2017 IPAD?

Apple may be planning a new iPad range, which could include a brand-new screen size, in 2017.

You’re forgiven if the Apple iPad has slipped your mind. Apple hasn’t treated its tablet line with the same excitement as the iPhone for a while, and those who already own an iPad are usually pretty happy to continue using the one they have, without upgrading it regularly.

Get ready for something new in 2017, though, as rumors are spreading that we’ll see three new full-size iPad models introduced, including one with a new screen size. A new Apple Pencil stylus and a new iPad Mini may also join them.

More: iPhone 7S and iPhone 8 rumors

Here’s everything we think we know about Apple’s 2017 iPad range so far:

Release date

On March 21, 2016, Apple held an event where it introduced the iPhone SE and the 9.7-inch iPad Pro. When will we see the new 2017 iPad range? There have been conflicting rumors, covering March and April 2017. The latest rumors, at least when it comes to the 10.5-inch iPad Pro, indicate the device will launch at an event in early April. That report comes from Digitimes, which notes that previous reports indicated the iPad wouldn’t be ready until May or June. Digitimes also notes that actual production of the new iPad has been moved up till March, citing manufacturers in Taiwan.

Previous rumors suggested that the devices will launch between March 20 and 24. That report comes from MacRumors, which cites unnamed “reputable supply chain analysts.” It did not seem as though Apple would launch the devices during an event — we haven’t heard of invitations being sent out to media just yet. Instead, the company may simply update its website with a new slew of iPads.

Apple has been expected to update its iPad range fairly soon, with previous speculation placing the event at the beginning of April. There was no anonymous source behind this April rumor — it was based on the Apple Store’s availability date for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which is on order until April 4. Could this be around the same time as a possible iPad event? Apple often announces new iPad models with same-day availability, so it’s a possibility. Apple’s flashy new Apple Park campus will also open in April, which seems like perfect timing for any iPad event to be held there.

The first rumors told us the company would hold an event in March 2017, where it may bring the iPad Pro 2 in a new 10.5-inch size, plus an updated version of the iPhone SE with more internal storage space. Of course, just because the company announces new products in March, that doesn’t mean that they’ll actually ship in March. On the contrary, a report from Digitimes indicates that the new 10.5-inch and the 12.9-inch iPads won’t ship until May or June, while the 9.7-inch will likely ship a little closer to the event.

Apple iPad 9.7-inch

An iPad with a 9.7-inch screen has been a staple of the range since its beginning, and the screen size is currently used on the smaller Pro model and the iPad Air 2. However, Apple is rumored to introduce a new 9.7-inch version at a lower price. This spot in the range is occupied by the iPad Air 2 at the moment, but it was introduced at the end of 2014, so is certainly ready for an upgrade.

There’s confusion about the name. It may not retain the Air title at all and simply be known as the iPad, making the distinction between the Air and Pro versions a little clearer. Analyst Ming Chi Quo at KGI Securities, who regularly makes predictions about Apple’s hardware plans, says the new 9.7-inch iPad will be a big seller, potentially responsible for up to 60 percent of all iPad sales.

Reports dating back to October 2016 say an iPad Air 3 may arrive in March 2017, which continue to spread now. Some say it may be the last Air-branded tablet from Apple. It was also speculated the tablet would have a thinner body, perhaps down to just 5mm, an Apple A9X processor, and a pair of cameras. Additionally, water and dust resistance was mentioned, along with a higher resolution screen.

What about the 9.7-inch iPad Pro? There’s a chance it may be replaced in the range by a new iPad, with a slightly larger screen.

Apple iPad Pro 2 10.5-inch

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