Despite declining tablet sales globally, it doesn't look like Apple's iPad business is taking a break anytime soon as word has emerged of the firm's plans for new iPad Pro products in both 2017 and 2018. The news comes via well-known and reputable KGI Securities analyst Ming-chi Kuo, a man with extensive connections in the Asian supply and manufacturing networks and who has made unnervingly accurate predictions about Apple's devices in the past. Kuo has outlined an expected roadmap for three Apple iPad products in 2017 and has also mentioned some big changes for the product in 2018 surrounding the implementation of flexible AMOLED display components.

The rise of flexible AMOLED panels on devices, which looks set to kick off in earnest during Q1 2017, with the Samsung Galaxy X, is likely the main reason as to why Apple has switched to a three-year design cycle with its iPhone. That and the fact 2017 is the iPhone’s 10th birthday.

Nevertheless, Samsung will be the first OEM out the blocks with a completely flexible mobile phone with its Samsung Galaxy X, which is destined to launch at MWC 2017, according to reports, and this will change the face of the mobile space pretty much overnight, just as the first touchscreen phones did way back in 2007.

In a note to investors reported by AppleInsider, Kuo implied that for 2017 Apple's approach to the iPad line will be fairly low key, similar to his predictions for the iPhone series this year; he says that three models will arrive in 2017 but they will be quite similar in design to the current catalogue. Kuo states there will be a 12.9in iPad Pro 2 next year, as well as a new 10.5in variant; although it isn't explicitly stated, there are indicators that the 10.5in model may replace the existing 9.7in iPad Pro.

Both of these variants will, according to Kuo, be equipped with 10nm Apple A10X chipsets produced by TSMC. However, a 9.7in iPad is also expected in 2017, described as possibly being "low-cost" due to its continued use of the A9X processor isntead of the brand new A10X. The existing iPad Pro 9.7in model already runs the A9X, and Kuo suggests that this trend of older chipsets in the smaller model could continue in 2018 with the arrival of an A10X-powered 9.7in iPad.

"We expect three new iPads (12.9” iPad Pro 2, new size 10.5” iPad Pro & low-cost 9.7” iPad) to be launched in 2017, though this may not drive shipment growth amid structural headwinds; 2017F shipments to fall 10-20% YoY," Kou wrote in his latest research note. "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, we estimate the 12.9” iPad Pro 2 and 10.5” iPad Pro will adopt the A10X processor, with TSMC (2330 TT, NT$177.5, N) being the sole supplier using 10nm process technology. The low-cost 9.7” model may adopt the A9X processor, which is also exclusively supplied by TSMC."

Kuo's prediction for the 2017 iPad line is not optimistic, however, as he beleives sales will not pick up until Apple engages in a radical refresh of the product; something he expects to happen in 2018.

"According to the analyst's latest predictions," reports AppleInsider, "Apple is working to reinvigorate its tablet series with a redesign set to debut in 2018. Kuo expects a flexible AMOLED panel to highlight a host of hardware upgrades, technology that could open the door to more intuitive, and therefore compelling, user interfaces. The company is thought to be following the same formula for iPhone."

Here Kou said the exciting stuff: "Revolutionary iPad model likely to be introduced in 2018F at the earliest, with radical changes in form factor design & user behavior on adoption of flexible AMOLED panel. We believe iPad will follow in the footsteps of the iPhone by adopting AMOLED panel in 2018F at the earliest. If Apple can truly tap the potential of a flexible AMOLED panel, we believe the new iPad model will offer new selling points through radical form factor design and user behavior changes, which could benefit shipments."

So no new iPad models this year?

The big question is will Apple release any new iPad's next month at its annual autumn iPhone unveiling, which traditionally saw the launch of new iPads as well. The short answer is: probably no iPads worth getting excited about.

It's likely that Apple will release small processor bumps to the current iPd Pro and iPad Air 2, giving each a newer, slightly faster A10X chipset. It's also conceivable that Apple could give the later 12.9in iPad Pro the same True Tone display that is found in the 9.7in iPad Pro. However, besides that don't expect major changes to either device next month.

2017 iPad lineup

If Kou is right (and he usually is) and Apple doesn't radically alter the form factor of the lineup until 2018, it's possible that in addition to the new sized iPad Pro in 2017 Apple could refine the lineup geting ride of the iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 4 and just releasing a single "iPad mini" with an A10 chip and True tone display. It would then make sense for Apple to ditch the iPad Air altoghether (as they are likely moving away from the "Air" monkier) and simply have the 9.7in iPad Pro, the 10.5in iPad Pro, and the 12.9in iPad Pro.