Since it was rumored by the end of 2013, the iPad Pro release date has been one of the most anticipated announcement dates in the tablet market. 

Unfortunately, some reports claimed that Apple has postponed the development of its 12.9-inch iPad because it did not see it doing well, considering the dismal sales the Galaxy Note 12.2 Pro experienced earlier this year. 

However, a new report claims that the iPad Pro or Max could be unveiled early next year. 

But what will this iOS powered slate have to offer?

According to earlier rumors, the iPad Pro will be a hybrid tablet and laptop device. That means it will still be a touchscreen slate, but it will come with e keyboard dock that will transform it into a full pledged laptop. 

And because the slate will have 12.9 inches of screen real estate, that may be enough for most computer tasks and applications. In another rumor, the iPad Pro will not get an A8 chip just like what is expected of new iPads from Apple this year. 

Instead, the 12.9-inch slate could get an Intel-based chip instead in order to allow more power and a faster performance. 

The tablet market has not been the same since early this year. During the CES event in Las Vegas, Samsung unleashed a number of tablets ranging from high-end to entry level. For some reason, tablet sales have not been quite as a high as was previous expected this year. 

The reason is probably related to th emergence of more Android phablets which come at very affordable prices. In effect, people who initially prefered a tablet would just several dollars to his budget in order to get a powerful phablet that has phone capabilities. 

But with the launch of the iPad Pro next year, we can expect tablet sales to be better compared to this year.