The Apple iPad Air was released just 48 hours ago and already attention is turning to the iPad Pro. According to several industry analysts, the iPad Pro will be more powerful and built for enterprise level customers.
Apple pivoted away from the number moniker for the iPad 5, instead choosing the iPad Air naming convention. Experts say the company wanted to showcase the company’s upcoming power tablets which have yet to be unveiled.
RW Bair analyst Will Power told USA Today : “The name change is likely intentional. Everything that Apple articulates it does for a reason. Developing an iPad that is better designed for productivity is something that could very well make sense.”
Agreeing with that assessment is Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster who says any “iPad Pro” type device will be focused on working flawlessly with word processing, spreadsheets and presentations.
In many ways Apple has already made that pivot. iPad Air users are already provided with a free installation of iWork and iLife.
Muster explains, “This would seem to leave room for a ‘Pro’ model at some point if a market for a higher performance tablet exists.”
It’s likely that an Apple iPad Pro will feature at least a 64-bit A7 CPU (already inside the iPad Air). A less likely but still explored option is a 12-inch iPad device that offers more workable screen realty. There have also been rumors of a Touch Cover-style keyboard folio.
The Microsoft Surface 2 has been actively attacking the Apple iPad line and its lack of full office-type functionality and inability to offer full multi-tasking. Microsoft also touts its included keyboard as a major selling point.
If an Apple iPad Pro makes its way to market an attachable keyboard and more productivity suite options could help Apple secure its dominance in the tablet market.
Would you use an Apple iPad Pro for business purposes if the tech giant upped its productivity offerings for its next generation tablet?