A new report from Macotakara claims Apple’s 2017 line of iPad Pros will add a 7.9” mini version and increase the size of the 9.7” model to 10.1”. The story says a new 12.9” model will also be equipped with the 12 megapixel camera and True Tone flash from the current 9.7” model. The 7.9” model is said to include the improved camera and the standard Smart Connector seen on previous iPad Pros. All of the tablets will feature four microphones instead of the previous two, and sport the True Tone display that offers higher levels of brightness and a wider color display.
The new report agrees with an August report from well-connected KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo which said there would be three new iPad models in 2017, but it differs on key points. Kuo said the smaller iPad Pro was growing to 10.5” instead of 10.1” and predicted that Apple would be offering some kind of lower-cost alternative at the 9.7” size. Kuo also predicted much bigger things for the iPad line in 2018, claiming Apple is working on a flexible AMOLED display and dramatic chassis redesign for the device in 2018, following a predicted drastic overhaul to the iPhone expected in 2017.
