Leaked computer screenshot points to June launch for 10.5-inch Apple iPad Pro

A leaked computer screenshot allegedly showing inventory of Urban Armor Gear iPad Pro cases, could be giving us an important clue as to when the rumored 10.5-inch version of the tablet will be launched. Look closely at the image, which comes from an unknown Apple reseller, and you'll see three cases for the 10.5-inch Apple iPad Pro that will be available in June. But wait! Apple doesn't have such a version of its top-of-the-line tablet, at least not yet. But if this screenshot is legit, it would appear that this will change some time next month.

Even as far back as last August, KGI's super Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that Apple would be releasing a 10.5-inch version of the iPad Pro, powered by the A10X chipset. The yet to be announced tablet is rumored to have the thinnest bezels ever seen on an iPad, as all four edges of the screen extend nearly to the four edges of the slate. This allows Apple to give consumers a larger screen even though the whole tablet is the same size as the 9.7-inch iPad Pro.

Just as with the Apple iPhone 8, there is a big question about the placement of Touch ID. If the iPad Pro 10.5 features an edge-to-edge screen, or something close to that, there might not be room for a button. In that case, we're back to talk of a fingerprint scanner embedded under the screen. That would be just fine except that Apple is reportedly having problems with the technology. And unlike the Apple iPhone 8, where plan "B" is to place the Touch ID button on the back of the device, that wouldn't work on the iPad Pro.

So for now, it would seem the best game plan is to sit back and wait to see what Apple decides to do with Touch ID when the 10.5-inch iPad Pro is unveiled. With that leaked computer screenshot revealing that the new UAG cases for the slate will be ready in June, Apple could introduce the iPad Pro 10.5 at WWDC. The annual developers' convention starts June 5th and ends June 9th.

source: BGR