Apple iPad Pro Rumors: 12.9-Inch Tablet to Start Production in October?
Reports have emerged pointing to a fall production date for the 12.9-inch Apple iPad Pro.
Rumors swirling about a larger iPad have risen to fever pitch with a report coming from securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo saying a 12.9-inch model is gearing for full-scale production either on September or October this year.
The KGI Securities analyst believes the large-screen iPad Pro will come with a Bluetooth stylus accessory equipped with Force Touch technology to navigate the iPad's wider surface. According to Kuo, Apple third-party manufacturer, Cheng Uei is likely to receive exclusive assembly rights for the stylus.
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Force Touch originally appeared in the Apple Watch, and because iPhone and iPad screens react to force differently, a pressure-sensitive stylus may be necessary to enhance the accuracy of Force Touch on a larger display.
Kuo also pointed out that while current market feedback on Force Touch reveals it isn't the driving force behind device sales, Apple's continued commitment to consistency will mean the technology will be implemented on all of the company's future products.
Initially, rumors of a larger iPad Pro suggested a 12.2-inch display, but recent news has the tablet size up to 12.9 inches.
Other rumors have pointed out Sharp will be manufacturing the iPad Pro's displays, with a Foxconn subsidiary set to assemble the touch sensors. Samsung and TPK are lined up to act as secondary component suppliers, as well.
With this latest report on a September or October production date, it is unlikely the iPad Pro will see the light during Apple's launch event scheduled for September 9.
Based on the September or October production date, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is likely to hit retail shelves by late October or November, before or in time for the Black Friday sales, assuming it follows Apple's product release patterns.
