Earlier this year, rumors surfaced that Apple was working on an iPad Pro, a 12.9-inch version of its tablet.
Initial reports claimed the size of the device, and that it would be announced by Apple on its upcoming event in Sept. 9. The device will supposedly be an ultrathin tablet measuring about 9.17 inches by 12 inches by 0.28 inches.
However, several reports have been released since then to provide more information about the upcoming iPad Pro by Apple, though the company has not confirmed that it is working on such a device.
In August, rumors surfaced that the iPad Pro could be shipped with a stylus made by Apple, which would be a first for the company. The rumors stemmed from a patent that was filed by Apple with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for a stylus.
The stylus described in the patent application is not an ordinary one though, as it features a camera built into the device that will allow the stylus to detect the surfaces that it is passing over and create textures for the user.
Including a stylus for the iPad Pro goes against the sentiments of the late former CEO and co-founder Steve Jobs, who expressed disdain for the accessories. While most users are fine with using only their fingers on operating tablets, there are some tasks that would be easier if a stylus is present, such as taking down notes or drawing objects.
While reports claim that the iPad Pro could be a part of the devices that will be discussed at Apple's Sept. 9 event, there remains a possibility that the announcement of the tablet could be pushed further back.
That possibility looks to be the case, with a recent report stating that while the device is being produced shortly, it will not be a part of the Sept. 9 event. However, the iPad Pro will still have a projected date of release later on within the year, just in time for the holiday shopping frenzy.
In addition, the report claimed that the large-sized iPad Pro will have a Force Touch-capable screen with the Bluetooth-enabled stylus as an optional accessory. The stylus would be able to enhance productivity as it would be able to offer additional precision to the operation of the tablet compared to using only fingers, said KGI analyst Ming Chi Kuo, adding that the stylus could even possibly be used in other tablets aside from the iPad Pro depending on supporting software.
Kuo thinks that there will be 3.5 million units of the iPad Pro to be produced, with 1 million units of the stylus, with production expected to start in September or October.
Until Apple reveals official information about the tablet, the market will remain guessing on what the iPad Pro will offer customers. However, until then, the device and its stylus will fuel several more reports.
