Apple will launch a new iPad in 2015 - report

A Japanese publication, Mac Fan, has claimed to have details about Apple's upcoming 12-inch iPad, including its name and release date.

This follows a year-long rumour that Apple is preparing to launch a giant tablet. According to the world's tech media, the iPad Pro is expected to have a 12-inch display and be focused on productivity as well as multimedia consumption.

An Apple enthusiast publication has claimed to have obtained a blueprint of the device, including its specifications, dimensions, name and even a potential release date.

If the published blueprint, first spotted by Macotakara, is indeed accurate, the tablet is going to be called the iPad Air Plus and it will have roughly the same dimensions as a sheet of A4 paper — 305mm x 220mm. However, at 7mm it will be considerably thicker.

The device will be powered by a new A9 processor — the current iPad Air and the iPhone 6 use an A8 chip — and will have four speakers, one at each corner to ensure stereo sound no matter what the orientation and audio clarity when being used simultaneously by more than one person.

Mac Fan also claims that as for launch, shipping will start between April and June 2015.

Aside from a larger tablet, the publication also claims the launch will coincide with Apple bringing out a fourth-generation iPad Mini and simultaneously retiring the current third generation and first generation iPad Mini slates. That will cut the company's range of tablets of all sizes down to five models including the iPad Air Plus.