For most of the year, reports detailing a bigger 12.9-inch iPad, often referred to as the “iPad Pro,” offered contradicting views on Apple’s tablet plans. Some said Apple is indeed working on a bigger tablet, but others said the project has been shelved. While more and more reports have recently suggested that the iPad Pro will make its debut next year, The New York Times has learned the product isn’t even considered official within Apple yet.
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“Inside Apple, another project aimed at professionals is an iPad with a jumbo screen, according to two employees who spoke on condition they not be named because the product is not yet finished, nor is it considered official yet,” the Times wrote.
Meanwhile, Apple has already leaked the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 that are going to be unveiled on Thursday, confirming the devices will both have Touch ID fingerprint sensors embedded in the home button, and a camera similar to the iPhone 5s camera.
The Times also mentions the new iPads are getting Touch ID functionality, which is required for in-app and online Apple Pay payments on the tablet, adding that the iPad Air should also receive a major revision. The device is supposed to be thinner and faster than the first-gen iPad Air, according to an Apple employee, and should be available in a gold version.
