Apple to reportedly launch a 9.7-inch iPad Pro 2017 model next week

Apple has been tight-lipped about the details of its upcoming products. The company also hasn’t made any invitation to the media for a forthcoming launch event. Nevertheless, a new report suggests that Apple may hold a non-glitzy media conference next week and surprise fans with a new 9.7-inch iPad Pro 2017 model.

The new report suggests that the Cupertino, California-based tech giant could unveil a revamped 9.7-inch variant of its tablet PC as early as next week. While the new iPad Pro model may carry the same specs as the current version, the upcoming tablet is expected to be beefed up with the A10X chipset, the upgraded form of the iPhone 7’s A10 processor. Japanese site Macotakara first reported about the possible launch.

Earlier this week, MacRumors also reported that Apple could unveil a slew of new devices next week, citing “reliable supply chain analysts.” According to the report, the Mac maker is most likely to unveil the new batch of products around March 20 to 24. Unfortunately, no devices were specifically mentioned.

Previous reports likewise indicate that Apple is launching three new iPads in the coming weeks. The successors of the iPad Air, iPad Mini and the iPad Pro are supposedly going to retain the 3.5 mm headphone jack that Apple took away from its current smartphones, so fans should keep their fingers crossed for that.

The upcoming iPads are also to likely include an entry-level model that will target the education sector, which apparently considers the 12.9-inch iPad Pro as too pricey. The cost-effective iPad could reportedly sell for as low as US$299 (AU$395). In comparison, the current iPad Air 2 starts at US$399 (AU$527).

Insiders say that the iPad 2017 models could feature edge-to-edge designs. Apple would have to remove the Home button in order to achieve the near-borderless look. The next generation iPads are also reportedly going to come with 12 MP iSight primary cameras with True Tone flash, quad speakers, quad microphones, True Tone displays and the updated Apple Pencil stylus.

The company is also reportedly going to unveil a new iPhone together with the new iPad 2017 line-up at the supposed event, although it is not known yet if Apple is going to announce the iPhone 7s and 7s Plus, the iPhone 8 / Edition or a special tenth year anniversary iPhone, which has the unofficial iPhone X moniker. A refreshed iPhone SE is also said to be in the mix. See related stories below for updates about other upcoming Apple products.

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