Analysts from an unnamed research firm (anonymity requested) claimed earlier this week that Apple could launch new products as early as next week, between Monday March 20 and Friday March 24, 2017. While the firm did not disclose the type of product, there’s enough evidence to suggest that it will be the three iPad Pro models we’ve been hearing about from top analysts and other sources over the past several months.
Mac Otakara, for example, said last month that Apple will be hosting a launch event in March, where it will unveil the new iPad Pro line of tablets, a 128GB variant of iPhone SE and some new Apple Watch bands. In addition, there was to be a (PRODUCT)RED for the current iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, basically a new color option.
No invites have yet been sent to the media as of today, Saturday March 18, so we’re still not sure whether that’s happening or not. Apple typically sends out media invites a week and a half before the event, but we’ve heard nothing so far. They could be looking at a shorter notice period this time, but that’s an assumption at best.
We know that there’s a Spring 2017 event planned by Apple, so one of three things could happen:
- Apple sends out a short-notice media invite for an end-of-March event
- No event in March, but possibly in April
- No event for the launch, but it will come out as a press release
Some sources have indicated delays with shipping out the 10.5-inch iPad Pro this year, so it’s even possible that Apple will delay the entire event beyond Spring 2017. One rumor based its April 4 estimate on the Personal Pickup timeline for the 12.9-inch variant of the new iPad Pro, but that date is also fluid, currently showing April 10 as the pickup date.
As for the features on the new range of iPad Pro, the 10.5-inch model is expected to have a footprint similar to the 9.7-inch variant, and the slimmer bezels could account for that. Since it may not come with a physical home button, the design elements are expected to be very similar to iPhone Edition, known by other names like iPhone 8, iPhone X and Ferrari.
The new tablets have various other rumors attached to them, such as quad speakers on the 10.5-inch model, and a 12MP rear camera and True Tone display on the 12.9-inch variant.
We should hear something early next week about the event itself, if there is one, so stay tuned.
Thanks for reading our work! Please bookmark 1redDrop.com to keep tabs on the hottest, most happening tech and business news from around the world. On Apple News, please favorite the 1redDrop channel to get us in your news feed.
