Apple is planning to introduce a new 10.5-inch model of iPad early next year. The new iPad will join the existing lineup of 9.7-inch iPad mini, 9.7-inch iPad Air and Pro, and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
Apple thinks the new 10.5-inch iPad would be ideal for enterprise, education and other sectors, reports Digitimes. All iPad models are due for an update next year with most turning a year old in March. The report says new 10.5-inch iPad would be introduced alongside the other three screen sizes. The production is reported to begin as soon as December.
The new report resonates with a previous comments from KGI's Min-Chi Kuo. Kuo said the incoming iPad will feature A10X CPU, a refreshed version of A10 Fusion powering the new iPhone 7.
The 10.5-inch iPad won't be much different from the 9.7-inch variant. Digitimes claims 10-inch and larger tablets are popular with education and enterprise markets but the current mid-range iPad is deemed too small to meet needs. The report also notes the 12.9-inch iPad Pro as too big and pricier for enterprise requirements.
Apple might push 9.7-inch iPad Pro down the order, making it the new iPad Air. Apple recently introduced standard MacBook Pro which essentially replaces the MacBook Air range. Earlier rumours indicated that Apple will continue updating the 7.9-inch iPad mini with latest hardware but it is just not certain.