Speculations have been rampant over the past months regarding Apple's release of a new iPad sometime this 2015. Now, the tech giant will indeed be unveiling a larger iPad Pro/Plus version this year, an analyst has confirmed.
According to reports, the new tablet will measure 12.9 inches and will be made available in the fourth quarter.
Rhoda Alexander, an analyst from market research company HIS, confirmed the release of the new iPad through a public email.
"Our supply side (sources say) it's a go for 2015," stated Alexander. "The release timing is fuzzy. It may not appear until Q4 with the other iPad updates. We are, however, getting input from both the component and [product] side that this is a real product, and part of their 2015 building plan."
Although the tablet's name was not confirmed, "iPad Pro' and "iPad Plus' are being considered as the names that are most likely to be used for the upcoming device.
In addition, the 12.9-inch size of the new iPad is expected to coherently match the display size of the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, Apple's flagship laptops. Both computers are currently available in their 13-inch display variants.
According to Alexander, the larger iPad version is likely to target users from business and education markets. It is also expected that a set of new apps will be developed in order to make the most of the larger display.
Last year, an image was leaked which may have suggested a design for the upcoming tablet. The photo was said to have been taken at China's Foxconn factory, an Apple manufacturer, and was claimed to measure roughly 12 inches in height and 8.7 inches in width.
Additionally, a leaked design for a case may have unveiled details for Apple's rumored iPad tablet. The new case will reportedly be "equipped with a screen measuring from 12.2 to 12.9 inches diagonally.'
The tablet may also come with four speakers as well as two charging ports, which would allow the device to be plugged when using either portrait or landscape mode.
Another rumor that is yet to be confirmed is the use of a stylus as an accessory for the new iPad.
Although the late Steve Jobs was against the use of the stylus, a new generation for Apple may introduce new accompaniment for its devices. For instance, Jobs was known for opposing a larger sized iPhone but the considerable success of the iPhone 6 Plus can demonstrate Apple's current moves toward customer demand and expectation.
