Apple is currently working on the next iPad for a possible early 2015 release. According to rumors, the device is called the iPad Pro. The handset is expected to have a 12.9-inch display; that should allow the device to better appeal to professionals within the work environment.

However, apart from the bigger display and the new name, Apple is working on something secretive that is viewed as unexpected. From what we've come to understand, it seems as if Microsoft has been doing things the correct way all along with its Surface devices, because if this information is legitimate, then Apple is on the path to follow the leader.

According to a report from DigiTimes, one of the iPad Pro prototype units up and running right now features the regular iOS 8 operating system for mobile devices. However, there's a second prototype that is considered a 2-in-1 device, as it features an operating system that integrates both iOS 8 and Mac OS X.

This particular rumor is quite confusing and questionable because Apple itself claimed that the company has no intention to merge iOS and OS X. Back in January, Apple execs made sure to point out that the company is no position right now to consolidate both operating systems, despite having a common vision for them.

"We don't waste time thinking, 'But it should be one [interface]!' How do you make these [operating systems] merge together?' What a waste of energy that would be," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing.

"There is a super-important role [for the Mac] that will always be," Schiller added. "We don't see an end to that role. There's a role for the Mac as far as our eye can see. A role in conjunction with smartphones and tablets, that allows you to make the choice of what you want to use. Our view is the Mac keeps going forever because the differences it brings are really valuable."

At the end of the day, however, we have to point out that what Schiller said was in the past; anything could change by then. In our view, we don't see the reason for Apple to release a 12.9-inch iPad Pro device with iOS 8. It would just be an overgrown iPhone, but if it could function similar to a Mac, then that would be a device we could consider worthwhile.