Ever since Apple sent out invitations to its March 9 "Spring Forward" event, there have been speculations that it would be the venue for the iPad Pro's unveiling. However, new reports are claiming that although the heavily rumored larger iPad is indeed coming, it will be skipping the company's press conference on Monday. 

According to unnamed industry sources cited by the Wall Street Journal, suppliers were told by the Cupertino-based company to commence the production of the larger screen iPad in the second half of the year. The report did not reveal the exact release date of the device, but people are guessing that the tablet may be announced later this year given the aforementioned time frame. Moreover, the report added that Apple is battling with modern designs and features to be included in the new gadget. Previous reports claimed that Apple tasked the supply chain to manufacture the tablet early this year, which did not seem to happen. 

The tech giant is purportedly adding USB 3.0 ports to enable users to attach peripheral devices like a keyboard accessory that will convert the massive tablet into a notebook. If this rumor proves to be true, the device will most likely battle it out with the rumored Microsoft Surface Pro 4. 

This makes sense as Apple needs to bring back its game in the tablet market after Microsoft's Surface Pro 3 won the Best Mobile Tablet Award at the recent Global Mobile Awards. Last year, Apple was the champion in that category with its iPad Air. The award will surely motivate Microsoft in creating a follow-up to the device, which Apple would undoubtedly want to top. 

Rumor has it that the iPad Pro will boast a 12-inch screen panel with 2K display resolution, an Intel Broadwell chip or A9 processor, iOS 9, and 11,000 mAh battery capacity. However, it is business as usual for Apple as it has not uttered a word of confirmation about the rumors.