14 DAY TRIAL // Apple is expected to launch new iPads in the coming weeks, but while rumors swirl around the new lineup that the company could unveil, a launch even hasn't been confirmed yet.
Based on the previous rumors, Apple could launch as many as four new iPads at an event that is likely to be held in April: a new 10.5-inch flagship iPad Pro, a successor to the current 9.7-inch iPad Pro model, a refreshed 12.9-inch model, as well as an affordable 7.9-inch iPad mini.
We now have more info on one of the iPads that are rumored to be unveiled in April, specifically the 9.7-inch iPad Pro 2. According to Japanese blog Macotakara, Apple will launch an iterative version of the current 9.7-inch iPad Pro model.
An iterative version means that there won't be much changes when it comes to hardware or design, which in turn will reduce production costs. The fact that the new 9.7-inch iPad Pro 2 won't cost too much to produce might also lead to a lower retail price, but we wouldn't bet on that since we're talking about Apple here.
The new iPad tablet could be announced as early as next week
An affordable 9.7-inch iPad Pro is quite possible and has been rumored for quite some time, as Apple analyst KGI predicted the Cupertino company might launch such a product this year.
Macotakara claims the only major improvement of the 9.7-inch iPad Pro 2 over the predecessor will be the addition of an A10X chip to offer better COU and graphics performance.
The design will remain the same, which means current accessories that have been specially developed for the 9.7-inch iPad Pro (Smart Keyboard, Apple Pencil) could work on the upcoming iterative iPad model as well.
One other interesting aspect mentioned by the Japanese blog is the fact that Apple could launch this rather affordable 9.7-inch iPad Pro sometime next week, not at a dedicated event in April. Well, we're going to find out if it's true or not in just one week.