New Case Supports Rumors of Imminent 9.7-Inch iPad Pro With Smart Connector

Less than two weeks before Apple's rumored March 21 media event, where the company is expected to announce a new 9.7-inch iPad, more aftermarket cases for the iPad Air 2 successor have appeared on Chinese commerce website Alibaba.

The case below, like others before it, has openings for a Smart Connector, four speakers, and a LED camera flash, lending credence to rumors claiming the tablet once tentatively referred to as "iPad Air 3" will instead be a miniaturized iPad Pro.

9.7-inch-iPad-Pro-case

Aftermarket case for new 9.7-inch iPad (Image: iGeneration)

A dummy insert provides a closer look at how the ports could be aligned on the new iPad, including a power button, 3.5mm headphone jack, and two speakers on the top; Lightning connector and two speakers on the bottom; volume buttons and a microphone on the right side; and a Smart Connector on the left side.

Multiple reports have claimed the new 9.7-inch iPad will have a faster A9X processor, Smart Connector, four speakers, and a LED flash, while a sketchier rumor from DigiTimes said the tablet could have a 4K display and up to 4GB of RAM. The tablet is expected to have both Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard support.

9.7-inch-iPad-Pro-case-2
Apple is expected to issue press invites soon for its March 21 event, where a new 4-inch "iPhone SE" and minor Apple Watch updates are also anticipated. There is also a slim possibility that refreshed Macs could be announced at the event, as the time is right for updates, but there have been no rumors confirming that is the case.

Related Roundup: iPad Pro
Buyer's Guide: iPad Pro (Neutral)

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Top Rated Comments

redheeler Avatar
115 months ago
I have a feeling new macs at WWDC in June... When was the last time they were announced in the spring?
Last spring...
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Dydegu Avatar
115 months ago
('https://www.macrumors.com/2016/03/10/new-case-9-7-inch-ipad-pro-smart-connector/')

There is also a slim possibility that refreshed Macs ('https://www.macrumors.com/2016/01/28/skylake-macbooks-2016-release-dates/') could be announced at the event, as the time is right for updates, but there have been no rumors confirming that is the case.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mums Avatar
115 months ago
I'm so sick of iLeaks. I miss MAC rumors.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mantan Avatar
115 months ago
It's like the Conan skit from a few years ago...only with bigger sizes
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kissaragi Avatar
115 months ago
Id be really surprised (and disappointed) if there wasnt at least apple pencil support added
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Steve121178 Avatar
115 months ago
Where's the MacBook leaks?! Starting to worry...
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)