According to speculations, Apple will expand its iPad lineup early next year, with a new, 10.5-inch addition to its iPad Pro lineup.

According to MacRumors, a new research report on Apple's new products lineup has been published by noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Reportedly, Kuo predicted that the iPad Pro 2 lineup, due out next year, will have at least three iterations in the new series. Apparently, the Cupertino-based tech giant will add an in-between iteration for the new 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2. The industry follower quoted Kuo as saying, "If the iPad comes in a larger size, such as a 10.5" model, we believe it will be helpful to bid for tenders within the commercial and education markets. As a result, we expect Apple to launch a 10.5" iPad Pro in 2017."

In addition, Kuo also predicted that since the iPad Pro 2 will expand its lineup, the new 9.7-inch will serve as the basic model for the series, carrying an A9X processor. Meanwhile, the new 10.5-inch iteration together with the 12.9-inch variant will be the top-tier versions, featuring a more premium and newer A10X chipset. Should this prove true, then the 9.7-inch iPad Pro 2 may take over as the entry-level slate in the Apple lineup. This dovetails with previous rumors that the iPad Air 3 (which will supposedly launch later this year) will be the last iPad Air variant, as Apple will discontinue the series.

Meanwhile, it remains to be seen if Apple will only come out with three iterations under the iPad Pro 2 lineup. Rumors suggest that instead of coming out with an iPad Mini 5 later this year, Apple may well complete the new iPad Pro 2 series with a Mini addition. This means that aside from the 10.5-inch version, it is possible that there may be an iPad Pro Mini, coming out with a 7.9-inch display and basic specs much like the 9.7-inch iPad Pro 2 version.