iPad Pro 2 release date, specs rumors: Three variants to arrive in 2017

(REUTERS/Beck Diefenbach)The iPad Pro 2, the follow-up to the iPad Pro (pictured), is rumored to be released in 2017.

It has been widely speculated that the iPad Pro 2 will come in three sizes. But until now, the differences in features among the three have been unknown.

As previously reported, there has been talk of Apple introducing three variants of the iPad Pro 2. The first one measures 9.7 inches and is believed to be the most affordable of the trio. The second and third variants are a 10.5-inch model and a 12.9-inch model, which is the standard one. These predictions came from Ming Chi-Kuo, a famed analyst.

However, Japanese blog Macotakara posits three different sizes for the iPad Pro 2. According to its sources, the first one is a 7.9-inch version of the iPad Pro 2, as opposed to the 9.7-inch one from Ming. This budget iPad Pro 2 is expected come with four speakers, as well as a smart connector. This comes as no surprise as the iPad Pro lineup already sports these features.

The blog also points out that a 10.1-inch version will also be available, instead of Ming's 10.5-inch prediction. This model is expected to feature a 12-megapixel camera and a better True Tone flash. The only size the two leaks agree on is the 12.9-inch model. This variant, like the 10.1-inch version, will also come with a 12-megapixel camera and True Tone flash.

It has also been claimed that the upcoming iPad Pro 2 will do away with the headphone jack, much like the iPhone 7. Removing the headphone jack will allow for the company to make the tablet much thinner and sleeker. However, Macotakara argues that the 3.5-mm headphone jack will still be present. Water resistance is also believed to be a new feature in the lineup, sporting an IP67 certification.

As previously reported, the launch of the iPad Pro 2 is expected to happen in early 2017, after the new MacBook Pro 2016 hits the market. 

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