10.5-inch iPad Pro alongside a 12.9-inch unit and a budget 9.7-inch iPad Pro model. Moreover, Kuo also thinks that the tech giant is bound to incorporate active matrix organic light-emitting diode technology to its 2018 iPad Pro series.

"We expect three new iPads (12.9" iPad Pro 2, new size 10.5" iPad Pro & low-cost 9.7" iPad) to be launched in 2017, though this may not drive shipment growth amid structural headwinds; 2017F shipments to fall 10-20% YoY. 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. As a result, we expect Apple to launch a 10.5" iPad Pro in 2017," Kuo said via a report by MacRumors.

So far, no updates about the existing 7.9-inch iPad mini is mentioned in Kuo's prognosis. As MacRumors reported, the sliding demand for smaller tablets may have been partly caused by the influx of newer iPhone models sporting larger screen displays.

As for the 2018 lineup, Apple will also implement a slew of radical changes that will make the iPad a truly "revolutionary" product. This also implies a massive migration to AMOLED display, flexible display, and other interface upgrades for products including future generations of iPhones.

Meanwhile, another analyst pointed out that Kuo's report on the rumored 10.5-inch iPad Pro model is actually fit for non-mass consumers like the government and businesses. This provides a good fallback for the company amid a global slump in tech demand from the retail side.

"Apple is stronger in the enterprise market with its devices than it is with consumers," said Forrester analyst Frank Gillett in a report by New York Times.

This preference for Apple devices by enterprises is also reflected in a recent enterprise survey conducted by Tech Pro research, as reported by ZDNet. When it comes to mobile security, 51 percent of the business respondents gave Apple's iPhone an excellent or good rating compared to Samsung's 30 percent.