Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) is expected to release a 9.7-inch iPad Pro 2 on March 21 instead of the rumored Air 3, iPhone 5se and a series of Apple watches. It was reported previously among tech circles that Apple would release an iPad Air 3 before 2016, but the company is all set to stun tech enthusiasts with the release of the new iPad Pro 2, which is touted as a successor to iPad Pro.
According to reports coming in, Apple will also release a 12.9-inch variant iPad Pro 2 in addition to the upcoming 9.7-inch device by the end of Q2 2016. Hence, the possibility of an iPad Air 3 shortly will be far from reality.
The demand for a mid-range tablet assumes great significance and few sources speculate that the company will update the iPad range by the end of 2016 although not yet confirmed. Expected to be equipped with the A9X processor, the new 9.7-inch model will have the same amount of RAM and will be available in 32GB, 64GB and 128GB capacities.
Moreover, you can also expect the addition of the quad stereo speakers which debuted last year. The display will have the same resolution as the previous iPads and will also provide support for Apple Pencil.
If rumors are to be believed, you can also expect an inclusion of a Smart Connector and Apple smart keyboard cover attachment. Internal reports emerge that these accessories are under the final stages of development and will be launched on March 21.
Among other things, the upcoming iPad Pro 2 to be released on March 21 will have LED flash on the primary camera, 4K display resolution, 4GB RAM and the migration of 3D Touch pressure-sensitive technology in iPhone to iPad. It won’t be surprising if Apple trims the thickness of the new iPad Air 2 considerably.
However, as per reports emerging from various quarters on the web, the new iPad Pro 2 will have same dimensions of the existing iPad Air 2 and will retain the thickness of 6.15mm and 169.6mm wide measurements. Most probably, the new device will be 0.05mm thicker than previous iPad models as revealed by a reputed website.
While the previous reports don’t confirm the addition of Apple Pencil, the latest news emerging from the Cupertino-based company is that Pencil will also be bundled with iPad Pro 2.