Apple seems to be working double time to present a number of impressive devices come 2017. Aside from the rumored iPhone 8, Apple will possibly release at least one new iPad next year.
According to rumors, Apple's new tablets will get a major redesign starting with the ditching of the home button.
One of Apple's most familiar and popular symbols is the now-iconic home button. To get rid of this is something that has not been met with open arms. However, the idea that Apple will be replacing the home button with an integrated one is something that piques the interest of many.
According to MacOtakara, a Japanese blog dedicated to everything Apple, at least one of the company's yet-to-be released tablets will be all screen. Business Insider suggests Apple could possibly place the home button at the back of the device. It also speculated that this could be done with the iPhone 8 which is also rumored to be getting rid of the home button. This has been done before with some Android devices.
Another possible move by Apple is to integrate or embed the button in the display, as mentioned above. This will turn the physical home button into a "virtual button".
One of the technologies behind home button-less devices will likely be the recently patented Touch ID Fingerprint Sensor. Apple applied for the patent in October.
A set of recent rumors indicate that Apple is planning on releasing not just one but possibly three new iPads. According to the rumor, Apple is developing a 10.5-inch version of the iPad to compete with the popular large tablets in the market. This iPad variant will sport the A10X processor which Apple itself developed. The previous device to have the said processor was the 12.9-inch iPad Pro which is considered a high end tablet. Another rumor says a 10.9-inch or even a thicker 12.9-inch tablet is also on the way.
The new iPads will come out in the first half of 2017, if rumors prove true.
