Possible Third-Party 'iPad Pro' Case Shown in New Photo

Ahead of any major product release, we often see part leaks and case molds, which give us hints on the sizing, features, and design of the forthcoming product, and the "iPad Pro" is no exception. We've previously seen what's said to be an iPad Pro dummy model for Apple's upcoming large-screened tablet, and today, French site Nowhereelse.fr [Google Translate] has shared an image of a case that may be designed for the device.

According to the site, the image of the case originated from a reliable source that the site has been in contact with "for many years." Though the case in the photo is not depicted next to an object to provide a size reference, it is clearly quite large and could fit a tablet in the range of 12.2 to 12.9 inches.

ipadprocaseimage
The case appears to have two speaker cutouts at both the top and bottom, which would accommodate the stereo speakers that have been rumored for the device. There are also cutouts for a headphone jack at the top left of the case, volume buttons at the right, a camera cutout at the back, a Lightning port cutout at the bottom, and a power button cutout on the top right, all of which is in line with previous iPad Air and iPad mini designs.

The one unknown is a cutout on the left side of the case, which could possibly be for a SIM tray, suggesting that this is a case for a Cellular iPad Pro. Previous design drawings have not suggested that there's another port in that particular location.

Because case makers often create molds based on leaked design specs and information that may not be accurate in an effort to be the first to come out with accessories for a new product, some of the design elements could be slightly off. There have certainly been a few misses over the years when it comes to case designs, mainly when rumors of a tapered iPhone were circulating, but for the most part, case leaks have been highly accurate.

The "iPad Pro," as it has been named by the media, is rumored to include a 12.2 to 12.9 inch screen, an A8X or A9 processor, and a design that is similar in style to the iPad Air or iPad mini, with a thin body and a high-resolution screen. Recent rumors have suggested that it could be the first Apple tablet to ship with an included stylus due to its size.

A launch date for Apple's larger iPad remains unclear, but rumors have suggested that it could be released in the second or third quarter of the year.

Related Roundup: iPad Pro
Related Forum: iPad

Top Rated Comments

yossi Avatar
109 months ago
I'll hold out for the iPad pro mini. :-D
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
smulji Avatar
109 months ago
iPad pro with stylus … the end is near, repent

Is Apple really copying Samsung with that stylus? What is Jony going to say about the Stylus? This is just so surreal.

We Apple users hate styluses

Once upon a time you hated large-screen smart phones. Good thing Apple didn't take your advice.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pgiguere1 Avatar
109 months ago
The unknown cutout is for a landscape keyboard accessory.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AngerDanger Avatar
109 months ago
I'm predicting that this will be a laptop/tablet hybrid, so expect a small keyboard surrounding the screen, which contains the keys Q-P and most of the home row.



This is the future, and there is no way to stop it.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
troop231 Avatar
109 months ago
Unknown cutout could possibly be for integrated stylus storage?
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Renzatic Avatar
109 months ago

We Apple users hate styluses

Nah. Just people on messageboards. Wacom has been selling tons of styluses to Apple users for a good, long while now.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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