An analyst has confirmed that Apple will indeed be launching a larger sized version of its popular iPad. Reports state the 12.9-inch iPad Pro/Plus could be available in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Rumors of a larger sized iPad have been swirling for months now, and now a popular analyst has stated that Apple is indeed planning an iPad Pro/Plus for release later this year. Rhoda Alexander, an analyst at market research firm HIS, which specializes in tracking tablet developments, released an email confirming the new tablet.

"Our supply side (sources say) it's a go for 2015," stated Alexander. "The release timing is fuzzy. It may not appear until Q4 (fourth quarter) with the other iPad updates. We are, however, getting input from both the component and [product] side that this is a real product, and part of their 2015 building plan." While the name of the tablet has not been confirmed, IPad Pro and iPad Plus are the two possibilities most mentioned.

The reported 12.9-inch size would effectively match the popular display size of two of Apple's flagship laptops, the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, both of which are available in 13-inch display configurations. Alexander expects business and education markets to be target users of the new super-sized tablet, and expects the development of specific apps built to take advantage of the larger display as well as a specialized case.

Rumors of a stylus to accompany the tablet have also been circulating. While Steve Jobs was notoriously anti-stylus, this is a new era for Apple, and none of the former CEO's aversions is still off the table. Jobs was also vehemently against the introduction of a larger sized iPhone, but the introduction and success of the iPhone 6 Plus has demonstrated that new CEO Tim Cook is intent on making his mark and moving toward the future based upon market interest and demand as opposed to tradition.