iPad Pro to feature split screen and multi-login
According to sources close to the development of the rumored iPad Pro, Apple may be working on features never-before-seen in an iOS device. The iPad has seen a significant decline in sales since 2010, which prompted rumors of a product line refresh, as early as last year.
Split-screen
According to findings gathered by developers, iOS 8 integrates dormant code that allows for dual split screen mode. By this token, two applications, or two instances of the same application will be able to display side by side, with one view occupying half, two thirds, or one third of the screen. This configuration will be ideal for apps with a vertical interface, such as news feeds or note-taking apps. Applications like Safari, Mail or Maps, will likely occupy half or two thirds of the iPad Pro’s screen, with enough real estate for a comfortable browsing experience.
Multiple logins
Multi-login is also another talked-about feature that might be part of the larger iPad. Different users will be able to login with individual credentials, on the same device, and save their settings for each login instance.
It’s unclear how Apple plans on introducing the multi-login feature, and how it will impact user experience. In one scenario, Apple could simply allow devices to be registered with multiple IDs simultaneously, and allow iCloud services to work on the background, regardless of the Apple ID currently being logged in. Another scenario could involve the setting of one main administrative Apple ID, set to manage all others, as it would happen on a desktop operating system’s “root” or administrator account.
The ability to support multiple logins could turn especially useful to enterprise customers, who would be able to better manage devices within their organization.
USB and keyboard support
In the wake of Apple introducing USB Type-C into its new 12 inch MacBook, rumors have been spreading about the iPad Pro featuring USB support, perhaps even USB Type-C, possibly performing charging functions as well, in the same way as the MacBook. This notion is consistent with Apple’s plans of creating a modified version of iOS for the iPad Pro, which would be able to better fit the requirements of users of the larger screen iPad.
The integration of additional peripherals on the iPad are not new, however they have been relying largely on Bluetooth connections. Word has it that the 12.9 inch iPad Pro could integrate support for mice and keyboards, although these particular rumors are to be taken with a grain of salt, as none of it has been confirmed yet.
When will the iPad Pro launch?
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal from back in March, Apple suppliers were given instructions to produce 12.9 inch iPad screens, by the second half of 2015. By this token, there is a chance that Apple might release the iPad Pro within the same timeframe as Microsoft launches its own Surface Pro 4, which is expected to run Windows 10.