While the iPad Pro 2 lineup has been rumored to be part of the much-awaited Apple product launch in September, recent speculations point to a much later release date.
According to Apple Insider, a well-connected KGI analyst named Ming-Chi Kuo is claiming that the second-generation of iPad Pro 2 models will make it to consumers sometime in 2017.
Moreover, Kuo says that the Cuportino-based tech company is planning to release three models. He adds that aside from the traditional 12.9" iPad Pro 2 model, there will be an iPad Pro 2 with a new 10.5" screen and a new 9.7" iPad Pro version. While Kuo could not confirm his sources, he mentions in his report that the smaller iPad Pro could very well be a proper replacement for the iPad Air lineup, which has since halted with its second-generation model released in October 2014.
From the same report, Kuo claims that Apple will use its proprietary A10X chip that boasts a 10nm processing power manufactured by TSMC. The higher-powered processor will be available in both 10.5" and 12.9" variants, while the 9.7" iPad Pro mode is stuck with the A9X processor which is currently powering existing iPad models. In terms of hardware, Kuo shares that the new iPad Pro models will follow "a conservative hardware evolution" and will likely sport a design similar to those of their existing counterparts.
Tech insiders, however, are saying nay to said rumors. Those who were present at the Apple developer conference could remember the tech giant being tight-lipped about the upcoming devices. Value Walk has also added that, during the same conference, they have not heard of any details regarding the devices' release date or spec changes.
Despite these hardware and software refreshes, however, Kuo forecasts iPad sales to continue dropping until a proper product revamp, which he expects to happen in 2018. A report from Tech Radar points out a possible curved AMOLED display for the upcoming iterations of the iPad Pro line, the same display that is rumored to be featured in the eighth-generation iPhone. Apple has yet to confirm if there is any truth to these rumors and reports.
