When is the iPad Pro coming out? We examine rumours about the launch of an iPad Pro, which is now thought to be known as the iPadPlus, and bring you our analysis of the iPad Pro / iPad Plus UK release date, specs and features. Here's what you need to know about Apple's biggest iPad yet.Also see:Best new tablets 2015.

Second-guessing Apple is a fool's game. But Apple has perfected the art of seeding sufficient information to get people talking in keen anticipation of a new product. And the iPad Pro appears to be the next big name off the production line. A bigger iPad that is intended to be more of a productivity machine than a consumption device, and an answer to the challenge of Windows devices that offer productivity and portability.

The iPad Pro could well be a game changer, linking up the MacBook and iPad lines. However, in common with the biggest iPhone yet, the iPhone 6 Plus, the iPad Pro is expected to take the name Plus rather than Pro. This news comes from Weibo, via GizmoChina, whichalso leaked some new spec details and images, which we'll detail below.

iPad Pro / iPad Plus: what it is

In essence, a larger more powerful iPad than the iPads mini and -Air, aimed at productivity and creativity rather than just consumption. We can be fairly certain that a larger iPad is in the works, and the use of the 'Air' moniker on the current top-of-the-line product offers the tantalising suggestion that a 'Pro' is on the way. (See our Apple iPad Air review and iPad mini 2 with Retina display review for more.)

Of course, we'd hope that there is something more the iPad Pro than just a bigger iPad. On which...

iPad Pro / iPad Plus: specs and features

The iPad Pro will showcase the best tech Apple can offer. Expect 128GB storage, quad-core processor and at least 2GB RAM.

The key thing we expect is a larger, high-res display. We think the iPad Pro display will be around 12in - bringing it into line with the MacBook Air. According to the aforementioned Weibo post, it will have a 2K Quad-HD screen and feature a 11000mAh battery to keep it all going.

This extra screen real-estate will require some expansion from the iPad Air's svelte and light form factor. But Apple will always go for slim: expect an iPad Pro to be 7mm at its thinnest, and around 550g in weight. Certainly no more than 700g.

Rumours have been circulating for a while now that the iPad Pro will feature four speakers, and the below image of an alleged iPad Pro case leaked by nowhereelse.fr seems to confirm this. A hole on the left side also could be an SD card slot.

Will the iPad Pro run iOS 9? That depends on the launch date, which we cover below. But if the iPad Pro launches in autumn 2015 it may be a flagship for the new OS, if it launches any earlier expect iOS 8. And don't discount the possibility of an interim version of iOS 8 with new productivity apps.

Indeed, the ability to run full-featured versions of Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Photoshop will be critical to making a bigger iPad Pro a true productivity and creativity device. Expect other pro features such as a TouchID fingerprint security device.

Other possible features we've read about include a stylus. We find it unlikely Apple would release a device that requires a stylus to work properly. More likely is an iPad keyboard case - Apple isn't going to make a hybrid laptop/tablet device, because Apple doesn't make compromise devices. But a well-designed keyboard case is just good sense for a Pro iPad.

Finally for now we've read some reports of additional connectivity ports, including a full USB connector. If that turns out to be true I'll eat my hat*. Wireless connectivity is the future, and Apple hates to compromise on its control of your user experience. It's not likely to invite you to add your own peripherals.

iPad Pro / iPad Plus concept images: What will the iPad Pro look like?

New renders have surfaced showing the iPad Pro beside a rumoured 12in MacBook Air, thanks to Martin Hajek.

iPad Pro / iPad Plus with stylus

Newly released renders from Hajek also show the iPad Pro with an Apple stylus.

iPad Pro / iPad Plus enters production at Foxconn

The iPad Pro is rumoured to have entered production at Foxconn, with the photo of what appears to be an iPad Pro rear shell mould leaked online. If it is the iPad Pro, the device will have a screen of around 12- to 13in. Of course, it could also be the new MacBook Pro.

(*Did I mention that I wear a licorice hat?)

iPad Pro / iPad Plus UK release date: When is the iPad Pro coming out?

According to Bloomberg, the iPad Pro will go into production by the first quarter of 2015. However, Apple is holding a big launch event in Berlin today(16 October 2014), where we expect to see new iPads - could we also see the launch of an iPad Pro?

iPad Pro / iPad Plus UK price: How much will the iPad Pro cost?

Anyone who tells you they know the iPad Pro price is, basically, guessing. So we'll have a go too, on the basis that we really don't know!

It makes sense for the iPad Pro to be more expensive than the iPad Air, and cheaper than the MacBook Air. The iPad Air ranges from £399 inc VAT to £739 inc VAT, the MacBook Air from £849 inc VAT to £1,129 inc VAT. So expect the cheapest iPad Pro to be somewhere around the £650 mark, and the most expensive to hit the £950 zone. (For more, see What's the best tablet PC?)