iPad Pro Design Leaks: 12.9-inch Tablet Tipped For 2015 Release Date, Work-Focused Specs Rumors

Apple's iPad Pro has finally surfaced following weeks of inactivity in the rumor mill-this time through China's Weibo social network.

In the photo, you can make out the 12.9-inch rumored "work" tablet's design template, which is used by case manufacturers to get the correct dimensions of the device, French tech blog Nowhereelse notes. While it is difficult to get the exact dimensions just from looking at the image, the website adds that it does appear to line up with rumors that claim it will be just under 13 inches.

Check it out via Nowhereelse.fr.

While the latest leak is another indication that the tablet is in the works, each day that passes without an iPad Pro is a missed opportunity for Apple, which should be capitalizing on a $63 billion market, according to JP Morgan analyst Rod Hall.

The iPad Pro, Apple's rumored large tablet with laptop capability, could be a real game-changer for Apple, with 25 million units sold serving as a realistic figure if the device is priced between $500 and $1,000, Hall recently stated.

Microsoft was the first to offer a tablet of the sort with the Surface Pro.

"We believe that Apple is currently missing a $63bn market opportunity by only partially playing in the $500-$1,000 laptop market via the iPad," said Hall. "Our central assumption is that lower priced laptop buyers are not willing to purchase what amounts to an expensive tablet that doesn't fully replace a laptop. Should Apple address this market through iAnywhere we believe it could rapidly grow share toward the 40% it currently has in $1,000 laptops."

RELATED: iPad Air 2 To Take 2014 Release Date In Place Of iPad Pro, Analyst Claims

Recent comments from respected KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that Apple is not ready to release an iPad Pro in 2014, with the device more likely for an unveiling next year.

While Apple could release two new iPad models in 2014, Kuo doesn't envision either being the rumored 12.9-inch Pro. Instead, he says the Cupertino-based tech giant will offer an iPad Air 2 and an updated iPad Mini with Retina display featuring the A8 mobile processor and Touch ID.

Kuo stated Apple is working on the iPad Pro tablet for 2015 with an eye on a "richer entertainment and productivity experience," AppleInsider reports. He added that it will pack new usability features.

"With the 12.9" iPad, we think Apple will come up with a new user interface that's more innovative and intuitive, so that input will be as efficient as a device with keyboard," Kuo said.

The comments falls in line with those made by Kuo in a research note published in March:

"We believe Apple plans to launch upgraded iPad Air early this year, and will accelerate development of 12.9-inch iPad," Kuo said in March. "...In addition, the 12.9-inch iPad is unlikely to be offered in 2014."

The iPad Pro has been rumored for 2K/4K display options with with 2560 x 1600 and 4096 x 3072 pixel counts, respectively, an A8 chip and an eye-tracking sensor. Digitimes reports that the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, or possibly "Max," would target "North America's educational market [and]... be manufactured by Quanta Computer." The tablet would arrive as a competitor to Samsung's work tablet and feature new cases with integrated keyboards and batteries, according to the report. The iPad Max would be best-suited for high school and college students that require a tablet that can 'do work,' Forbes reports.

While most speculation points to 2015, the device has also been pegged for a December release date with an iWatch companion by Susquehanna Financial Group analyst Christopher Caso.

Stay tuned with Design & Trend for more updates on the iPad Pro.