Apple's much-rumored 12.9-inch iPad, unofficially dubbed the "iPad Pro," will apparently boast several changes if a new report turns out to be accurate.
The purported iPad Pro will reportedly come with an all-new Bluetooth stylus with pressure sensitivity, as well as support for Force Touch input and a USB-C connector, among other changes.
This is not the first time that such rumors come to light, but a new report from AppleInsider now bolsters such claims, citing its own source familiar with the matter.
"A person familiar with Apple's future product plans has revealed that the company is in fact working on an all-new iPad with a larger 12.9-inch display. Commonly referred to amongst members of the media and enthusiasts as an 'Pad Pro,' the timetable for release for this device is unknown, but a number of features entirely new to the iPad lineup are included," the Apple-centric publication reports.
AppleInsider's source further revealed that Apple's upcoming 12.9-inch iPad is expected to pack an NFC radio. As the publication points out, rocking an NFC radio would allow the slate to serve as a payment receiving terminal for the company's Apple Pay mobile payment service, as tap-to-pay functionality is quite unlikely for an iPad, especially such a large one.
If these rumored features turn out to be accurate, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro will boast quite a few changes compared to existing iPads. Earlier this year, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who is famous for his Apple-related predictions, was the first one to mention a potential Apple stylus, and more information has come to light since. AppleInsider subsequently learned that this stylus would rely on a Bluetooth connection, and it would boast pressure-sensitive input.
"The source also indicated that the jumbo-sized iPad will sport a new touchscreen with improved touch latency. It was said that this will improve the experience when used with a new Apple-built Bluetooth stylus," further adds the report.
The display itself will be pressure-sensitive as well, as it will feature the company's new Force Touch input, i.e. the much-touted technology currently found on the latest MacBooks and the Apple Watch.
The iPad Pro is further expected to rock the next-generation A series processor, which could launch as the Apple A9.
When it comes to connectivity options, meanwhile, the publication's source said that the 12.9-inch iPad will feature the new USB-C input, but did not mention whether it will replace the Lightning connector or come as a second port option. So far, rumors and leaks have indicated that the iPad Pro may feature both USB-C and Lightning ports, but it remains unconfirmed.
In fact, it all remains in the rumor state at this point, and it is highly advisable to take all leaks and reports with a hefty grain of salt. Apple made no comment in this regards so far, so nothing is certain for now.
