Apple has unveiled a larger version of its iPad tablet computer.

The iPad Pro has a 12.9in (32.8cm) display, making its shortest edge the length of its earlier models' height.

The firm suggested the larger screen suited work tasks, video games and both editing and watching movies.

Sales of the company's smaller iPads had been on the decline. Apple sold 19% fewer units over its last three quarters than over the same nine months a year earlier.

One expert suggested that the iPad Pro could reinvigorate interest.

"As much as the iPad is experiencing some challenging times it's vastly more successful than any other tablet on the market and it's still a multi-billion dollar business," said Geoff Blaber from the CCS Insight consultancy.

"Moreover, what's happened is there's been cannibalisation from larger screened iPhones. So, a larger-screened iPad should definitely breathe some life into the category."

Apple said the new device offered the similar processing power to 80% of portable PCs sold over the past six months.

It also aims to extend its appeal with a magnetically-connected keyboard, which resembles a similar accessory for Microsoft's Surface tablet.

In addition, it announced a stylus called the Apple Pencil, which has sensors in its tip to help it mimic the effect of using a real pencil on paper.

The announcement is notable since the firm's ex-chief executive Steve Jobs had said: "If you see a stylus, they blew it", when he announced the original iPad.

Apple said the iPad Pro should run for 10 hours of use between charges and would be available in November and range from $799 to $1,079 (£520 to £702) depending on its level of storage and 4G connectivity. The Pencil costs $99 and the keyboard $169.

Watch update

Apple also announced an upgrade to its smartwatch operating system that will be released on 16 September.

Watch OS2 will allow third-party apps to run natively on the device rather than relying on a linked smartphone's processor.

n addition to loading faster, the apps will also gain the ability to play video and access the Watch's microphone and sensors.

GoPro is taking advantage of this to allow users to see live streams from its action cameras from Apple's wearable.

Facebook also revealed it is bringing its Messenger app to the platform.

BBC