A new iteration of the iPad Pro is expected in 2017, but recent reports suggest that it is actually coming in three sizes - 12.9-, 10.1- and 7.9-inch models.
There are conflicting reports about the three iPad Pros in 2017, but they all point to the same conclusion: Apple is planning to release an iPad Pro 2, an entry level 10.1-inch iPad Pro and a mini tablet that may well be called the iPad Mini Pro.
No More iPad Air 3?
The iPad Pro 2 is mostly expected. But, what people are talking about is the iPad Air 3 that might be replaced with the entry-level iPad Pro. This year saw the Cupertino-based company launching an iPad Pro that is the same size as the Air, sparking rumors that they are effectively axing the old lineup in favor of the Pro lineup.
This speculation by KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, however, would mean that Apple is still thinking to launch a new tablet that is going to serve as their entry-level device.
iPad Mini 5 to Reborn as iPad Mini Pro
A report from Macotakara, which cited sources, claimed that the iPad Mini 4 will have a Pro successor with a Smart Connector and 4-speaker audio. If the rumors are to be believed, the iPad Mini Pro should also sport a True Tone display and True Tone flash.
The sources further revealed that all iPad Pro models coming in spring 2017 will still feature the 3.5mm headphone jack, which was absent in the recently launched iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. All three should also be upgraded with four microphones from the previous two.
This is in contrast with Kuo's prediction reported by 9to5Mac, which indicated that a 10.5-inch, not 10.1-inch, iPad Pro is going to be released with the other two size options.
Nonetheless, these all remain as rumors for now. Apple has the final word and consumers may have to wait until March 2017 to get official news.
