iPad Pro Release Date Coming as Mock-Up Appears in New Picture
A prototype of what could be the iPad Pro appeared in a leaked picture this week indicating that an official release date could be here soon.
Chinese social media site Weibo featured a user that posted up a picture of someone holding this large Apple tablet with one hand.
Based on the picture, it is impossible to tell the exact size of the model and it is unclear if it matches up to previous rumors that have pointed to the slate measuring in at 12.9-inches. An Apple logo can also be seen on the back.
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The iPad Pro is expected to launch sometime next year, according to the latest rumors.
Digitimes stated in a recent report that the 12.9-inch iPad now known to some as the Pro model will not hit the market until at least the beginning of next year. The publication claims that Apple is having issues with the larger tablets form factor since it is not compatible with existing ecosystems. This forced manufacturers to scale back on their plans.
KGI Securities Ming-Chi Kuo also confirmed a 2015 release in a research note that said Apple will hold off on releasing the 12.9-inch iPad until next year and will launch an iPad Air model with an A8 processor and Touch ID fingerprint sensor instead.
Kuo stated that the iPad Pro will debut in the beginning of next year with limited supply.
"We believe Apple plans to launch upgraded iPad Air early this year, and will accelerate development of 12.9" iPad," read the report. "As such, more resources will be allocated to these two products, which will affect the progress of the development of new iPad mini."
Apple will shift much of its resources to the larger models due to low sales of the iPad mini retina model.
Kuo also states that the iPad Pro will function as a driver in allowing developers to create more interactive apps for a bigger screen. Apple has been prioritizing developing the operating system for the iWatch this year, and plans to release that device in 2014.
