Looks like a giant iPad called the iPad Pro featuring a number of changes is in the making.
As speculation about Apple's rumored big-screen iPad, dubbed the 'iPad Pro' is heating up, it looks like the tech giant is all set to take on the rising challenge from Android tablets and Microsoft surface.
Apple is also expecting the larger screen to help differentiate the iPad from the big screen iPhone 6 Plus, according to DailyMail.
In addition, it reportedly includes a all-new stylus accessory with pressure sensitivity, along with a new pressure sensitive screen.
According to AppleInsider, a person familiar with Apple's future product plans has revealed that the tech giant is actually working on an all-new iPad with a larger 12.9-inch display. The iPad Pro is currently not attached with a release date, however it is believed that the device boasts numerous features that are entirely new to the iPad lineup.
Further fueling the flames is a video that shows mysterious cases for a 12.5-inch device and social media posts of what are said to be sketches for the project.
The video in question is released by Unbox Therapy, and it compares the 9.7-inch iPad Air with all of the new protective cases currently being produced, which apparently are for a next-gen iPad with screen diagonal of between 12.5 and 13 inches with the same thinness as the iPad Air, according to HindustanTimes.
What's worth noting is that the case also features an opening on the side, hinting that the upcoming iPad could be the first with a 3.0 USB port.
The upcoming iPad reportedly includes near-field-communication (NFC), the same technology that is used in iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus to enable Apple Pay. Contrary to being used for making payments, AppleInsider suggests that the large iPad could be used as an Apple Pay-compatible payment terminal that can receive NFC signals from an iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.
Other rumors making rounds hint the presence of a Force Touch screen, a feature introduced on the Apple Watch and the latest MacBook range. The feature senses the difference between a light touch and a firmer one. The supposed iPad will also feature four speakers and a next-gen processor.
Although Apple has not yet confirmed or denied this jumbo tablet project, the device would compete with the 12-inch Surface Pro 3.
Keeping with Apple's customary timeline since 2012, the potential new tablet could enter production in the second half of this year and make its debut in the fall. The iPad Pro would join the 9.7-inch iPad Air and 7.9-inch iPad mini in the current range.
The device would be marketed to artists and professionals and would be more expensive than its predecessors.
