This question is based more on conjecture about how the coming iPad Pro may work than any hard evidence or major confirmed rumors. Despite that, I think a discussion of mouse support on the iPad Pro is a good thought exercise about how we want to use the device, and where we want Apple to take the platform in the future.
Last week’s post about the 12.9-inch vs. 9.7-inch form factor got me thinking about the what would make the iPad more comfortable for long term work. I came back to the idea of a mouse and how it enables me to use more complex sets of on-screen controls, without all the overhead of remembering a ton of keyboard shortcuts. I do love my keyboard shortcuts, but they’re not a do-all replacement for controlling apps.
It struck me the other day that one (seemingly) simple change to the iPad, especially the larger 12.9-inch iPad Pro, could be the addition of a pointer. Mouse or trackpad support would be fine.