While rumors have floated the bowl indicating a March debut for new iPad models, (and a new Apple Pencil), a new report indicates Apple’s new tablets may not actually hit shelves until the second half of 2017.
DigiTimes (via AppleInsider) reported on Thursday that the internals of the new 9.7-, 10.5- and 12.9-inch iPad models are still in the planning phases, and as a result, the new devices may not actually make it into consumers’ hot little hands until the second half of the year.
As always, we’ll note that while DigiTimes does have some great sources inside the Apple supply chain, it has a somewhat iffy track record when it comes to predicting future Apple moves.
The new 10.5-inch iPad and 12.9-inch iPad Pro are expected to boast Apple’s beefed-up “A10X” processor. There haven’t been any reports on which A-series processor might power the 9.7-inch model, which is expected to focus on the education sector, much as the eMac did in the days of yore.
In related news, Wei Feng (via MacRumors) says a second-generation Apple Pencil could be unveiled at Apple’s much-rumored March tablet event. The new stylus will appear alongside the new iPad Pro.
Bloomberg has previously reported that Apple is exploring new iPad capabilities that would allow the Apple Pencil to work with a larger variety of apps. Apple has also been rumored to be working on new antenna technology and a magnet that would allow the Apple Pencil to attach itself to an iPad’s body when not in use.
As always, take these reports in the spirit that they are offered up, merely as interesting rumors about things that could be brewing for future devices and accessories from Apple.
