Cases for Upcoming 10.5-Inch and 12.9-Inch iPad Pro Reveal Stereo Speakers, Centered Rear Microphone

Monday May 22, 2017 7:27 am PDT by Mitchel Broussard
A collection of new images today claim to show cases for Apple's upcoming 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro devices. The 10.5-inch iPad Pro is believed to be an update similar in vein to the iPhone 8, with a size that remains close to that of the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, but includes a larger 10.5-inch display thanks to shrinking bezels.


Benjamin Geskin has shared the iPad Pro accessory images on Twitter today, showing off cutouts for the Lightning port, speaker grilles, microphone, and vertically-aligned camera. The microphone cutout is placed on the top rear of both new iPads, similar to its location on the newest 9.7-inch iPad. For the current 12.9-inch models, however, the microphone cutout sits on the right side of the iPad, above the volume buttons.


The cases include multiple large cutouts for what appears to be four speakers, with two on top of the case and two on the bottom surrounding the Lightning port. This suggests that the 10.5-inch iPad is likely to continue supporting the stereo audio system of the iPhone 7 and 9.7-inch iPad Pro update. The wood cases also include side inserts for Apple Pencil storage.


Also on top of the case is the expected cutout for the lock button, and the 3.5mm headphone jack will still be included on the 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pros launching this year, according to the new cases. Volume rockers remain on the traditional right side of the iPad cases, as well.


With production on the 10.5-inch iPad reportedly ramping up, the device could debut as early as WWDC, which takes place two weeks from today. For the smaller-screened iPad mini, recent rumors have suggested that Apple might discontinue the devices due to likely cannibalization from the 5.5-inch iPhone Plus devices. According to Geskin, the iPad mini will remain off of Apple's update list -- for 2017 at least -- with his Tweet stating, "No new iPad mini this year."

Related Roundup: iPad Pro
Buyer's Guide: 11" iPad Pro (Caution), 12.9" iPad Pro (Caution)
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MacFather
33 months ago
If they'll discontinue the 7.9" form factor, no more iPads for me!
Rating: 10 Votes
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NachoGrande
33 months ago
And the award for the ugliest case goes to.....
Rating: 8 Votes
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JonneyGee
33 months ago
The iPad Mini news isn't surprising but it sure is frustrating. Come on, Apple — some of us like portable devices that are actually portable. :oops:
Rating: 6 Votes
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Mr. Dee
33 months ago
Nice, I am planning to buy my first next year, a 12 inch iPad Pro. Hope it includes features such as 3D Touch, True Tone and a optimized iOS for the large screen, accessible file system, even if its integrated with iCloud.
Rating: 5 Votes
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recoil80
33 months ago
That's a replacement for the 9.7'' iPad pro, similar size, similar features.
I wish they'd keep updating the mini, a 5.5'' iPhone is not a replacement for an iPad. When used in landscape the mini has way more vertical real estate for apps, is not the same user experience. Even with a 5.8'' future iPhone landscape mode wouldn't be as good as on the iPad.
Rating: 5 Votes
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Sunny1990
33 months ago

If they'll discontinue the 7.9" form factor, no more iPads for me!

Yeah totally agree the iPad mini is the best Size tablet, i too love the 7.9 form factor.
---------------------------------------------------------------
For the smaller-screened iPad mini, recent rumors havesuggested that Apple might discontinue ('https://www.macrumors.com/2017/05/16/apple-may-discontinue-ipad-mini/') the devices :- Macrumors quote

Why not Apple discontinue the 9.7 ipad as it will be similar to 10.5 form factor, and keep iPad mini alive for those who don't need bigger iPads
Rating: 5 Votes
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ThunderSkunk
33 months ago

According to Geskin, the iPad mini will remain off of Apple's update list -- for 2017 at least -- with his Tweet stating, "No new iPad mini this year."


2015 Mini gets up to speed w/ same high-powered chipset as 9.7, becomes best selling iPad of all time.
2016 No new mini for 2016, no chipset upgrade, no Pencil compatibility update, no 256GB option.
2017 Let's terminate it.

wtf
Rating: 5 Votes
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Relentless Power
33 months ago

iPad....lol. People still use those.


I know right...why would Apple manufacture an iPad? Considering it's the best made tablet on the market and conforms into Apple's ecosystem perfectly. Not to mention, the number of Universities/Colleges, Doctors Offices, Schools, Government agencies, and other businesses all use the iPad one way or the other in my City.

I know, it's hard to believe people still use the iPad.
Rating: 5 Votes
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cursedearth
33 months ago
If Steve Jobs were al...ah never mind .
Rating: 4 Votes
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TheralSadurns
33 months ago
Posted this on 9to5mac already... where they had a photo of another case for the 10.5" iPad... with a current 9.7" iPad in it. Before anyone asks... yes... the screen doesn't look AT LOT bigger. But the mockup is still accurately showing 9.7" and 10.5" displays!

Well.. I did a rough mockup based on these cases... and well... it will NOT be bezel-less like AT ALL.

What I did:
Took an image of a current iPad... and scaled it to be 5mm wider and 10mm taller. The cases seem to be bigger by that amount... approximately. One mm more or less won't make much of a difference here... I guess...

Overlayed it with a 4:3 rectangle of 10.5".

As you can see the bezels would be slightly smaller... but not dramatically.






Rating: 4 Votes

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