Apple is reportedly working on some neat software features such as the ability to view two apps side by side, or multiple account login.
These features are not present on the current 9.7-inch or 7.9-inch iPads, but they will reportedly make their way to a new 12-inch iPad version the company plans to launch this year.
The news comes from Apple-centric publication 9to5Mac, which cites several sources familiar with the matter. According to its report, Apple could detail the new split-screen software feature at its upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) next month, ahead of the official unveiling of the larger iPad sometime later this year.
Apple saw great demand and impressive sales for its latest iPhones, but its tablet sales have reportedly declined. The company sold 12.6 million iPads last quarter, missing analysts' predictions by 2.4 million units and dropping 23 percent from the same period last year. These rumored plans reportedly aim to boost iPad sales.
"Facing slowing growth for the first time since the iPad's 2010 debut, Apple is working on several significant software and hardware updates to reinvigorate the tablet over the next year," 9to5Mac reveals. "Apple is developing a dual-app viewing mode, 12-inch iPads codenamed 'J98' and 'J99,' as well as support for multi-user logins, according to sources briefed on the plans. First planned for debut last year, the split-screen applications feature for the iPad could be introduced as soon as June at Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference, while multi-user login support and the 12-inch iPads will apparently arrive later..."
One potential reason behind somewhat sluggish iPad sales could be the launch of new iPhones with larger displays. Apple introduced its new-generation smartphones last September, launching a 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and a 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus. While in the past Apple fans who wanted bigger screens had to opt for iPads, the larger displays of the latest iPhones could have bitten into iPad sales.
A massive 12-inch iPad could indeed make a big difference, but in turn it could eat into sales of the MacBook as the display sizes would overlap. It remains to be seen whether a 12-inch iPad could boost sluggish sales, but it's all still in the rumor state at this point. As always in such cases, take all leaks, rumors and reports with a grain of salt.
