Ming-Chi Kuo: Apple to launch three new iPads in the second quarter of 2017

Yet another report claims that Apple is gearing up to release some iPads in April, and this time, the word is coming from the credible Mr. Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst for KGI Securities with an unbeatable track record of come-true Apple rumors. In his latest note to investors, Kuo suggests Apple is working on three new iPad Pro tablets – an updated 12.9-inch model, a 10.5-inch model with a narrow bezel, and a lower-priced 9.7-inch model. The first two ought to be powered by the A10X chipset, a more powerful version of the iPhone 7's processor. The 9.7-inch model will scale back to a modified version of the A9 chip powering the iPhone 6s.

Kuo believes that the 9.7-inch model will represent up to 60% of total iPad shipments this year. Despite overall shipments potentially dropping by 10% year-over-year, Kuo thinks the new models will get better average selling prices, therefore boosting revenue.

Nothing is mentioned of the iPad Mini in this and previous report. The fate of Apple's most portable tablet remains unclear. The Mini line hasn't been updated since 2015, and the current tablet in the line-up employs technology that's two generations older than what Apple currently has.

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