Rumor: Large 'iPad Pro' to Include Stylus, NFC, USB-C

Rumors have been circulating for some time that Apple is working on a tablet with a larger screen, and now, a new report offers up some details about what we can expect from the so-called iPad Pro.

Citing an unnamed "person familiar with Apple's future product plans," AppleInsider on Sunday reported that Cupertino is "in fact" working on an iPad with a 12.9-inch display. The site's source didn't have any idea when Apple is planning to release the fabled device, but said Cupertino is planning to include number of other new features besides the larger screen, such as a stylus, near field communication (NFC) technology, a USB-C connector, and more.

"While tap-to-pay functionality in an iPad is unlikely, the inclusion of NFC could allow for an 'iPad Pro' to serve as a payment receiving terminal for Apple Pay," the report notes.

The NFC support could also "allow for simplified pairing with accessories, such as the new stylus said to be in the works," AppleInsider reported. The built-in stylus will reportedly connect via Bluetooth and feature a "pressure-sensitive input."

The big-screen iPad is also expected to feature USB-C input. That wouldn't be too shocking, given that Apple has already started moving towards USB-C by using the small, reversible connector on its new MacBook . The source also said that the iPad would get a processor bump, also not hugely surprising.

Rumors about the 12.9-inch iPad date back to at least 2013 when The Korea Times reported that Cupertino was planning to introduce the massive tablet in early 2014. That obviously didn't happen, and as PCMag's Sascha Segan has pointed out in the past, Apple undoubtedly tests a number of emerging technologies — including huge screens — but only a fraction of these prototypes actually turn into real products.

As for whether the 12.9-inch iPad will ever make it to store shelves, we'll just have to wait and see. Now might be a better time than ever, given that Apple has suffered five consecutive quarters of negative annual shipment growth, according to recent IDC figures. The research firm expects Apple to keep posting negative growth until it gives the iPad lineup a serious refresh, like a larger-screen version.

A larger iPad could also help Apple appeal to more business users, particularly given the company's deal with IBM.

About Our Expert

Angela Moscaritolo

Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

My Experience

I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade.

Prior to joining PCMag, I was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security. I earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University, and started my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The Technology I Use

My little Florida beach bungalow is brimming with smart home tech. I have a smart speaker or display in every room, allowing me to control other connected devices by voice. The Nest Hub on my bedside table lets me set wake-up alarms, control my smart light bulbs, and set the temperature on my smart thermostat. I use the Amazon Echo Show 8 on my kitchen counter to browse recipes, reorder protein powder, check the weather, and watch the news while I do dishes.

Because I suffer from allergies, air purifiers are essential. My favorite model is the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07, which doubles as a fan and continuously sends indoor pollution data to its companion mobile app.

My pitbull Bradley sheds, so a good robot vacuum is a must. I currently use a premium Ecovacs Deebot that can both vacuum and mop, empty its own dustbin, and wash its own mop cloth.

For fitness, I like to mix up my routine with cycling, indoor rowing, running, and strength training in addition to yoga. I take classes on the Tonal 2 smart strength training machine, I row indoors on an Aviron machine, and track my beach runs with an Apple Watch while listening to music on my Apple AirPods Pro. On the weekends, I love riding e-bikes like the rugged, beach-friendly Aventon Aventure for fun and fitness.

My job involves a lot of virtual meetings, so a quality webcam, microphone, and ring light are important. I use the Jabra PanaCast 20 webcam, the Elgato Wave: 3 microphone, and a Yesker tripod ring light.

As for my preferred phone platform, I'm an iPhone person, but I've also extensively used Android for product testing.

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