Apple gets Microsoft to show off productivity on the iPad Pro

Apple's press event in San Francisco got a surprise appearance by Microsoft, which announced it would launch an updated version of its Office apps for iOS 9 and the newly revealed iPad Pro tablet.

The iPad Pro could be described as somewhat 'Surface-like' (or a lot Surface like) with it's keyboard dock, kickstand and pen, sorry, Pencil. But since Apple's own iWork apps aren't a patch on Office, Cupertino and Redmond came together in an unholy union to show off productivity on Apple's new tablet. Because Microsoft is still the big dog in that yard.

Microsoft showed off how the updated Office apps will support split-view multitasking on the iPad Pro. It will also allow for those apps to be marked up with Apple's new Pencil stylus tool, including highlighters with thickness controls. Users can draw shapes in PowerPoint slides that will automatically convert into objects, with 20 different object types.

An unusual turn of events, for sure. Have your say in the comments below and for continued coverage be sure to visit our pals over at iMore

John Callaham