After it was speculated that Apple would be launching its iPad Pro 2 this week, those anticipating the device have been disappointed as the Cupertino-based company only released an updated version of the iPad, which is simply called iPad, and is marketed as a replacement for the iPad Air 2.

Last week, rumors claiming that Apple would quietly release the latest version of an iPad between March 20 and 24 were persistent. While it was unclear what iPad Apple would release, many thought that it would be the highly anticipated iPad Pro 2 as it has been a year since Apple released the 9.7-inch size variant of the device originally released in 2015.

True enough, Apple released a new iPad yesterday, but it is not the iPad Pro 2 many were expecting; rather, the Cupertino-based tech giant released a 9.7-inch iPad, simply called as iPad, which is meant to replace the iPad Air 2.

While some of those anticipating the iPad Pro 2 were disappointed, the release of the latest iPad is a welcome to many iPad fans. After all, it has been learned that the newest iPad is not only cheaper but comes with many other improvements, too, including a Retina display with a 2048 x 1536 resolution at 264ppi.

The new iPad comes with a price of $329 for the WiFi-only model with 32 GB storage option, while the WiFi plus Cellular model with 128 GB storages carries a price tag of $559.

Apart from the new iPad, Apple also released a red color variant of the iPhone 7, vindicating the claims of earlier reports.

Meanwhile, hope is not lost for those who are still waiting for the arrival of the iPad Pro 2. According to MacWorld, it is likely for the device to be launched at Apple's event next month, along with the inauguration of its Apple Park campus.

Until it happens, though, Apple fans can only speculate on when the iPad Pro 2 will arrive.