I love the iPad Pro, especially the huge screen of the 12.9" version. However, it appears that Apple believes this tablet needs to be scaled back. New reports claim that Apple is ready to release a 12-inch iPad Pro, and these reports imply a new reorganization in Apple's tablet product line.

The news comes from Taiwanese tech media outlet Digitimes, whose Apple news track record is a mixed bag of wins and losses. The post quotes "industry sources" as saying, "Apple is likely to release a new 12-inch iPad Pro model with a rear-facing trinocular ToF 3D sensor in the spring."

The post also states that iPad Pro shipments will peak in April, further adding to the expectation that Apple will release a new iPad next month. We have only recently seen reports of an event on March 31, which is tied to the April 3 release of the iPhone 9.

Oddly enough, there is zero mention of the existing 11" and 12.9" iPad Pro tablets in this post. To me, this reads as a possible indication that Apple may consolidate its iPad Pro lineup from two models to one. There is no clear reason for Apple to merge the two iPad Pros into one, though.

This report fits nicely with past leaks of the 2020 iPad Pro, with the three-lens camera setup being one of the longstanding features of this new iPad Pro. It is also expected to feature an A13X or A14X processor. Another recent report suggests that 5G cellular connectivity will be included in the iPad Pro.

Digitimes also noted that the production of the iPad Pro has been delayed due to the way the coronavirus outbreak extended the Chinese New Year holiday, during which factories are normally closed.