Supply chain sources have tipped that the 12.9 inch iPad that Apple is reportedly building will include a hybrid version of Mac OS X and iOS.
The sources also say that Cupertino is prepping two models, one a standard iPad and the other with the hybrid OS combining iOS and OS X features. Looking back, Apple’s previous communications about its plan to converge the operating systems say that the company wouldn’t opt for it.
However, J.P Morgan analyst Mark Moskowitz said earlier this year that the company might consider combining the operating systems and an iOS device might be enable to be docked on a secondary display to serve as a full fledged computer. Apple executives Phil Schiller and Craig Federighi, during an interview in early 2014 said that the company’s products are made for unique purposes.
At the Worldwide Developer Conference this year, Federighi said that the company believes that users should use the right device for the instance and when their needs changes, the company aims to give users a seamless transition. Obviously, Apple has been focusing on the Continuity features in iOS 8 and OS X dubbed Handoff which lets users answer a call on a Mac and receive texts sent to an iPhone on an iPad or a Mac.
Some analysts have responded to the rumour that it is unlikely of Apple to prep such a hybrid system as it is already focused on developing Continuity features. Earlier, CEO Tim Cook said during an earnings call in 2012 that Apple will not converge the systems as it would result in a tradeoff and the company is not willing to make such tradeoffs.
The rumoured 12.9 inch iPad is said to enter mass production in early 2015 but the company is expected to unveil new iMacs and iPads on October 16 during a speculated media event.
