In another exclusive report by 9to5Mac, anonymous sources have claimed that Apple is working on several “significant software and hardware updates” to boost the slowing sales of its tablet, and is developing a dual-app viewing mode, support for multi-user logins and two 12-inch iPad models codenamed “J98” and “J99”. Multiple sources with knowledge of Apple’s future iPad plans say that the split-screen applications feature for the iPad could be introduced as soon as next month during WWDC.
The report details that Apple will show off the “side-by-side feature” for iOS 9 using currently available iPad models. “The latest plans suggest that the split-screen mode will support 1/2, 1/3, and 2/3 views depending on the apps”, notes the source. Furthermore, when the iPad screen is split, the screen can either display two different apps side-by-side, or multiple views of the same app, enabling iPad users to see two separate Safari tabs, or compare a pair of Pages documents at the same time. However, the sources have noted that the feature could still be “pulled before next month’s conference”.
While Apple has tested the feature with plans to release it for current iPads, we are told that the feature was actually developed with a larger, 12-inch iPad in mind, so it could potentially be held back for a debut with the new hardware. Sources have confirmed that Apple is testing jumbo-sized iPads internally codenamed “J98? and “J99,” which are apparently larger versions of the Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad Air 2, save for additional speaker holes. Dubbed “iPad Pro” in prior reports, the larger device’s launch date is yet to be locked down, as the tablet is still waiting for its software to be finished up, and new hardware components to be readily available.
Last but not the least, the report claims that another significant iPad feature in the works is support for multiple users. This multi-user login feature will allow several users to share an iPad, but have access solely to their own apps, documents, and media.
