iPad Pro 2 Rumors Pick Up Steam

An iPad Pro 2 release could join the iPad Air 3 and iOS 10.3 in March.

Invites haven’t gone out yet but it appears Apple could use a March launch event to promote several new products.

The iOS 10.3 update is confirmed and it’s set to deliver new features, bug fixes and tweaks for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

The company is also rumored to have a new iPad Air 3 up its sleeve for 2017. iPad Air 2 stock is drying up, a sign that a new model is on the way. And now, Apple’s 12-inch iPad Pro is having the very same problem.

12.9-inch iPad Pro inventory is also starting to shrink which could mean an iPad Pro 2 release is inching closer.

Many 12.9-inch iPad Pro variants are starting to sell out at popular retailers like Best Buy. We’re also starting to see shortages at AT&T, Verizon and at Apple itself.

Apple’s website is now listing the 12.9-inch iPad Pro variant with an estimated ship date of two to three weeks.

The device was recently listed with a one to two week estimated shipping date. In-store pickup is also showing delays at some Apple Stores. Stores in San Francisco currently list in-store pickup dates in early March.

These changes don’t confirm an imminent iPad Pro 2 release but delays like these are typical ahead of a major product announcement.

Apple is said to be planning several new iPad Pro 2 variants including updates to its 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch models. The 9.7-inch iPad Pro stock is seemingly unaffected at the moment with most stores showing ample inventory.

A 10-inch iPad Pro with slimmer bezels is also rumored to be in development with a release pegged for this year.

The company is reportedly bringing its True Tone display to the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2. This feature, which is currently found on the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, automatically adjusts the color and brightness of the display to match the environment.

Apple’s new iPad Pro 2 is rumored to have a brand new 12-megapixel rear-facing iSight camera, another feature found on the current 9.7-inch iPad.

The new iPad Pro 2 models will also reportedly feature quad microphones and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

According to multiple reports, Apple is also developing new iPad software which could include wider support for the Apple Pencil accessory. The Apple Pencil debuted alongside the original iPad Pro back in 2015.

Bloomberg claims “Apple may roll out the new iPad software features as part of an upgrade to the iOS 10 operating system in the first half of 2017.”

Apple currently has an iOS 10.3 update in beta though none of these iPad features are available in the current beta.

As for the launch date, Apple typically hosts an early media event to bridge the gap between its iPhone launch and WWDC.

Last year, the company confirmed the iPhone SE and a smaller 9.7-inch iPad Pro after months of rumor and speculation.