This year Apple is planning to release three versions of iPad. These confirmed the information Thursday the business newspaper DigiTimes, referring to industry sources. In addition to the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2, is expected to announce affordable 9.7-inch iPad and a completely new “frameless” 10.5-inch iPad. According to recent reports, Apple may delay the announcement of new products until the second half of 2017.
Says DigiTimes, mass production of the new 9.7-inch iPad will start in the first quarter of 2017, and two other tablet will go into production no earlier than the II quarter. However, according to sources from the supply chain, the official presentation of the new iPad is expected only in the second half of 2017.
It is noted that Apple will position the 10.5-inch iPad as the successor of 9.7-inch iPad Pro. And 9.7-inch iPad sample 2017 will be the entry-level model that focuses primarily on the education sector.
According to reports, the 10.5-inch iPad with a screen “edge to edge” in size will be comparable to the existing 9.7 inch iPad Pro and the thickness will be slightly larger at 7.5 mm, the iPad Air first generation, whereas the current 9.7 inch iPad Pro has a thickness of 6.1 mm. the Upper edge of the display will continue to where to place the front FaceTime camera, and the bottom almost disappear.
The 10.5 – 12.9-inch iPad will be based on the new processor A10X. Components for them to produce suppliers of the first stage. But the supply of components for the new 9.7-inch iPad will engage second-tier suppliers, such as Korean company Seoul Semiconductor, which will supply LED-modules instead the Japanese Nichia.