Industry sources Taiwanese business publication DigiTimes has confirmed that this year, Apple plans to release three new iPad. In addition to the 12.9-inch second-generation iPad Pro it also announces affordable 9.7-inch iPad and a completely new iPad model with 10.5-inch display.
According to sources from the supply chain, mass production of the new 9.7-inch iPad model will be launched in the first quarter of 2017, and the other two tablet will go into production in the second quarter. Nevertheless, the announcement of the new iPad will take place only in the second half of 2017.
The sources pointed out that Apple will position the new 10.5-inch iPad as a successor to a 9.7-inch iPad Pro. A new iPad with a 9.7-inch screen will be an entry-level model that focuses primarily on the education sector.
The new 10.5- and 12.9-inch iPad will be based on the new processor A10X. Components for these suppliers will produce the first stage. But the supply of components for the new 9.7-inch iPad will be engaged in the second-tier suppliers, such as the Korean company Seoul Semiconductor, which will supply the LED-modules instead of the Japanese Nichia.