Apple introduced its newest tablets -- the iPad Air 2 and the iPad Mini 3 -- in October, but analysts said their incremental changes, including faster processors, weren't enough to attract buyers. The company, which has long claimed iPad weakness is a "speed bump," is now counting on a partnership with IBM to increase iPad sales to business users. Multitasking functions could be a big benefit for those kinds of customers. Apple CEO Tim Cook, while acknowledging that iPad sales are weak, has said it's not something that worries Apple. He expects iPad sales to stabilize at some point but couldn't predict when it would happen.

Updated, 2:25 p.m, PT: Included iPad models for specific features, The sought-after feature comes with the new iOS 9, though iphone case initials simultaneous side-by-side use of apps will only be available for the iPad 2, Apple boosted the amount of multitasking people can do with their iPads -- a long-sought addition to its tablets -- with its new iOS 9 mobile operating system, Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic, We delete comments that violate our policy, which we encourage you to read, Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion..

In addition to linking debit and credit cards to Apple Pay accounts, users can also now include store credit cards from companies like Kohl's, JC Penney and BJs as well as loyalty cards from brands such as Walgreens and Dunkin' Donuts. "Apple Pay automatically presents the right card so you never miss a reward," Jennifer Bailey, vice president of Apple Pay, said Monday during the company's keynote speech at its annual developers conference, WWDC, in San Francisco. Apple also announced it is renaming Passbook to Wallet. This change reflects the way Passbook actually works, which allows Apple users to digitally store everything from concert tickets to airline tickets. Bailey called it "one place for all your credit and debit cards, loyalty cards and more."Apple Pay has grown quickly since the company launched the mobile-payments service in October, though Apple now faces more competition from Google's Android Pay, unveiled in late May, and Samsung's mobile-payments service, called Samsung Pay, as well as PayPal. In March, Apple said the service was available in 700,000 locations, up from 220,000 from when it launched. And more than 2,500 banks supported the service compared with about 500 at launch. As of next month, the company expects to surpass 1 million locations where Apple Pay will be accepted, Bailey said.

Apple, Google, Samsung and others are all trying to grow their mobile-payments systems to make their products more integral parts of their users' lives, while also gaining new insights on people's spending behavior, Yet, mobile payments for years hasn't gained much momentum, since people have seen little reason to switch from plastic and cash, and many retailers haven't signed on to these new systems, Apple Pay appears to be giving mobile payments a much-needed boost, but time will tell if it will last, In January, Apple said Apple Pay made up more than $2 out of every $3 spent on purchases using contactless payments, (Contactless payments cover any devices -- iphone case initials smart cards included -- that make payments using a radio frequency.) Cook has said that..

Apple announced in September that it was partnering with Visa, Mastercard and American Express along with several issuing banks to allow iPhone owners to store their credit card accounts on their devices and pay for items by tapping their phones on payment terminals. Apple has also worked with retailers, including Macy's, Walgreens, Duane Reade, Staples, Subway, McDonald's, Disney and Whole Foods, to bring Apple Pay to store locations. Bailey announced Monday that the company is now adding the Discover credit card network to its roster. She also said that Apple is adding more popular merchants that will accept Apple Pay, including Trader Joe's, Baskin Robbins, and JC Penney. Apple has also partnered with the NBA to allow basketball fans to pay for gear donning their favorite team's logo in both finalist's arenas.