If recent reports are to be believed, Apple Inc. is prepping up for a bigger, additionally powerful iPad Pro with a view to challenge Microsoft's Surface Pro 3 and Samsung's Galaxy Note Pro.

According to IB Times, the upcoming tablet from the Cupertino-based tech titan will not only be larger compared to the existing iPad Air, but it will also feature may other specs that will make the device stand out in the tablet market.

Anonymous sources told AppleInsider that the purported iPad Pro is likely to sport a 12.9-inch screen and incorporate several new features, counting NFC (near-field communication), a Bluetooth stylus as well as a redesigned touch screen. Earlier, the NFC had been introduced in the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus as well as the Apple Watch for use with Apple Pay - the mobile payment system of Apple Inc. However, this wireless will be having additional uses for the iPad Pro, including using it to turn the iPad Pro as a mobile payment terminal or for more conventional NFC uses like device pairing.

Force Touch was introduced for the first time in the Apple Watch as well as the redesigned MacBook. This feature may also be incorporated into the tablet's touchscreen. Force Touch technology makes it possibles for a touchscreen or trackpad to inform the difference between a tap and a hard press.

iPad Pro users may also be able to regulate the device through an incorporated Bluetooth stylus. This stylus is also expected to include pressure-sensitive features that can be used together with sketching and drawing apps. While the Bluetooth stylus may offer additional means to control the iPad, its inclusion would be a major departure from the earlier views of Steve Jobs on the control accessory. In 2010, Jobs had said, "It's like we said on the iPad: if you see a stylus, they blew it."

It is expected that the A8X will power the iPad Pro. The A8X is an upgraded version of the A8 processor present in the latest iPhones. Earlier, it was expected that the tablet will debut in March, but the launch has been delayed owing to reported problems related to its display manufacturing.