Size of Apple's New 'High End' iPad Pro Model Said to be Between 10 and 10.5-Inches

[MacRumors]

Noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has released a new research report underlining his expectations for the future of Apple's iPad line-up, with slightly revised predictions for a new "high-end" middle-size tablet to be released later this year.

According to Kuo, Apple is planning to introduce three iPads in 2017: a 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2 and a "low-cost" 9.7-inch iPad, along with a new bezel-free, mid-size model in the range of between 10 and 10.5 inches.

We note the 12.9" model will be the second generation of the existing 12.9" iPad Pro, the 10-10.5" model will be the high-end model equipped with a narrow bezel design, and the 9.7" model will be the low-priced option. The former two models will have an A10X chip manufactured by TSMC (2330 TT, NT$183.5, N), while the latter comes with an A9 chip made by Samsung LSI. Although we estimate iPad shipments in 2017 will drop again YoY to 35-37mn units, we except the decline to narrow to 10% from 2016's roughly 20%, given that the 10-10.5" model may see more demand from commercial/enterprises and tender markets, while the low-priced 9.7" model may have a greater shipment contribution and likely account for 50-60% of total shipments of new iPads.

Last August, Kuo's expectation for Apple's mid-size model was a more definite 10.5 inches. His latest revised prediction of 10-10.5 inches suggests Apple is still testing multiple tablets and has yet to settle on a final size. Interestingly, Japanese site Mac Otakara released two separate reports last year stating that the tablet will be 10.1 inches and 10.9 inches, so while the former size falls into the lower end of Kuo's revised range, the exact dimensions remain unclear.

Market-wise, Kuo believes "the worst has passed" for Apple's iPad as he predicts a narrower year-on-year shipment decline in 2017. The analyst puts this down to an improved product mix, decreasing exposure to the iPad mini, and an improved cost structure due to an increasing number of suppliers of touch-module lamination and display panels, with Samsung being "the biggest winner" in joining previous monopoly-holder Silicon Works to supply the latter.

Mac Otakara and Barclays Research have both predicted an early 2017 launch for the new iPads, perhaps in March or April. However, if a radical bezel-free redesign is planned, it is unlikely that Apple will upstage the 2017 iPhone 8 that's expected in September with an edge-to-edge iPad launching earlier in the year.

Article Link: Size of Apple's New 'High End' iPad Pro Model Said to be Between 10 and 10.5-Inches

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

Who cares about the screen size anymore? We want to know how thick it is, and how many emojis it comes with, like all your other news posts!

And at a more serious level - I don't think Apple will change the screen size until they are ready to totally overhaul the iPad GUI and move away from the classic iPhone view. And given Cooks view on how the iPad is the de facto productivity standard, I'd say that will take quite some time.

 

[Appleaker]

I expected the 9.7" to have a non-X chip, but I would have thought it would be the A10

As for th screen size, the width will likely be the length of the iPad mini screen, with the whole display in a 4:3 aspect ratio. Similar to the 12.9" iPad Pro. While it may have smaller bezels, the increased length will allow for a full size Smart Keyboard.

 

[profets]

If they're moving to a new design for the iPad, first time in 4.5 years, I would hope we see it across all iPads, or at least on both 'Pro' models.

 

[entropys]

Except for the one year old iPad pros that come with the added bonus of a higher price, the iPads, like the macs, are woefully out of date. You would have to be an absolute idiot to buy an iPad mini for example.

 

[jdillings]

A new iPad with an old A9....Tim's got to keep those margins up!

 

[Crosscreek]

IMHO until the iPad can also emulate macOS on it with the use of peripherals such as a mouse or track pad keyboard it will remain just a consumption item.

 

[Jsameds]

A larger screen in the same size housing sounds perfect. Looks like I'll finally have a reason to upgrade from my Air 2.

 

[hajime]

Why no large screen for "high end" model? These days, Apple always make something undesirable. With each product announcement, a long time customer like me hates them more and more.

 

[cardfan]

Nope..sorry Apple. Can't see buying another ipad til OLED.

 

[michelb76]

Nope..sorry Apple. Can't see buying another ipad til OLED.

What serious improvement would OLED bring? I'd rather have a better use-case for this device..

 

[sshambles]

Talk about cluttering up an already cluttered product lineup.

Keep.
It.
Simple.

Have Apple learnt anything from Steve circa 1997?

 

[littyboy]

So the 9.7" will have last gen's chip? wtf. The only thing "pro" about that will be the price.

 

[62tele]

IMHO until the iPad can also emulate macOS on it with the use of peripherals such as a mouse or track pad keyboard it will remain just a consumption item.

Why on earth do you need a track pad or mouse with a touch screen device? I use my iPad as a second monitor with my MBP (using Duet Display) and it's odd to see the mouse cursor on the iPad. It works in the context of secondary monitor but not as a primary input method IMO.

Except for the one year old iPad pros that come with the added bonus of a higher price, the iPads, like the macs, are woefully out of date. You would have to be an absolute idiot to buy an iPad mini for example.

The MBP is not out of date by any means. My 3 year old iPad Air still works flawlessly so I am not sure how it is out of date. Each time I look at the 2 in 1 (Convertible) devices I remain unimpressed, not even considering Windows 10. The iMacs will be refreshed this year I'm sure. The iMac is still the most elegant looking and best performing desktop experience IMO. It will only get better.

 

[cicalinarrot]

IMHO until the iPad can also emulate macOS on it with the use of peripherals such as a mouse or track pad keyboard it will remain just a consumption item.

You (and apparently many other people) think you want it because you haven't tried it. A full desktop OS works poorly on a tablet, it requires a whole tablet OS to live inside it and tablet apps. It's a hybrid solution that just doesn't work. Buy a Mac, if you need a Mac.

 

[Paul Dawkins]

Sad, sad, clueless Apple.

 

[Bonte]

I'm in the market to replace two i-Pad with hopefully 10.9 pro models, that would be the ideal size i think. Current 12.9 is just a tad to big for an iPad.

 

[rudychidiac]

The next iPad will come in two sizes, 10.x" and 12.9"

The 10.x" will have the same body size as the current 9.7" iPad
And the 12.9" will have a smaller body than the current generation

Both will be bezel-less

 

[Jim Lahey]

I find the idea of a bezel-free tablet quite curious. More accurately I find the idea ridiculous, but I would reserve actual judgment until trying it.

I am however very interested in a new form factor, as I am growing increasingly tired of the preposterously sharp chamfer on current iPads. Whoever thought that was a good idea...welll...if you're reading, Johnathon, it wasn't! Steve would have never...

I wouldn't mind quite so much if Apple's own fairly rubbish smart case didn't also have razor sharp edges!

 

[Mr Fusion]

You (and apparently many other people) think you want it because you haven't tried it. A full desktop OS works poorly on a tablet, it requires a whole tablet OS to live inside it and tablet apps. It's a hybrid solution that just doesn't work. Buy a Mac, if you need a Mac.

Ok that's enough shenanigans there... What he attempted to say (in a very poor manner) is what a lot of us have been thinking all along: If the iPad is to replace the laptop for the masses, it needs to have the same functionality as one. Not "slap MacOS onto an iPad" all Surface style, rather a far more robust version of iOS is needed. Touch interface combined with the feature set you'd find in MacOS. Simple.

As for the product lineup, this "low-priced" model stuff needs to stop. There's nothing low priced about it, it's just a clever way for Apple to raise product prices on its newest models while claiming the cost to enter the product line is the same. We've seen it now on the iPad, iPhone and MacBook Pro product lines. Stop it Apple, you're not fooling anyone here.

 

[sharpie000]

IMHO until the iPad can also emulate macOS on it with the use of peripherals such as a mouse or track pad keyboard it will remain just a consumption item.

You do realize the whole purpose of iOS is to get away from peripherals, right? It's a touch based operating system. macOS is not. It never was intended to be and it never will be. When are people going to understand macOS will NEVER be emulated or ported to an iOS device? If you want a portable device that gives you trackpad capabilities, Apple has a whole line available. It's called their MacBook. It's a lot easier to take iOS functionality and bring it to macOS. You can't do it the other way around. Notifications, handoff, apps, etc; those all started from iOS and went to macOS. Not the other way around.

 

[unobtainium]

iPad mini is the superior size for a tablet. I won't be buying any larger iPads because they're a pain to hold while lying in bed, and they're not as portable.

So, iPad mini Pro, or no more iPads for me.

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

It's 10.39127". You heard it from me first. Expect CNN to quote moi. See you after nuclear fallout on Jan 21.

 

[CJozef]

iPads and iPhones are the future, my dear Macrumors friends. The Laptop market is shrinking and shrinking, don't you know that? Now just accept this and stop whining.

 

[Dave245]

I can't see it having no bezel, wouldn't that upstage the iPhone 8 in September? I can see it having reduced bezels maybe. Also upgrading the 12.9" with true tone and so on.