Amidst rumors claiming Apple plans to refresh its iPad line at a special event in March, the company and its reseller network are seeing stockouts of all 12.9-inch iPad Pro models, with both online and brick-and-mortar stores showing availability estimates pushed back by 2 to 3 weeks.
According to , both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular versions of Apple's 12.9-inch iPad Pro are almost completely sold out at a number of authorized Apple resellers. The stockout impacts all storage tiers and colors, from 32GB Wi-Fi only models to 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular configurations.
At B&H Photo, all 12.9-inch iPad models are on backorder save for the and models. MacMall is seeing similar shortages, with all models sold out except for limited supply of and versions.
Separate checks with Apple's own online store confirm the constraints, with all 12.9-inch iPad Pro models now showing estimated ship-by dates of 2 to 3 weeks. Additionally, Apple's in-store pickup option is pushed back exactly four weeks to Mar. 20.
It appears Apple is selling through stock on hand, as some brick-and-mortar outlets still have certain configurations available for immediate pickup. For example, the 128GB Wi-Fi + Cellular version in silver is available from our local store.
Unveiled and released , the 12.9-inch iPad Pro was the first Apple tablet to bear the "Pro" moniker. The jumbo-sized iPad packs an A9X processor, quad-speaker stereo sound, Touch ID and more into a svelte 6.9-millimeter thick chassis.
The tablet also introduced a range of powered accessories thanks to Apple's Smart Connector. More importantly, iPad Pro incorporates special internal hardware to support Apple Pencil, the company's tilt- and pressure-sensing stylus.
After more than a year on the market, however, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is due for a refresh.
A report earlier today said Apple is planning to hold a special in March. Alongside an expected 12.9-inch "iPad Pro 2" refresh, the company is rumored to release a new that could serve as the product line's flagship. A low-end 9.7-inch iPad with minor internal updates is also anticipated, with the model expected to as Apple's budget tablet.
The report goes on to claim Apple will introduce a revamped 7.9-inch iPad mini product, but such a release from noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Also rumored for announcement at the March event is a 128-gigabyte iPhone SE and potential (Product)Red editions of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.