The iPad Pro is quickly becoming Apple's most talked about (unconfirmed) and, like many rumored products before it, the tablet has apparently been pushed to a later release date.
Formerly framed for release in late 2015, the tablet's shelf date possibly shifted to 2016.
Sources from ETNews reported Apple has recently been in talks with many major screen makers including LG Display, Japan Display and Samsung Display. The reason? Acquiring Silver Nanowire-wound (AgNW) touch panels to replace the ITO-based panels of yesteryear.
The same sources who detailed Apple's interest in AgNW stated the iPad Pro will release "next year," a release time frame apparently the consequence of the acquiring the new AgNW coating.
Sapphire, meet Force Touch
Silver Nanowire coating is far more flexible and would be perfect for adding Force Touch, which debuted on the Apple Watch and the New Macbook, at a more affordable price for mass production. By eliminating ITO-based touch screens, Apple could save big on the indium required to make them.
Force Touch is rumored to join the next fleet of iPhones in addition to the new slate.
The iPad Pro is also rumored to feature sapphire glass panels, which could raise the price of the devices and offset the money saved by using AgNW. Initially rumored for the iPhone 6/iPhone 6 Plus, the ultra-hard panels ultimately made their way to the Apple Watch, along with Force Touch.
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from www.techradar.com
