Apple is likely to introduce a new 10.5-inch iPad Pro in 2017. It is also expected to bring ‘revolutionary’ changes in form factor and integrate flexible AMOLED panel in 2018 iPads.
The current iPad Pro lineup includes a 12.9-inch model and a smaller 9.7-inch alternative. But come next year, Apple will reportedly debut a new iPad Pro with 10.5-inch display to bridge the gap between the existing iPad Pro range. This piece of information comes from industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has a proven track record when it comes to Apple rumors.
In a note to investors, Kuo mentioned that Apple will release three iPads in 2017 — the 9.7-inch iPad model will be the ‘low-cost’ model, followed by the mid-range 10.5-inch model and the high-end 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2. The research note was obtained by AppleInsider, and while it talks about the introduction of new model, there is no mention about the fate of the existing 7.9-inch iPad mini or the 9.7-inch iPad Air.
Both the 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPads are expected to be powered by Apple’s A10X chipset made by TSMC and 10nm fabrication process. In the research note, Kuo has also talked about ‘revolutionary’ changes to the iPad’s design in 2018. Apple is likely to integrate a flexible AMOLED panel to offer “new selling points through radical form factor design and user behavior changes.”
In terms of iPad shipments, Kuo remains conservative by cutting his 2016 forecast from 45–50 million to 35–40 million, mostly due to lack of new models before the year end. Also, despite introducing refreshed models, Kuo expects iPad shipments to decline in 2017 as a part of general trends in the tablet market.
Apple is also set to refresh MacBook line with new design, three USB Type-C ports and OLED touch panel above the keyboard. The refreshed MacBooks are expected to be unveiled later this year.
Source: bgr.in
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