14 DAY TRIAL // For more than a year now Apple is said to be working on a new tablet featuring an even larger display than the current iPad Air lineup. Targeting the Enterprise sector with this device, the company is expected to “reinvigorate” its tablet business with this Pro model.
The rumor doesn’t stem from just one source, but many. In recent months, analysts from renowned investment banks have cited their respective “industry sources” and “industry checks” strengthening the iPad Pro rumor. But while some say it has a 12.2-inch display, others say the size is closer to 13 inches.
Jumbo iPad to jumpstart sales
A research note dished out by analyst Timothy Arcuri of Cowen and Company indicates that most Apple watchers agree on the iPad Pro rumor. It’s expected to take on multiple industries and actually reignite interest in Apple’s devices, though it remains to be seen just how saturated the market is (or isn’t).
In any case, Arcuri think’s it’s happening. He said in his paper that, going by the latest supply chain checks, “Apple is on track to launch a larger 12.9-inch iPad model in the spring,” according to an AppleInsider report. He claims that such an iPad will “reinvigorate” the product category. In terms of sales, he expects Apple to move between 15 million and 20 million units.
Not just for the Enterprise
In partnering with IBM this year, Apple appears to have made its first baby steps towards offering Enterprise customers the necessary tools to conduct much of their business from the comfort of an iPad’s display.
The duo are selling the IBM MobileFirst suite of iOS apps in industries like Travel and Transportation, Banking and Financial Markets, Insurance, Government, Retail, and Telecommunications. While these tools will undoubtedly make great business companions for future owners of the iPad Pro, there are other industries out there that stand to benefit from this uber tablet.
Artists will find the 13-inch canvas of the iPad Pro particularly appealing, especially those into drawing and making music. Architects would appreciate the larger display just as much, and so would clients in aeronautics, industrial design, and the automotive industry.
“Early 2015”
Another rumor surrounding this device is the actual launch date. Many believe it will be around spring, and Arcuri is no different. Around the same time Apple is expected to deploy its first Retina MacBook Air, and there are even talks of a faster iPhone refresh rate that might see a new model deployed alongside these devices.
The Apple Watch is also on track for an Early 2015 release.
