iPad Pro 2015 release date, rumors roundup: NFC and USB-C port connection could be supported

While it is expected that tech giant Apple Inc. is preparing to launch a new successor to its iPad Air 2 tablet sometime this year, a rumor in regards to the existence of another new and mysterious tablet device called the "iPad Pro" or "iPad Plus" has been circulating online.

iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3

According to Mac World, the new iPad Pro tablet is rumored to sport a very large display screen, possibly a 12.9-inch one, which is larger than Apple's iPad Air series of tablets.

In addition, it remains very unclear when this new tablet will arrive in the market. Latest rumors suggest that it might come out in November.

In terms of the features, the new iPad Pro tablet is expected to run on the latest iOS 9 operating system (OS), which was unveiled last month at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2015 event. The new OS is currently scheduled to be released sometime this autumn.

The iOS 9 is seen to offer many features, changes and improvements from its predecessor, the iOS 8. Such include faster speed performance, improved security features and longer battery life. Apple's much speculated iPad Air 3 tablet is also anticipated to be one of the new devices to run on the upcoming iOS 9.

CNET reports that the iPad Pro could sport a display screen with a 2732 x 2048 pixel resolution and Force Touch capability. The report adds that Apple might also plan to incorporate near-field communication (NFC) capability into the tablet to work with the Apple Pay. The company's recently released iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, along with Apple Watch, also have NFC capabilities.

There is another ongoing speculation that Apple might add a USB-C port connection into the iPad Pro tablet, following its integration of the same into its latest MacBook devices.