New iPad Pro rumors have emerged, claiming that the tablet will be released early next year and it will not only resemble the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 but will also be thinner than the new iPhone 6 Plus.

After the launch of the iPad Air 2 and the iPad Mini 3 last month, Apple has been rumored to be prepping for the release of an allegedly bigger yet thinner tablet and notebook hybrid. Unfortunately, it seems that the larger iPad will skip the festive holiday season. Nonetheless, if rumors prove to be true, the tablet will make a big splash next year.

Speculations earlier stated that the iPad Pro will go into mass production in December. However, some reports claim that the production of the tablet has been pushed back to next year as suppliers are still focused on meeting the demands for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus as well as iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3.

MacRumors, citing Japanese tech web site Mac o Takara, says the iPad Pro will pack a 12.2-inch screen panel like the Surface Pro 3. Mac o Takara has gained credibility due to its track record in releasing correct Apple predictions like the release of the iPad Mini 3.

iPad Pro is reported to be thinner than last year's iPad Air, but it will be slightly thicker than the newly-released iPad Air 2. The website also included an illustration that shows that the iPad Pro will pack a speaker on the top edge next to the power button.

On the hardware side, the iPad Pro will be based on the specs and features of the new iPad Air 2. The tablet will reportedly have a 9.7-inch Retina screen display, A8X processor, 8 MP rear camera and 1.2 MP front-facing camera. The tablet is expected to run the latest iOS 8 that boasts the most recent software features like Apple Pay and iHealth.

However, the Cupertino-based company has not commented on the rumors pertaining to the alleged tablet.