Apple will surely make significant updates to its iPad tablets. Microsoft looks like it is leading in the tablet market and an updated Apple iPad Pro should be ready to compete with Microsoft Surface Pro in spring.

E-Week reported that It has been more than two years since Apple updated the iPad Air.  There have been no updates for the 12.9-inch version of the iPad Pro since its launching more than a year ago.

Apple is expected to introduce a new product in the first quarter of 2017 and a new 9.7 iPad Pro or a new Air 3 is likely to be fielded.  The new 12.9 iPad Pro looks like a leading contender and there is no indication that a new iPad Mini update is in the making.

On the other hand, Microsoft has been having success with its Surface Pro 4 as a tablet for creative users. Its stylus provides the capability to create artistic pencil sketches onscreen and is integrated into the Windows 10 applications.

While Apple also features its own Apple Pencil but the stylus does not have enough apps to support its usability. However, it is not a big issue, since the iPad Pro has been designed for use in business where the pencil and an attachable keyboard are essential.

For Apple to maintain its applicability in the business environment, the company needs to improve the 12.9 IPad with a better screen and a 12-megapixel camera.  A faster processor is a given and the AX10 will most probably be featured in 2017 iPads.

Microsoft is projected to come up with new versions of the Surface Pro 4 since lately, the tablet has been offered at discounted prices. This can only mean that the company is clearing out its inventory in preparation for the entry of a new product line.

The expected encounter between these contending tablets in the market will probably come in March 2017. By that time, Apple will be ready with an updated IPad Pro to compete with Microsoft Surface Pro.

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