Reports have now revealed that Apple may very well be introducing two new hardware products at the upcoming 2017 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) event that will kick off on June 5. The event is usually dedicated to launching new software/software updates, but Apple has been known to slip in a hardware announcement every now and then. Apple is expected to announce new versions of their operating systems during the event, which may include iOS 11, MacOS 10.13, watchOS 4, and tvOS 11.

Probability high

According to KGI Securities analyst, Ming-Chi Kou, there is apparently a very good chance that Apple will be unveiling their brand new Siri-equipped smart speaker and a new 10.5-inch Ipad Pro model during the event. The analyst estimates that there is a 50 percent chance that the smart speaker will be unveiled and a 70 percent chance for the new model of the iPad Pro.

Revised iPad Pro tablet

The newly designed iPad Pro is the most likely to be making an appearance, as Apple already announced its planned mass production during the second quarter of the year. This means that the event itself may be the perfect time to make an announcement.

Leaks and reports from accessory manufacturers also seem to confirm this, and most do point to a possible June launch.

The 10.5-inch iPad Pro will reportedly look quite similar to the current 9.7-inch iPad Pro. However, it will utilize a bigger screen with smaller bezels. The thin bezel design will allow Apple to fit a larger screen in the same relative chassis dimensions as the previous model. The new iPad will also reportedly be a bit different in terms of its external look. Apple is expected to ship more than 6 million units of the new model in 2017.

Getting into smart speaker hype

Smart speakers that incorporate artificial intelligence-driven virtual assistants have slowly become a lucrative new market that has generated a lot of interest among consumers.

Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have already dived head-first into the new market and Apple is expected to do so as well with a Siri-equipped product. The new "Siri Speaker," as it is currently being referred to, will be quite similar to the Amazon Echo. However, the device is expected to come with a premium audio system, which will, in turn, result in a higher price tag. There are also rumors that Apple may be copying Amazon's Echo Show speaker by installing a touchscreen display in their upcoming new device.