Despite the release of an updated 9.7” iPad model last week, multiple sources are suggesting that the much-rumoured 10.5” iPad Pro may still be just around the corner. A new report in Forbes cited IHS Markit analyst Rhoda Alexander indicating that the production of the new 10.5” iPad Pro model is expected to commence this month, although she noted that an April launch “still looks somewhat tentative.” This is largely due to the expectation of limited initial production, but Alexander suggests that Apple could do a limited initial launch in a few countries as the company has sometimes done in the past, expanding further “as volume allows.”
MacRumors was also told by “a person with sources within Apple’s supply chain” that a spring launch of the 10.5” iPad Pro still seems to be on the table, with new iPad models basically being released “in a staggered fashion” and adding that “The supply chain is pretty clear that it is coming, maybe as soon as April.” However, other analysts told MacRumors that a fall launch is more likely, especially if volume production has yet to begin.