Is Apple planning an iPad refresh with three new Pro devices?

7 Oct 2016

Pro is the way to go as Apple plans three new iPad Pro devices for a spring reveal. Image: Mark Herman/Shutterstock

Apple is understood to be preparing its spring wardrobe earnestly, with three new iPad devices, including an iPad Pro 2, on the way.

The iPad line-up still represents 10pc of Apple’s overall revenues and is a treasured member of the Apple family, as the company takes considerable pride in it.

Last year, Apple revealed the 12.9in iPad Pro with Pencil, followed by a 9.7in version earlier this year.

Various reports suggest that the new iPad Pro 2 will come with an A10X chip that will lead to a 20pc increase in performance, which would be ideal with apps for professionals, such as Microsoft Office.

Spring forward

Other rumours point to the 9.7in version being increased in size to 10.1in, while there is also speculation that Apple is working on an iPad Pro Mini.

According to iTech Post, the three new Pro models are due to arrive in March next year.

It points to speculation by KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo that the long-awaited Air 3 might be replaced with the entry-level Pro.

It also cited a report from Macotakara, which quoted that the Mini 4 will have a Pro successor with a Smart Connector and 4-speaker audio.

Certainly, the benefits of Apple’s latest A10 processor in terms of power, graphics and sound, as well as the removal of the headphone jack, signal that these changes are likely to find their way to Apple’s iPad line-up.

But as usual, only Apple really knows.

Apple Store. Image:Max Herman/Shutterstock

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com