Apple’s 12.9-Inch iPad Pro Rumored To Adopt New Operating System That Could Integrate Mac OS, iOS

Amid rumors that Apple could launch a bigger 12.9-inch iPad in 2015, a new report said Monday that the device, unofficially dubbed the “iPad Pro,” could feature a new operating system that would be a combination of the company’s Mac OS and iOS.

According to a report from Taiwan’s DigiTimes, the long-rumored iPad Pro is expected to be Apple’s first device that could adopt an operating system that is likely to integrate features from the company’s Mac OS and the mobile operating platform. However, the Cupertino, California-based technology giant is yet to confirm the rumor.

Apple is also rumored to be working on two prototypes of the 12.9-inch tablet, one of which could be “a 2-in-1 device,” the DigiTimes report said, citing sources in Apple’s supply chain. The report added that it is not clear whether Apple will release both versions of the device at the same time.

The sources also told DigiTimes that many features of the Apple's Mac OS 10.10 Yosemite, which was unveiled at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June, are similar to those found in iOS, such as the calendar and notification center functions.

In addition, Apple reportedly applied for patents on a new voice assistance feature for the Mac, which many believe to be a new version of Siri, optimized for the Mac OS.

Last month, Taiwan’s Commercial Times reported that the so-called iPad Pro could go into production in the second quarter of 2015 and could be launched soon after that.

Bloomberg also recently reported that Apple’s suppliers are preparing to produce the company’s largest-ever iPad, which could enter production by the first quarter of next year.

Meanwhile, a report from Re/code claimed last week that Apple could announce its next-generation iPad Air 2 at an event on Oct. 16. The company is also expected to unveil the iPad Mini 3 along with the new iPad Air.