Apple's 12.9-inch iPad may feature Bluetooth stylus, Force Touch, NFC and more

Apple is reportedly planning to launch a bigger version of iPad with 12.9-inch screen called iPad Pro. Earlier reports suggested that the iPad Pro will launch with a touch screen stylus which is said to be an optional accessory.

Now a new report from Apple Insider citing people familiar with Apple's agenda confirmed that Apple is working on a new iPad with 12.9 inch display. The source revealed a number of features that is entirely new to the iPad lineup that include Bluetooth stylus, NFC, Force Touch and more.

According to Apple Insider's source, the next iPad will include a NFC radio that could allow the iPad Pro to serve as a payment receiving terminal via Apple Pay.

Apple is also said to be working on a Bluetooth enable stylus that will feature pressure-sensitive input. An earlier report suggested that the Stylus will feature built-in accelerometer as well as a gyroscope. It is believed that the Stylus will draw power from lightning port.

The tablet will sport a new touch screen with improved touch latency and is expected to come with Force Touch input.

The source also revealed that iPad will also feature USB-C port, but it is not clear whether the port will be a second port option or replace the Lightning connector. 

In addition a few days back schematics revealing details of iPad Pro's dimension leaked online. The schematics reveals that the iPad Pro measures 305.7mm by 222.6mm with a thickness of 7.2mm. The schematics are dated back to December 2014 so it is highly likely there dimension will be final measurements of the iPad Pro.

Other notable body elements in the schematics are the four speaker grilles, two on top and two botton. On the side of the tablet there is a single port which we can assume to be the USB Type-C port, that is installed in recently launched 12-inch MacBook. It could also be Apple's lightning port. There is also a volume rocker, headphone jack and power button on the sides. The camera is placed on the left corner of the tablet.

Other rumors surrounding the iPad Pro includes 4K display, A9 or A8X processor, 2GB RAM, LTE support and use of 7000 series Aluminum material.

There are no details on when the iPad Pro will be announced, but it is expected that Apple will launch the tablet sometime before the year ends.

Source : Apple Insider