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Many tech experts believe Apple’s iPad 6 will actually take the form of the “iPad Pro,” a larger, more business-oriented device. The theory goes that Samsung’s line of Tab Pro and Note Pro tablets are trying to take the fight to Apple in the big screen “pro” tablet market. Here are some of the most compelling rumors we’ve heard so far about Apple’s possible iPad Pro model.
1. 12-Inch Screen Possible
"Apple quietly racking up iPen stylus patents, possibly shipping with iPad Pro" http://t.co/VfDnhPb3JS (http://t.co/sGzmYp223h)
— Jan Jursa (@IATV) February 4, 2014
MacRumors and other Mac blogs have speculated that the iPad Pro will have a screen that’s between 12 and 12.9 inches. That bigger screen could give Apple an edge over Samsung’s premium Note Pro and Tab Pro offerings. As Mac Rumors explains:
“The 12.9-inch “iPad Pro” model could include a display with a resolution of 2732 x 2048 and 265 ppi, edging out the 12.2-inch panel Samsung introduced in its new Galaxy Tab Pro and Note Pro tablets. The Samsung models ship with a 12.2-inch display that has a 2560 x 1600 resolution and 247 ppi.”
2. The iPad Pro Could Be a Hybrid Device
An iPad Running OS X Could Be Apple's Next “Big Idea” by @redletterdave http://t.co/YCR4YXeh3D
— ReadWrite (@RWW) January 30, 2014
The Motley Fool reports a rumor that the iPad Pro could be a hybrid computing device. This hybrid device would work like an iPad, but could easily turn into a MacBook-like device as well. This would likely appeal to tablet newbies who prefer laptops, or people using their iPads for extended typing sessions at work.
The Motley Fool quotes an expert who believe “an iOS-based hybrid device could disrupt 25% to 30% of the PC market.” That being said, even the Motley Fool thinks this prediction is unlikely to pan out, even with the potential to snatch up so much of the market.
3. The iPad Pro Might Launch in Q3
Analyst Skeptical About Imminent Launch for 12.9-Inch 'iPad Pro': A rumored 12.9-inch iPad may still have sign… http://t.co/xl8oTHNtBW
— The Apple Fan Page (@appletweets__) January 31, 2014
Once again, Mac Rumors is on the case! They write that the earliest we will see an iPad Pro is the third quarter of 2014. T3 predicts the device will be announced in October and go on sale the following month.
That timing would ensure the devices are on the market for the holiday shopping season, as well as being available for businesses to price out and add to their budgets for the next fiscal year.
4. Improved Multitasking
iPad Pro Rumors: Unannounced iPad's 12.9" Screen Could Be Made Up Of Sapphire, New Slate Allegedly Gets 2K Display http://t.co/PfNdMfnZPp
— Jhun Derek Rota (@dereksters) February 8, 2014
One thing that has consumers really excited about Samsung’s Tab Pro and Note Pro devices is the fact that you can multitask in four separate windows on the device’s massive screen. So it’s no wonder that iPad fans like LAPTOP Editor in Chief Mark Spoonauer are clamoring for the iPad Pro to beef up its same-screen multitasking capabilities. If Apple’s iPad Pro really is going to go up against Samsung’s new offerings, this multitasking feature will be key to the iPad Pro’s success.
5. More Than Just a Big iPad for Business
Will The Large Screen iPad Pro Be Apple's First In A Line Of Desktop Touch Devices? http://t.co/I5zwijjP8Y via @forbes
— Amy Arbogash (@amyarbogash) February 2, 2014
CNET writes that the iPad Pro “could be more than just a big iPad.” Some analysts believe Apple’s new tablet direction could mean big changes in the way people do business…and more.
The iPad Pro, according to Forbes, might be just the device to get Apple products back into schools in a big way. The iPad Pro would be a great educational tool, particular for schools that are transitioning from physical textbooks to digital ones.
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iPad Pro & iPad 6 Rumors: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know