All Sections

iPad Pro 2 (2017) in a nutshell: Specs, rumours, UK price and release date

Two or perhaps even three full-sized iPad Pro 2 models are likely to be launched by Apple in 2017, with a new iPad Pro 2 Mini rumoured to be in the works. Here’s all we know about the new iPad Pro 2 tablets, including leaked specs and how they compare to the original iPad Pro devices.

In 2016 Apple launched its original iPad Pro tablets, which come in two sizes: a 9.7-inch model and the rather massive 12.9-inch version. Both of these tablets boast premium performance, gorgeous displays and the nifty (if a little pricey) Apple Pencil. Essentially they’re laptop replacements in a more convenient and flexible form, as long as you stump up a little more for Apple’s own Smart Keyboard cover.

Rumours and leaks suggest that we’ll see at least two iPad Pro 2 devices launched by Apple in 2017. These will again come in different sizes to suit all needs, while a new Mini version is also heavily rumoured to be on the horizon.

New 10.5-inch iPad Pro 2 boasts even better specs

While the first generation of iPad Pro came in two sizes (9.7 and 12.9), the iPad Pro 2 will apparently be available in three sizes – according to the latest rumours. As well as 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch tablets, you can expect a third 10.5-inch iPad Pro model to be launched later in 2017.

All three of these 2017 iPad Pro tablets will boast updated specs compared with the first generation of Pro devices, as you’d expect. That means the latest Apple processor (we’re predicting an A10 Fusion X chipset to be on board) as well as the awesome new camera tech housed in the iPhone 7.

However, the piggy-in-the-middle 10.5-inch iPad Pro 2 will boast even more improvements compared with the other two models. For a start, it’s expected to come packing a near bezel-free design; in other words, the screen will cover almost the entire front panel. To achieve this, Apple will ditch the physical home button, with the TouchID functionality moved to the screen itself. The result will be a device that’s the same size as the 9.7-inch Pro, but with a truly stunning design and display.

An on-screen home button makes sense, as it’s one less component that could go wrong (and something we’ve already seen on Samsung’s new Galaxy S8 handset).

Will there be an iPad Pro 2 Mini?

As well as two new full-sized iPad Pro tablets, leaks suggest that we’ll get a iPad Pro 2 Mini from Apple in 2017. This will pack the premium specs, keyboard and Pencil support of the full-sized Pro tablets into a more compact device.

That’s both good news and bad news if true. Good news, because a more portable version of the iPad Pro that can be comfortably wielded with one hand sounds absolutely lovely. But bad news too, because it means no more wallet-friendly Mini devices – so the excellent iPad MIni 4 is likely the last of the line.

Of course, a miniature keyboard could be quite tricky to use, so it’s also possible that Apple will simply produce a powerful mini tab with Pencil support. We can’t see too many creative users being tempted by a smaller canvas to work on, however. So right now, this iPad Pro 2 Mini stuff seems a little far-fetched.

Read next: iPad Pro Mini, everything we know so far

iPad Pro 2 (2017) rumoured specs

Name Apple iPad Pro 9.7 (2017)
Screen size 9.7-inches
Screen resolution 2048×1536
Processor Apple A10X Fusion
Storage 128/256GB
Rear camera 12-megapixel
Front camera 7-megapixel
Name Apple iPad Pro 10.5 (2017)
Screen size 10.5-inches
Screen resolution 2048×1536
Processor Apple A10X Fusion
Storage 128/256GB
Rear camera 12-megapixel
Front camera 7-megapixel
Name Apple iPad Pro 12.9 (2017)
Screen size 12.9-inches
Screen resolution 2732×2048
Processor Apple A10X Fusion
Storage 128/256GB
Rear camera 12-megapixel
Front camera 7-megapixel

For a run-down of the iPad Pro Mini’s specs and rumoured features, check out our iPad Pro Mini in a nutshell feature.

Will the iPad Pro 2 be worth upgrading to?

If you already own one of last year’s iPad Pro tablets, it seems unlikely that an upgrade in 2017 will be necessary. The existing Pro tablets already offer solid performance and all of the features you could want, while the 2017 models will mostly just deliver a bump in specs – and design, in the 10.5-inch model’s case.

When is Apple launching the new iPad Pro 2 (2017) tablets?

Apple is said to be launching the two refreshed iPad Pro 2 models in 2017, which makes sense; the only iPad launch we’ve had recently is the reveal of the bog-standard, simply-titled ‘Apple iPad‘. We’d be shocked if Apple didn’t refresh its more premium tablets this year.

Best bet is that Apple will launch the iPad Pro 2 models on or around WWDC 2017 in June. However we haven’t had official word from Apple yet, so keep checking our what is the next Apple event page to see when official word goes out.

As for the all-new iPad Pro 10.5, this is rumoured to be coming later in the year. We might see it teased in that other iPad Pro 2 launch event, but it’s unlikely to hit the UK until late 2017.

iPad Pro Mini UK price and release date

If the new Apple iPad Pros are launched in summer 2017 as expected, then they should start going on sale in the UK in June or July. There’s no official word on UK pricing, but you can expect similar prices to the existing Pro tabs. In other words, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro should cost from £549 and the 12.9-inch model should start at around £699.

The 10.5-inch version, if it is indeed even more premium, will likely start from around £799.

You can grab the iPad Pro 9.7 from O2 from £36 a month.

Comments

One Comment

WordPress › Error

There has been a critical error on this website.

Learn more about troubleshooting WordPress.