Rumor: Apple to debut a 10.5-Inch iPad in March 2017

We've already heard rumors that Apple is going to launch three new iPad models in March next year. According to the Digitimes, a 10.5-inch screen variant will join the familiar 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch devices. The publication cites sources from Apple's supply chain and says the 10.5-inch model will tackle the enterprise and education sectors in the United States, as the 9.7-inch one is deemed too small, and the 12.9-inch iPad is too big and expensive. The 10.5-inch screen diagonal should be optimal for these sectors' needs, and some consumers will find it a handy proposition, too.

The 10.5-inch iPad should be powered by the A10X chipset used in the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and go into mass production as early as December 2016. This means the tablet will be ready for a release in the first quarter of 2017, potentially in March. According to a previous report, the upcoming new 9.7-inch iPad will feature entry-level specs and will be positioned inside a more affordable market segment. This information is echoed by the Digitimes report as well. Meanwhile, the next 12.9-inch iPad Pro will get a True Tone display like that on the current-gen 9.7-inch iPad Pro.

DigiTimes says shipments of the 10.5-inch iPad are estimated to reach 2 million units in the first quarter of 2017, and 5 to 6 million units for the whole year.

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