Apple to launch 9.7-inch iPad Pro with Smart keyboard, Apple Pencil support: Report

Rumours, leaks and speculations around the upcoming Apple’s Air 3 just don’t seem to end. Now, a new report suggests that the 9.7-inch iPad will be a part of the iPad Pro series, and not Air. So, just like Macbook Pros available in 13-inch and 15-inch models, the iPad Pro will offer 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch models. According to 9To5Mac, the new 9.7-inch iPad Pro will be launched on March 15 and start shipping from March 18, something we’ve been hearing for sometime now . The new device will reportedly feature the same specs and features as seen in the bigger sibling. One can expect processor and RAM upgrades, updated display technology and support for the Apple Pencil, adds the report. The 9.7-inch iPad model is believed to be coming with a Smart Connector. The report further claims that the company is also working on a smaller version of its Smart Keyboard cover attachment, which should be ready by next month. Quad stereo speakers will also be part of the hardware. In terms of the storage and colour options, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro is likely to be no different than the previous iPad Pro. However, it is the pricing that is expected to be closer to the Air models. Previous rumours have stated that Apple is testing a version of the iPad Air 3 with a 9.7-inch panel, which supports the Apple Pencil. This was new, since the iPad Pro is the only tablet in Apple’s line up to support the new Apple Pencil. Other features coming from the iPad Pro were said to be  revamped speaker set up with additional speaker grills. A recent report also claimed that the iPhone 5se will be powered by the A9 processor, just like the iPhone 6s and the iPad Air 3 is adopting the A9X processor  seen in the iPad Pro.