Some more news has leaked about Apple’s iPad Pro, the 12.9-inch tablet that Apple is expected to debut this week.
Unlike earlier iPads, which have started at 16GB of capacity and been designed to appeal in both pricing and size to the masses, even the base model iPad Pro will have features fitting its name. We’re also hearing that it’s coming a little later than originally expected, but will still make it out by year’s end…
9to5Mac says their sources tell them production of the new tablet is running a bit behind schedule. So, even though Apple will announce the device on Wednesday, and begin taking pre-orders in October, the actual first shipments of the device may come towards the end of November. Even then, there may be only a small supply of the larger tablet available.
The report says the base model of the iPad Pro will come with 64GB of storage, the most ever for a base model of an iPad. Apple will also make a 128GB model available. The new device will run iOS 9.1, and will likely ship with Gold, Silver, and Space Grey color variations to start.
As do all of the iPad lineup, the Pro will be available with built-in LTE. 9to5Mac’s sources tell them the pricing of the highest-end iPad Pro with LTE will come in closely to the price of Apple’s newest MacBook.
The device’s 12.9-inch “monster” screen will boast a landscaped split-screen mode that allows two full-sized portrait apps to run side-by-side. The split-screen mode on the iPad Air 2 shrinks the portrait apps to fit side-by-side in that mode.
The iPad Pro is said to boast an A9X chip, said to be a huge leap from the A8X used in the iPad Air 2. The tablet will be equipped with four stereo speakers, and will include the usual single Lightning port on the bottom.
Apple will offer a new Force Touch-integrated iPad stylus, as well as a new Bluetooth keyboard as optional accessories, sold separately. The report says Apple has developed two versions of the iPad Pro keyboard, one that also acts as a case, and another that more resembles the current Apple Wireless Keyboard it has offered for Mac and iPads. The company will also offer the usual Smart Covers and Smart Cases for the new device. It isn’t known if Apple will unveil these accessories on Wednesday.
As usual, even at this late date, it should be noted that this is all rumors, and should be treated at so. We’ll find out for sure on Wednesday. MacTrast will be live blogging the event, and we hope you’ll join us here at 1:00PM Eastern/10:00AM Pacific.
