Apple working w/ more than 40 companies in new mobility partner program

Apple’s tablet sales have been suffering after the launch of the phablet-sized iPhone 6 Plus. The market share of iPad has fallen from 27.70% to 24.50%, according to research firm, global Data Corporation (IDC).

The initiative is still shrouded in security, but an Apple spokesperson told the WSJ that these companies “are developing iOS solutions across industries that will empower employees and usher in a new era of productivity”.

New leaked details may have just confirmed one of the major features of Apple’s upcoming iPad Mini 4.

It has been reported this week by the Wall Street Journal that Apple is now partnering with more than 40 technology companies, many of which are small app development studios that have created business applications. The program is not only meant to boost sales, but also to revamp the way business is done. However, it seems Apple is determined to bring it to iPad mini as well. The 12.9-inch tablet is much larger than the current iPad Air, with a 10.1-inch display, and should have new features dedicated to business and power users. It’s unclear which companies are participating in the program, and some of Apple’s partners don’t even know the other participating companies or what their role is in selling apps. During that time, Apple clarified that only the iPad Air 2 will get the feature through a firmware update since its A8X processor is powerful enough to handle Split View.

Apple also aims to sell application bundles, which are likely to be tailor-made considering specific business requirements. This marked the latest of several quarters of declining iPad sales.

The companies will receive help from Apple’s designers to make sure the apps function and potentially advertise them to businesses.