Ming-Chi Kuo: Apple to launch three new iPad Pro tablets in 2017, radically changed iPad in 2018

Renowned KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo issued a new research note, hinting towards the launch of three new Apple iPad tablets next year. According to his connections, Apple is preparing a second-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2, a 10.5-inch iPad Pro, and an entry-level 9.7-inch iPad Pro. Kuo expects Apple will deploy a new A10X processor in the 12.9-inch and 10.5-inch versions, along with the current iPad Pro's A9X chipset for the 9.7-inch tablet. The latter could be the same iPad Pro (9.7-inch) we already have, but at a reduced price.

Looking further ahead, the analyst expects a much different iPad in 2018, one that features a flexible AMOLED display, a new form factor, and "user behavior changes." It will probably be modeled after the 2018 iPhone, which is also speculated to have radical design and functionality changes.

Although Kuo predicts a continued decline in iPad shipments, he believes the 10.5-inch iPad Pro could strike a chord with users looking for a balance between portability and functionality. It offers more screen real estate than the 9.7-inch model, but remains relatively portable unlike the larger 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which might be slim and refined, but still has the footprint of a laptop.

We'll see what Apple has in store for the tablet that started it all next year.

source: MacRumors