Reports say that supply chain sources intimidated that Apple might not be ready to launch its new iPad models until the second half of the year. It was earlier claimed that new iPad models would arrive as early as March. Rumors further suggest that Apple may be delaying the launch of the new iPad models until the second half of 2017.

Accordingly, Apple is indeed set to launch three new iPad devices for 2017: an affordable 9.7-inch model, a pricier 10.5-inch model and an upgraded 12.9-inch iPad Pro. It is also said that production of the 9.7-inch iPad is expected to enter production first quarter of 2017 while mass production of the other two models will have to wait until the second quarter of this year. There is even the possibility that Apple will not even announce the arrival of the new tablets until late 2017.

In addition to the extended timeline, it is also rumored that Apple is considering to replace the 9.7-inch iPad with the 10.5-inch iPad. Apparently, the reason for bumping the 9.7-inch iPad down to entry level device is because the education sector is being targeted as its market. Apple is reportedly planning to get components for the next 9.7-inch model from secondary suppliers.

Reports say that all three of the new iPad models are expected to be equipped with quad microphones and will retain the 3.5mm headphone. Additionally, rumors say that sources claim that both the 10.5-inch iPad and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro will feature Apple's new A10X processor.

There is no mention about an edgeless display, but many other details concerning the next set of iPads are beginning to take shape. Since the proclamation of the new iPads is not forthcoming, it might take some time before a clear picture of Apple's plans for the iPad in 2017 can be gleaned.

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