Apple might be launching three new iPads this year

The iPad mini might be going the way of the Dodo.

According to a note from usually-quite-accurate analyst Ming-Chi Quo from KGI Securities, Apple will be launching three iPads in 2017: a 12.9-inch one, a 9.7-inch one and another model that will have a 10-10.5-inch screen.

The largest of the three will simply be a new version of Apple's iPad Pro, while the 9.7-inch model will be a "low-priced option," Quo claims, according to 9to5Mac.

The 10-to-10.5-inch model will be the most interesting of the three: A "high-end" model with a narrow bezel design, meaning it might actually have a smaller footprint than the 9.7-inch one.

The two larger models will come with an A10X chip, Quo claims, while the 9.7-inch model will have an A9 chip.

The iPad mini was not mentioned in the report. The smallest iPad was last updated in September 2015, when it was brought to version 4. We've heard all sorts of rumors about it recently; one said that it will be updated to iPad mini Pro, while a later one said it won't be updated at the next launch.

While the iPad mini always felt like somewhat of an afterthought for Apple, its almost-pocketable form factor makes it a good alternative for people who don't like to lug around large bags just for their tablet.

However, while the bezels on the largest Pro model don't feel very big, there's room for improvement on the iPad mini and Air. The new 10-ish inch model (we've previously heard rumors about a 10.9-inch model) is rumored to have really tiny bezels, meaning it might effectively be close to the iPad mini's form factor.

All of this, as always, is deeply in rumor territory, and Apple hasn't made any official announcements about new iPads at this time. There's no precise timeline for the launch of these new iPads, but the new, mid-sized iPad should arrive in Q2 of 2017.