iPad gets multitasking: Pro version now on the cards?

Apple has already started positing the iPad as a true laptop replacement.

If the new announcements at the WWDC is anything to go by, expect more rumours and leaks of a possible iPad Pro device, which Apple is said to have been working on as a true replacement to laptops and notebooks, and even to its own Macbook Air.

As a first step it has introduced multitasking on the large screened device.

With a simple swipe, the new slide over feature lets users simultaneously work in a second app without leaving the first.

With a quick tap, users can access the new split view feature and work in two apps at the same time, side-by-side.

Picture-in-Picture lets users continue a FaceTime call or video while continuing to work on the apps.
Both these features are considered essential if the iPad had any chance to be even considered to be a replacement for the Macbook Air.

Craig Federighi, Senior Vice-President of Software Engineering, has already gone on record stating that iPad is already the primary computer for many users.

“The iPad is a transformation device. For users at business, education and at home, for many, iPad is the primary computer,” said Federighi.

According to Apple, the new multitasking features are supported by built-in Apple apps, and APIs make it easy for third-party developers to add support into their own apps.

The rumours of a bigger sized iPad has been floating around since 2014.

Although there has been no official confirmation from Apple about the change.

Some of the recent leaks have clearly indicates that the iPad Pro or iPad Max or whatever Apple decides to call its latest edition of the iPad could increase its screen size from 9.7 inches to 12.3 or 12.9 inches.

iPad sales has been declining and Apple shipped 12.6 million iPads in the first quarter of 2015, capturing 26.8 per cent  of the market in volume and declining -22.9 per cent when compared to 1Q14.

According to the IDC, iPads continue to suffer from the success of the new iPhone and to a lesser extent of the Mac product line.

IDC had also reported that it expects Apple to record negative growth until the iPad portfolio is significantly refreshed, either with the expected increase in screen sizes or by introducing a dedicated version of iOS for its tablet lineup.