14 DAY TRIAL // Apple is now finalizing a new-generation iPad Pro, and by the looks of things, the company will take the wraps off it in just a few weeks, with speculation now pointing to a WWDC release, despite the obvious software nature of the event.
Reputable Apple analyst house KGI says that Cupertino will introduce the new iPad Pro in June ahead of the start of sales later that month or in early July, while mass production is projected to begin in late Q2.
The new iPad Pro will be designed from the very beginning to compete against Microsoft’s Surface Pro, and Apple is hoping to benefit from the fact that its Redmond-based software rival has been resting on its laurels and attract buyers looking for a new-generation device.
Microsoft hasn’t launched a new Surface Pro model since October 2015, and a small refresh, most likely consisting of hardware upgrades, is likely to be introduced on May 23 in Shanghai.
Bezel-less design
Apple’s new iPad Pro will feature a 10.5-inch display, up from the 9.7-inch screen that it currently uses, but the parent company is believed to be planning an approach that will be similar to what it aims to do with the new-generation iPhone, possibly called iPhone 8, due in September.
Apple wants the new iPad Pro to come without any bezels, which basically means that the bigger display can be fitted inside almost the same body as the 9.7-inch model. This would give Apple a major advantage over the Surface Pro in the 2-in-1 battle, especially if the May 23 unveiling doesn’t bring any other upgrade for Microsoft customers than hardware.
By keeping the same chassis size, Apple hopes the iPad Pro would appeal to customers looking for productivity on the go, which is the exact same thing that Microsoft has been going after from the very beginning with the Surface Pro lineup.
Analysts expect Apple to sell around 6 million new iPad Pro units this year alone, which would give the company an important boost in the race against Microsoft’s Surface Pro.
On the other hand, Microsoft seems to be losing ground a little bit given the lack of product refreshes, but an update on how the software giant sees the fiercer competition from Apple will be provided next week in Shanghai.