The iPad Pro might just be in the cards according to HIS
Rumors of Apple working on a “supersized” iPad, have been circulating since last November, when we reported on a leak by KGI Securities chief analyst Min-Chi Kuo, mentioning the realistic possibility of Apple actually building a MacBook-sized iPad.
Back in November, word had it of a 12.9 inch iPad, slated for release sometime towards the end of 2015, which could still be in alignment with more recent rumors from another source, in this case HIS Technology’s director of Tablet and Monitor Research, Rhoda Alexander.
“Our sources are still indicating this is a 2015 product, slated to go into production mid-to-late third quarter”, Alexander commented, adding that “the panel will be 12.9-inches, with a resolution of 2560 x 1920.”
In our report from last year, we were asking what would be Apple’s motivation for introducing a whole new form factor for the iPad, and wondered whether the new size would be aimed at enterprise users.
As of this year, it seems that the tablet landscape has become more crowded, with more devices than ever, bringing together tablet and laptop. In addition, the upcoming release of Microsoft Windows 10, could mean a much needed boost for the PC market.
In this scenario, the creation of a new form factor for the iPad, could be in the cards, especially considering that the size of the rumored iPad Pro matches the new MacBook’s. Given the feasibility of an iPad Pro with desktop-class performance, there is the question of additional rumors, also dating back to last year, suggesting that this new product could run a modified version of iOS, which would offer a level of user experience more fitting for the larger size of the touchscreen.
The rumor of an enhanced iOS experience for larger screens is thin, but somewhat consistent with findings in the iOS 8 development kit last year in June, when developers have discovered support for split screen and multitasking.
More questionable rumors also suggest the addition of a stylus, however hardly anyone is willing to go as far as consider it a real possibility.
Who is the target market for the iPad Pro?
Consumers are warming up rapidly to the concept of touchscreen laptops that double as tablets. Apple has been steering clear of creating a product with such characteristics, and for good reasons connected with the potential for cannibalizing both iPad and MacBook sales, no to mention the scary scenario of Apple fans not really understanding the new direction.
What if the iPad Pro will be a business product? The possibility is real, while we are in the realm of speculation, a bigger iPad with a modified version of iOS, and perhaps even the addition of a stylus, may seem far-fetched when considering a product for regular consumers, but when looked at from a business perspective, it suddenly seems a very realistic proposition.
At any rate, the third quarter of 2015 is not too far ahead, and Apple has a penchant for last-minute surprises.