Apple's 'iPad Pro' might include USB expansion ports, new fast charging tech
Following reports that claimed Apple was forced to push back its production timeline for a larger 12.9-inch iPad, new rumors suggest the company is looking to incorporate USB 3.0 connectivity and possibly ports for keyboards and a mouse.
Citing sources familiar with Apple's plans, The Wall Street Journal reports production of a rumored 12.9-inch iPad has indeed been pushed back to the second half of 2015, but not due to component shortages as previously thought.
The publication claims Apple has not yet decided on a final design and is still working on new iterations and enterprise features, including USB ports and incorporation of the faster USB 3.0 protocol. While a move to USB 3.0 sounds reasonable, the assertion that Apple could make a last-minute decision to tack on external expansion ports is highly suspect. Since the iPad platform debuted in 2010, Apple has relied on one connector for charging, syncing and data transfer; first the 30-pin adapter and now Lightning, both proprietary designs.
"Apple has continued to rework some of the features of the larger iPad. It is now considering the faster technology for data synchronization between the larger iPad and other computing devices," the source said. "Apple is also working on technology to speed up the iPad charging time, but it remains uncertain if the final design will have these new features."
The person also mentioned "iPad Pro" may include options to connect a keyboard and mouse, though it is unclear if they were referring to additional Lightning connector inputs, a breakout cable or separate USB ports.
Past reports touched on the potential a larger iPad would have in enterprise. Earlier this year, noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo speculated that Apple could sell a simple tablet stylus to go along with the large-screened device, enabling handwritten notes and precise onscreen interactions.
Not much is known about the rumored tablet, but previous reports suggest Apple is planning to incorporate extra speakers into the larger iPad chassis, affording stereo sound while using the device in landscape mode.
Citing sources familiar with Apple's plans, The Wall Street Journal reports production of a rumored 12.9-inch iPad has indeed been pushed back to the second half of 2015, but not due to component shortages as previously thought.
The publication claims Apple has not yet decided on a final design and is still working on new iterations and enterprise features, including USB ports and incorporation of the faster USB 3.0 protocol. While a move to USB 3.0 sounds reasonable, the assertion that Apple could make a last-minute decision to tack on external expansion ports is highly suspect. Since the iPad platform debuted in 2010, Apple has relied on one connector for charging, syncing and data transfer; first the 30-pin adapter and now Lightning, both proprietary designs.
"Apple has continued to rework some of the features of the larger iPad. It is now considering the faster technology for data synchronization between the larger iPad and other computing devices," the source said. "Apple is also working on technology to speed up the iPad charging time, but it remains uncertain if the final design will have these new features."
The person also mentioned "iPad Pro" may include options to connect a keyboard and mouse, though it is unclear if they were referring to additional Lightning connector inputs, a breakout cable or separate USB ports.
Past reports touched on the potential a larger iPad would have in enterprise. Earlier this year, noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo speculated that Apple could sell a simple tablet stylus to go along with the large-screened device, enabling handwritten notes and precise onscreen interactions.
Not much is known about the rumored tablet, but previous reports suggest Apple is planning to incorporate extra speakers into the larger iPad chassis, affording stereo sound while using the device in landscape mode.
Comments
Very un-Apple.
I expect 2 thunderbolt inputs at the most.
But there will most likely be no ports.
Nah.
I’m glad it’s a 12.9” now, though, over the original 12.2”.
What if apple is addressing the Microsoft Service Pro. While I know some people on this site hate anything non apple but the service pro is a great concept as a device. Imagine this: Mac OS 10 on a full touch screen that is super slim, great battery life, and when you need it has a keyboard and mouse it works with it. Apple can position it as a super professional iPad. I would buy one if priced right and toss an i5 or i7 in it and you have a day one purchase.
Hopefully Apple starts the introduction of USB 3.1 with the new type C connector. Even the current Lighting connector is still limited to USB 2.0 speeds.
Can the storage in iOS devices be written to at speeds significantly faster than USB 2.0 yet? I recall that being a bottleneck that would have made using a faster protocol (people kept asking for Thunderbolt) rather pointless.
So Steve Ballmer has taken over from Tim Cook.
Steve Jobs would not have done this.
I'm certain that they are working on an OSX tablet. They just need to figure out the right time to release it as far as development of hardware and software matching up to what they want them to be.
Actually I'm hoping that Apple pulls head from ASS here and considers the needs of users. A port, accessible to programmers without the MiFi program, would allow far more application to be built. Especially the one offs so common in a modern plants.
Because an input isn't a port.
That's a dead market.
The Surface is kaput, the Surface Pro survives only because it's a mediocre touch/stylus "laptop"
An iPad Pro moving in the opposite direction by adding a much more sensitive lag-free 2048-pressure-level stylus would absolutely get all the artists out there who were putting off getting Cintiq's an excuse to get one. The Surface Pro 2 was originally being recommended, but the SP3 dropped the ball by putting in a much inferior nTrig digitizer that relies on the touch system and is now not recommended.
Ultimately such a thing wouldn't be an iPad Pro, but a new MacBook Air crossover product if it runs Desktop software. If it runs iOS software, then I'd be concerned on how heavy it would be. Microsoft/Intel position the Surface Pro device as a competitor to the iPad when it's not really. The Surface Pro is a competitor to the Macbook Air.
I'm certain that they are working on an OSX tablet.
There is likely little debate that Apple is particularly desirous of merging OSX and iOS. "All works seamlessly" is something of a mantra to them. I can see a modular iPad pro line - Apple adds a lightening port on the side to allow addition of a MBA type keyboard (with a trackpad). Lots of examples of this kind of device by other manufacturers, and perhaps Apple sees a market for these "convertables."
Now imagine the iPad pro could have multitasking windows running iOS, OSX, and..MSwindows?
Mouse support?
So Steve Ballmer has taken over from Tim Cook.
Steve Jobs would not have done this.
As I said before, the Michael Spindler era Take II is about to begin. If true, yet another pathetic move by Cook et al - first the terrible decision to distribute dividends and destroy Apple's reputation as a growth stock; then the even worse decision to buy Beats and his "Dre"; then the decision to launch the bulky, fugly and batteryless AWatch.
And now this - time to summon Woz perhaps?
I doubt USB port for keyboard/mouse. Apple hates wires. I could see them adding basic (i.e., 2 button) Bluetooth mouse support though. Bluetooth keyboard support is already present in iPhones and iPads. USB 3.0 speed support for the Lightning connector would be nice, it takes forever to restore data to 64 GB and higher iPads, either wirelessly or over the current Lightning connector (which is apparently limited to slower speeds on the device side, not the host PC).
I can see them adding an USB type C or 2. Honestly it seems what Apple asks for, thin enough, reversible, and well functioning. Only lack is self made(or controlled), like Thunderbolt, lighting, and MagSafe.