Many reports have so far mentioned Apple’s plans to release a bigger iPad model in the future — unofficially called the iPad Pro — with most of them suggesting the device will have a bigger 12.9-inch display. However, a new report from Japanese Apple blog Macotakara, a publication that has offered accurate details about unreleased Apple products in the past, suggests that the iPad Pro will be slightly smaller than that.
FROM EARLIER: The gigantic iPad Pro will have significant competition
According to “reliable sources,” the tablet’s display will measure 12.2 inches, with the iPad Pro supposedly similar in size to Microsoft’s Surface Pro 3. Interestingly, a 12.2-inch iPad Pro would also match Samsung’s 12.2-inch Note Pro and Tab Pro tablets that were unveiled all the way back in January, at CES 2014.
Macotakara says the iPad Pro will be about as thin as the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, which would be thinner than the iPad Air but thicker than the iPad Air 2.
The bigger tablet may also feature speakers and microphones on both the top and bottom edges, suggesting the tablet will offer an improved stereo sound experience. The Lightning connector, Touch ID home button and iSight camera should be found in the same places as on the iPad Air 2.
An illustration of unspecified origins also seems to show the top part of an iPad Pro, which appears to be similar in design to the iPad Air 2. However, next to the standby button, a speaker grill can also be seen in the image below.
The publication also says that Apple is eying a third-quarter launch for the iPad Pro. Earlier reports said the iPad Pro would arrive in the first half of 2015.
