iOS 10.3 is currently a work-in-progress and rests in the beta phase. While the update packs quite a handful of forward-facing features for the consumers, there's a lot that is still unknown. Seemingly, Apple might have accidentally teased support for an upcoming 10.5-inch iPad in the particular update. Steve Troughton-Smith discovered the code in iOS 10.3 beta. He tweeted that the refresh rate of a 2017 iOS device could go higher than 60Hz. Let's see some more details on the subject.
iOS 10.3 Code Hints At A New 10.5-inch iPad With Faster Display Rates
One thing to note here is that Steve did not specifically mention the 10.5-inch iPad here. However, a recently published report seems to confirm the existence of the device. The code mentions details of how Apple will allow developers to run their apps in different refresh rates. It can potentially be true that the company is looking to revamp the iPad lineup. However, the news is not official yet, so be advised to take it with a pinch of salt.
Currently, Apple already has two iPad Pro models, the 9.7-inch variant and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. If Apple were to announce the 10.5-inch iPad, it would possibly add to the Pro lineup. Altogether, the company would have three iPad Pro models. Nonetheless, it depends on the company where it sees fit.
https://twitter.com/stroughtonsmith/status/844488670036013057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2F9to5mac.com%2F2017%2F03%2F22%2F10-5-inch-ipad-with-faster-display-rates%2F
Apart from this, the iPad already supports Apple Pencil input at 240 hertz which is faster than the screen update speed. At this point, it was bound to happen that Apple would eventually up the screen refresh rates to allow for a more responsive drawing while minimizing lag.
Could the forthcoming 10.5-inch iPad be a high-end yet low-cost iPad just as the company introduced one yesterday? More importantly, however it may arrive, it will sure be interesting to see where Apple fits it. There is a difference between the 9.7-inch iPad and the 9.7-inch iPad Pro and probably the upcoming iPad would feature new additions which would set it apart from the rest.
Apart from the iPad alone, Apple also unveiled a red iPhone 7 yesterday as part of its (PRODUCT)RED campaign. Moreover, the storage capacity of both the iPad mini 4 and iPhone SE were increased as well. Finally, there were some new case color options for the iPhone, new Apple Watch bands and a new Clips app for creating videos. Be sure to check our extensive coverage of the announcements. There will be more to the 10.5-inch iPad story, so do stay tuned in for that.
As for now, share your views about the 10.5-inch iPad? Do you think Apple will include it in the 'Pro' lineup? Share your thoughts in the comments.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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