KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted that the oft-mooted 12.9-inch “iPad Pro” will come with the pressure-sensitive Force Touch technology and be compatible with a new, optional stylus. He has also claimed that mass production of the slate will commence in September or October.
Kuo, who is generally considered reliable in making predictions about as-yet-unreleased Apple products, made these comments in a research note issued today, according to AppleInsider, which reports having obtained a copy of that note.
The analyst has described the forthcoming slate’s Force Touch input as “an evolution, rather than a revolution”. He added that Apple will separately offer a new Bluetooth stylus which will reach about a million shipments, in comparison to 3.5 million for the larger iPad, which looks likely to be largely aimed at corporate markets.
Kuo’s prediction for when the tablet will enter mass production seems sensible considering a report in July that it was not expected for release until after mid-November. The prediction suggests, however, that the next iPad Mini could be unveiled much sooner, as it has reportedly just entered production.
