Just a little over a month ago, in October 2014, computer giant Apple launched two versions of its latest range of iPads, the “iPad Air 2” and the “iPad Mini 3”. Even with such a recent release, rumors are already abuzz of the next line of iPads to be brought out by Apple.
This rumor further adds that with the new iPad Pro to be released, Apple may decide to discontinue the mini-series altogether. The Mini 3 featured almost entirely the same hardware and design specifications as its prior release, the Mini 2. The only difference between the two mentioned models is that the Mini 3 was provided with Apple’s trademark touch sensor for identification, also compatible with the Apple Pay service. The Mini 3 also is the only in the series to be available in a gold finish.
This little difference between the two models is what has contributed to the rumor’s strength. The rumor is so strong that it has stopped many potential consumers from purchasing the recently released device. Also, the Mini 3 supports the Apple Pay service only online and without any NFC chip. This has also deterred many fans from going for this model.
Sources in Taiwan have already reported more about the rumored iPad Pro. According to a leading daily news agency, the demand and supply rumors have led them to suspect that the older versions will be discontinued early next year and this is also the speculated time of release for the Pro line of Apple’s iPads.
The iPad Pro series is rumored to have a much larger screen size as compared to the 7.9 inch display of the Mini 3. Speculations have ranged between screen sizes of 12.2 to 12.9 inches. The screen is also suspected to be akin to that of the iPhone 6, featuring ultra-thin, high definition trademark Retina Displays. There may also be a supplementary speaker and microphone located on the top of the device in the new series.
The much hyped about iPad Pro proves one of the most rumored of Apple’s products, coming close to other big names such as Apple’s smart Watch. Other speculated names of the iPad Pro include the likes of iPad Plus and the iPad 6 Plus. This new product, if it is actually being developed, will be Apple’s attempt at bridging the gap between tablets and PCs further.
With such powerful size and technical specifications, the new device seems to be targeted towards business consumers. In fact, it has always been long rumored that Apple will be trying to capture a significant portion of the business consumer market. Traditionally, Microsoft has reigned in on this territory of enterprise consumers. The iPad Pro, bringing an all new range of sizes and specifications to the iPad series, might just help Apple in this endeavor.
If the rumors turn out to be true, the iPad Pro will definitely prove to be a new line of business for Apple. It might also bring with it the possibility of a merger of the OS X and the iOS systems.