Apple's entry into the larger tablet market has been a rumor for a long time now, but the 12.9-inch iPad Pro may be a reality as soon as this week.

Thursday's Apple event promises several new introductions for the tech giant, including the upgraded iPad Air, OS X Yosemite, Retina iMacs, Apple TV updates, and a report on how the iPhone 6 has sold in its first month. But the legend of the larger iPad Pro still lingers as many are speculating that it may make an appearance.

Features

The main feature of the iPad Pro that is almost certain is its 12.9-inch display. This larger iPad has been requested by several Apple fans, but some believe that the also-rumored MacBook Air and its 12-inch touch screen will actually take the place of the iPad Pro later next year. Both devices are meant to be a hybrid tablet/laptop with touch screens and both devices are said to be around the same size. So why release both? Because they can.

The iPad Pro is also rumored to feature the A8X processor, which is a high-performance version of the iPhone 6's chip.

Release

It's already confirmed that Apple is releasing several iPads on October 16, but the question is whether or not the iPad Pro is one of them. Sources at Bloomberg are reporting that the larger iPad will release in 2015, which seems to be the most probable guess, based on other noted sources.

Previous rumors focused on a 2K model (already seen in the iPad Air) of the iPad launching in April, although we know that didn't happen. But a 4K version was expected in October, according to that same source.

IHS's Rhoda Alexander has already said that a larger iPad display is being tested, but this doesn't confirm the iPad Pro's existance. "Some manufacturers over the last six months have received sample quantities of a larger panel. Various sizes are being reported with 12.85 inches being one of the sizes."