We already know that Apple’s 12.9-inch iPad Pro has seen its release date pushed back to the fall but a new report in The Wall Street Journal gives us a better idea of why it’s being delayed.
FROM EARLIER: 12.9-inch iPad Pro production reportedly pushed back to September
Apple is apparently working to add USB 3.0 ports to its biggest iPad, which will mark the first time it’s equipped any of its tablets with USB. The Journal writes that Apple is intrigued by USB 3.0 because it “promises to transfer data up to 10 times as rapidly as current USB ports.”
Additionally, the Journal’s source says Apple is working on developing faster charging technology for the larger iPad and also on “faster technology for data synchronization between the larger iPad and other computing devices.” The company is even considering adding ports for connecting keyboards and mice, which would definitely be a first for an Apple tablet and would put it in direct competition with Microsoft’s Surface Pro line.
What all this adds up to is that Apple is really trying to make its larger iPad more like a traditional PC than any other tablet it’s released so far. What will be interesting to see here is how Apple handles the software that will come on the device — namely, will the iPad Pro’s version of iOS have any tweaks to make it more keyboard-and-mouse friendly or will it be roughly the same?
