iPad Pro gives Apple shot at B2B glory, says Gartner

New iPad may not have what it takes to fight off Microsoft's Surface Pro 3

The iPad Pro will open up more opportunities in the business and enterprise space for Apple thanks to its increased size and multitasking capabilities, according to Gartner.

However, Roberta Cozza, research director at the analyst, said Apple’s new addition to its tablet line-up may not have what it takes to fight off Microsoft’s Surface Pro 3.

"The iPad Pro will pose competition within the Windows based two-in-one segment but the overall aim is different," she said.

"Windows' proposition with Surface is around PC replacement and core productivity. The iPad Pro has a different aim: being an iPad still, but larger and made more productive with new features, iOS 9 and its new accessories.

Alongside the iPad Pro, an event last night (pictured) saw Apple chief executive Tim Cook unveil the iPhone 6S, and iPhone 6S Plus, Apple TV with its own App Store and gaming functionality, and Apple Pencil.

Cozza continued: “Apple are still one of the clear leaders in the tablet market, [but] I think there seems to be more opportunity now in the business and enterprise space, and the iPad Pro should help with that.

“The consumer tablet market has been in decline, and is slowing down, but I don’t think this iPad will help that much from a consumer perspective.”

A recent report from Canalys found that in Q2 of this year, global tablet shipments slumped 11 per cent annually to 42.5 million units.But Ernest Doku, tech expert at uSwitch, did not think the new device is intended for consumers, but is aimed at businesses.

“For the average consumer, the iPad Pro isn't more than a big screen and stereo sound, with a colossal price tag. And all those accessories, like Apple Pencil [and Smart Keyboard] are sold separately and don’t come cheap either. This is very much pitched at the business user.”

The launch of iPad Pro will spark an influx of larger-screened tablets for businesses, according to Cozza.

“From now we will see supersized tablets from vendors. Next year will be the year that vendors move into the corporate space with bigger tablets,” she concluded.