There have been several reports on the forthcoming launch of Apple's triplet of new iPad Pro models in March. This includes the bezel-free 10.9-inch model, a group of Barclays analysts Blayne Curtis and Christopher Hemmelgarn, said earlier this month. A note was distributed to clients during their trip to Asia. Also included are refreshed 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch versions.
Expect New IPads With 'Borderless' Screens
Reports also say that the 10.9-inch model will have a 9.7-inch footprint without a Home button. A top bezel will stay in order to make space for the front-facing FaceTime camera and the bottom bezel will be curtailed, according to supply chain sources. Apple could replace the physical Home button with either on-screen panels or an in-screen Home key expected to appear on the iPhone 8 in 2017.
As for the thickness, rumor has it that the 10.9-inch model will also be a little bit thicker at 7.5mm, which is a similar depth as the original iPad Air. The existing 9.7-inch iPad Pro measures 6.1mm thick. The next and the largest iPad,12.9-inch model will also be 0.3mm thicker at 7.2mm, while a rumored 7.9-inch iPad Pro will allegedly likely have the same dimensions as the iPad mini 4, MacRumors writes.
New IPad Launch Lines Up With Predictions
Several rumors have also pointed towards a new iPad in the 10-inch range, but the exact screen size has varied in each report. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted a10.5 inches, while an earlier Mac Otakara report said 10.1 inches. Mac Otakara and Barclays now seem to settle on 10.9 inches. Likewise, the 10.9-inch iPad Pro will sport quad microphones, compared to the dual-microphone system on existing iPad Pro models, and retain a 3.5mm headphone jack, as per Mac Otakara.
Furthermore, Kuo anticipates iPads to flaunt new OLED screen technology, which has superior color and quality, in 2018, instead of next year. At present, iPads come in three sizes: the iPad Mini, with a 7.9-inch screen; the classic iPad, with a 9.7-inch screen; and the biggest iPad, the iPad Pro, which sports a 12.9-inch screen, says Business Insider.
