Reports stated that Apple will iPad Pro release is pushed back later this year and will discontinue the iPad Mini.
The Wall Street Journal cited unnamed industry sources saying that suppliers were advised by Apple to begin production of the larger iPad in the second half of the year. If Apple will follow its previous timeline, there is a big chance that iPad Pro will be announced in October.
Originally, Apple was meant to introduce the iPad Pro earlier this year, but the release of the tablet was delayed to give way to new Apple products recently announced at the Spring Forward event on Mar. 9.
The report added that the tech giant will include USB 3.0 ports for a proposed a keyboard accessory that will transform the large tablet into a laptop just like the Microsoft Surface Pro 3. Rumor has it that the iPad Pro will include specifications such as 12-inch screen panel with 2K display resolution, an Intel Broadwell chip or A9 processor, iOS 9, and 11,000 mAh battery. Moreover, the new iPad Pro will have a more powerful hardware and improved multitasking features.
Meanwhile, amidst the rumors that the Cupertino-based tech giant is developing the fourth generation of iPad Mini, the company will reportedly axe the iPad Mini line upon the release of iPad Pro, according to Science Times. This is due to the fact that the market is now favoring devices with larger screens and Apple will focus on the iPad Pro. The iPhone 6 Plus will allegedly bridge the gap that the iPad Mini will leave.
However, everything should be treated as a grain of salt as Apple has not confirmed the aforementioned rumors.