Apple Partners Will Have Their Eye On One Thing At Upcoming Event: The iPad

Apple is expected to lift the curtain on a flurry of new phones and an Apple TV during a special event Wednesday, but partners have their eyes on only one product -- the iPad.

Solution providers that sell Apple's tablets are applauding rumors that the Cupertino, Calif.-based company will reveal a bigger, 12.9-inch iPad, as well as a new iPad Mini 4, to appeal to the enterprise segment.

"The new iPad Pro, if the rumors are true, has the potential to generate excitement among professionals, whether in the business environment or in graphics departments," said Michael Oh, founder and CEO of Boston-based Apple partner Tech SuperPowers. "It wouldn't surprise me if the iPad has a business angle to it … there are a lot of security concerns with the Android operating system and it presents an opportunity for Apple to capitalize on that and ensure their products are the most secure."

[Related: 10 Trailblazing Products Released By Lenovo This Week]

According to reports, Apple's new iPad, dubbed the iPad Pro, will feature a 12.9-inch screen, bigger than the iPad Air 2's 9.7 inches. It also reportedly will incorporate new productivity features in iOS 9, such as a multitasking tool allowing users to utilize two separate apps on the iPad screen simultaneously, either through a split view or a picture-in-picture view.

Separately, Apple is rumored to be releasing an iPad Mini 4, which will be a thinner version of the current iPad Mini with a faster A-series chip and upgraded cameras, according to reports.

For Apple partners, a new iPad could be appealing to enterprise customers and signal Apple's commitment to driving its consumer-based products in the enterprise market.

While Apple's smartphones have driven widespread success for the company in the past year, its tablet sales have been disappointing. iPad sales slumped 18 percent in the third quarter of 2015 ended June 27, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of year-over-year declines.

However, Apple is trying to turn around those declining iPad sales by charging ahead into the enterprise segment with new partnerships and channel rebate incentives.

Apple Monday revealed a partnership with Cisco Systems to optimize Cisco networks for Apple iOS-based devices, including the iPad. And in August, the company launched a rebate program for solution providers selling iPads and Macs to incent more tablet sales among enterprise clients.

Partners, for their part, hope the company's continued investments in the enterprise will provide a boost to their own business.

"Apple has a presence in the enterprise now but with new partnerships it will be easier for their products to be integrated, supported and promoted," said Marc Wolfe, president of ProActive, a Wayne, N.J.-based solution provider. "Apple seems to be going where their products already have been brought in without the 'blessing' of IT."

In addition to new iPad models, Apple is expected to unveil other more-consumer-focused devices during its event. The company is expected to show off its latest smartphone model, dubbed the iPhone 6S, at the event. Reports say that the 4.7-inch iPhone 6S will maintain a similar design to that of its predecessor, with a thicker shell, an improved A9 processor and a longer-lasting battery. Apple also will reportedly bring its ForceTouch technology to the new iPhone, which enables pressure sensitivity on the device.

The fourth generation of the Apple TV reportedly will be updated, possibly including Siri support and an enhanced remote control. The device also will reportedly get a new App Store and SDK for developers who want to create apps for the box.

PUBLISHED SEPT. 4, 2015