We’re drawing closer to Apple’s big March 21 launch event, and new details are arriving faster than ever.

Apple’s next tablet could be the priciest 9.7-inch device the company has ever released.

A 9to5mac report claims that the upcoming 9.7-inch iPad Pro will start at $599 in the US.

That’s in contrast to the iPad Air 2, Apple’s most recent 9.7-inch device, which started at the lower price of $499.

However, the higher cost is easily explained. The new tablet is set to be a smaller spin-off of the significantly more costly $799 iPad Pro.

Apple's 12.9-inch iPad Pro, released 2015

As such, we’re expecting to see some high-end features, like support for the Apple Pencil, with the new 9.7-inch model.

What’s more, it’s also rumoured that the 9.7-inch iPad Pro will feature four stereo speakers, a Smart Connector for an attachable Smart Keyboard, and Apple’s new A9X processor.

However, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro is tipped to receive a camera upgrade over its larger sibling. It’s said that the smaller device will borrow the iPhone 6S camera i.e. a 12-megapixel sensor with 4K video recording support.

That’s in contrast to the 8-megapixel sensor featured on the iPad Pro.

Apple is expected to launch the new tablet on March 21, with the device poised to land alongside the rumoured 4-inch iPhone SE, and a range of new straps for the Apple Watch.