Cases for Apple's 2017 iPad Pros hint at tall 10.5-inch model, new mic positions

AppleInsiderAppleInsider
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in iPad
Photos from a pair of sources purportedly show cases for Apple's 2017 iPad Pro models, including an updated 12.9-inch tablet and a new 10.5-inch design.




An image supplied by Shai Mizrachi shows the current 9.7-inch Pro nestled inside a case for the rumored 10.5-inch device. While the 9.7-inch tablet fits in terms of width, there's a noticeable gap towards the top, suggesting that Apple intends to add most or all of its extra screen size in length.

Photos from leaker Benjamin Geskin show 12.9- and 10.5-inch cases, with apparent room for top- and rear-facing microphones. The arrangement is similar to that for Apple's $329 "budget" iPad, but differs from existing Pros, which have their mics on the sides.










Geskin also backed the idea that there will be no new iPad mini this year. Apple is rumored to be phasing out the Mini entirely, blaming poor sales including cannibalization by the company's own products. The Mini hasn't been updated since 2015 however, which is likely exacerbating the situation.

Apple could reveal new iPad Pros as soon as its WWDC 2017 keynote on June 5. Relatively few features have been rumored outside of faster processors, although the 10.5-inch product is expected to have thinner bezels than its predecessors.

It's uncertain if the cases represent real-world specifications, since casemakers will sometime seize on rumors or prototype schematics to get a jump on the competition.

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 12
    thttht Posts: 5,443member
    Patiently waiting for that 12.9" update. Like this Pencil holder in this design, but I probably will go bare.
  • Reply 2 of 12
    andyshannonandyshannon Posts: 20member
    WHOA that is courageous to move the microphone like that!!
  • Reply 3 of 12
    MetriacanthosaurusMetriacanthosaurus Posts: 880member
    Ah. So, finally the truth. NOT the footprint of the 9.7" device at all. A new size altogether, because the top and bottom bezels will not be shrinking at all. Only the side bezels.
  • Reply 4 of 12
    JinTechJinTech Posts: 1,022member
    tht said:
    Patiently waiting for that 12.9" update. Like this Pencil holder in this design, but I probably will go bare.
    Patiently waiting here too with wallet ready lol
  • Reply 5 of 12
    robjnrobjn Posts: 283member
    Are these case makers just guessing.
    i thought Apple stopped sending them drawings ahead of anouncements
    edited May 2017 doozydozen
  • Reply 6 of 12
    SoliSoli Posts: 10,035member
    1) items interesting that both the iPad and iOhoje have rumors of a new screen size this year. The iPad makes since because they can use the 326ppi display from the iPhone with the resolution of the 13" iPad, but what will the iPhone use?

    2) Are we also getting dual-lens and Portrait Mode on the iPad?
  • Reply 7 of 12
    thttht Posts: 5,443member
    robjn said:
    Are these case makers just guessing.
    i thought Apple stopped sending them drawings ahead of anouncements
    Case makers don't need to wait for official drawings from Apple, and the risk-reward for getting in early is mostly on the positive side for some case makers. Mid-level managers (or high level managers) in the supply chain have no problem selling out. So they get their info them, and make a case in preparation for the release. If they get it wrong, these cases won't be that much of a loss.
  • Reply 8 of 12
    MetriacanthosaurusMetriacanthosaurus Posts: 880member
    Soli said:
    1) items interesting that both the iPad and iOhoje have rumors of a new screen size this year. The iPad makes since because they can use the 326ppi display from the iPhone with the resolution of the 13" iPad, but what will the iPhone use?

    2) Are we also getting dual-lens and Portrait Mode on the iPad?
    No, it is just a large enough cutout for the Camera and flash. Same as the current 9.7 Pro.
    Solidoozydozen
  • Reply 9 of 12
    mike1mike1 Posts: 3,284member
    Metriacanthosaurus said:
    Ah. So, finally the truth. NOT the footprint of the 9.7" device at all. A new size altogether, because the top and bottom bezels will not be shrinking at all. Only the side bezels.
    Remember, this is just a wild guess by a third-party case supplier. Probably one of several guesses that are ready to go into production should any of them turn out to be accurate.
  • Reply 10 of 12
    MetriacanthosaurusMetriacanthosaurus Posts: 880member
    mike1 said:
    Metriacanthosaurus said:
    Ah. So, finally the truth. NOT the footprint of the 9.7" device at all. A new size altogether, because the top and bottom bezels will not be shrinking at all. Only the side bezels.
    Remember, this is just a wild guess by a third-party case supplier. Probably one of several guesses that are ready to go into production should any of them turn out to be accurate.
    I doubt that very much at this stage.
  • Reply 11 of 12
    mike1mike1 Posts: 3,284member
    Metriacanthosaurus said:
    mike1 said:
    Metriacanthosaurus said:
    Ah. So, finally the truth. NOT the footprint of the 9.7" device at all. A new size altogether, because the top and bottom bezels will not be shrinking at all. Only the side bezels.
    Remember, this is just a wild guess by a third-party case supplier. Probably one of several guesses that are ready to go into production should any of them turn out to be accurate.
    I doubt that very much at this stage.
    Apple does not supply drawings until the product is launched. Case manufacturers make all sorts of mock-ups and prototypes and maybe even take a chance on some small production runs. But until Apple supplies the drawings, it's all speculative.
  • Reply 12 of 12
    MetriacanthosaurusMetriacanthosaurus Posts: 880member
    mike1 said:
    Metriacanthosaurus said:
    mike1 said:
    Metriacanthosaurus said:
    Ah. So, finally the truth. NOT the footprint of the 9.7" device at all. A new size altogether, because the top and bottom bezels will not be shrinking at all. Only the side bezels.
    Remember, this is just a wild guess by a third-party case supplier. Probably one of several guesses that are ready to go into production should any of them turn out to be accurate.
    I doubt that very much at this stage.
    Apple does not supply drawings until the product is launched. Case manufacturers make all sorts of mock-ups and prototypes and maybe even take a chance on some small production runs. But until Apple supplies the drawings, it's all speculative.
    This isn't true at all. Many third parties are seeded real dimensions once the product goes to manufacturing. It is believe that the 10.5" iPad Pro is already in production.
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