I've been wanting an iPad with a proper stylus since the iPad was first announced. Hell, since I first started using Brushes on my iPhone 3G, even. So these rumors have me super excited, because I've been researching the many many stylus based tablets and laptops that have been released the last few years and nothing hits that sweet spot for me, which is basically just an iPad with pen support. I like the simplicity, hardware, and software.
Anyway, one thing that has me skeptical about these rumors is the recent issue with the iPad Air 2, it's display tech, and 3rd party stylii. Apparently the new display tech totally broke support for most active stylii, and the manufacturers had no idea until it was too late. It seems odd to me that if Apple were really excited about this market, they would change display tech without even bothering to see if it impacted existing stylii.
On the flip side, maybe it was intentional to position their upcoming product.
Anyway, I'm also encouraged by how much Apple has been marketing the creative potential of iPads, but then I remember that the aforementioned Brushes app was even featured in a keynote with Steve years ago, and still nothing has developed.
I'm trying to stay positive because I want it so bad. As it stands I feel there is huge market for art and note taking apps but it's almost a joke because stylus support is so poor. People are trying hard to make it work, god bless them, but it's a problem that needs a real solution from Apple.