Apple is reportedly planning to launch its much-rumored 12.2-inch "iPad Pro" or "iPad Air Plus" sometime between April and June next year.
Rumors regarding a bigger and more powerful iPad have been making rounds for quite some time, with various leaks and reports trying to paint a picture of what to expect. Nothing has materialized so far, but new information claims that a 12.2-inch iPad will make its formal debut in the first half of 2015.
Japanese publication Mac Fan has published some alleged schematics for what could be the rumored iPad Pro, or, as it calls it, iPad Air Plus, Mac Otakara reported (translated).
The authenticity of these drawings is not verified, however, so take this leak with a grain of salt. At the same time, it's worth taking into account that the same Mac Fan magazine has previously published accurate drawings for the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus before they made their official debut. This adds some credibility to the new leak, but it still doesn't guarantee the accuracy of these schematics for the purported iPad Air Plus.
The publication further states that the larger iPad will pack a new Apple A9 processor and boast four speakers for superior audio with omni-directional, stereo sound. Moreover, the report also claims that Apple will launch a new iPad Mini iteration called the iPad Mini 4 with the same design of the current iPad Air 2.
Some earlier reports claimed that Apple would unleash a 12.9-inch iPad Pro in 2015, and would start mass producing the slate in the first quarter of the year. Other reports, meanwhile, stated that Apple has in fact decided to delay production of the bigger iPad in order to focus on meeting the high demand for the new-generation iPhones.
Despite plenty of leaks and reports heralding the arrival of a larger iPad next year, however, it all remains in the rumor state for now. Apple has made no official announcement regarding plans to launch an iPad with a display larger than 12 inches, which means that nothing is confirmed for now. We'll keep you up to date as soon as we learn more, but take everything with a grain of salt in the meantime.
