A new report is following up on rumors of Apple introducing a 12.9-inch iPad Pro with a 2K display in early 2014, while a 4K version would follow in Oct. 2014.
We reported that Apple is believed to be working on a 12.9-inch iPad Pro that will see its Retina display move into ultra high-definition (UHD) and bring a 2K display to what the company will market towards professionals. It will be a step up from its current iPads, similar to how the MacBook Pro and upcoming Mac Pro have been designed with higher-end and more powerful specs for individuals who need devices that are able to run processor-intensive applications such as Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, and other professional software.
The Wall Street Journal, a very credible source, has recently reported that Apple has been working on a 12.9-inch iPad. Several other media outlets have also claimed that the company is indeed working on two powerful and larger iPads to address the professional market and not the consumer market where Apple's tablets have cemented their place as the tablet of choice.
IBT is now reporting that Apple's upcoming 12.9-inch iPads will combine the capabilities of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. The first tablet will debut in April and will feature an ultra high-definition 2K display. The second model will reportedly launch in October 2014, during Apple's usual October iPad refresh, and it will boast an even higher-resolution 4K display.
The site claims that Apple's move into iPads with larger displays is to address its biggest rival, Samsung, who has been releasing larger tablets with high-resolution displays. Apple believes there is a market for larger tablets and it does not want to allow Samsung to do with tablets what it did with smartphones. Apple does not want to make the same mistake it made by not releasing an iPhone with a larger display, while it watched Samsung quickly become the market leader in the phablet world. Apple is rumored to be working on releasing iPhones in 2014 that will have displays with much larger sizes than its current and largest 4-inch display found on the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c.
As always, take reports of unannounced Apple devices with a huge grain of salt. It seems likely, however, that Apple may release an iPad Pro, especially since it did add an iPad Air to its tablet lineup this year, surprising many with the name change.
