There’ve been reports around for quite some time that Apple might be playing around with the idea of bringing a larger iPad to the consumers, which might end up being called the ‘iPad Pro,’ and today, Bloomberg also seems to have joined the ranks of sources that believe that the Cupertino tech giant might actually be preparing to unveil a larger, 12.9-inch iPad in the spring of 2015.
If the news is to be believed, the new, larger iPad will put the device in direct competition with Microsoft’s Surface Pro 3, although both these tablets attempt to cater to a different kind of audience.
According to Bloomberg:
Apple Inc. (AAPL)’s suppliers are preparing to manufacture the company’s largest-ever iPad, with production scheduled to commence by the first quarter of next year, according to people with knowledge of the matter… The new iPad will have a screen measuring 12.9 inches diagonally, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the details aren’t public.
There have been reports around the tech blogosphere for quite some time that Apple has indeed been planning to enter the large tablet arena. Last year in July, Wall Street Journal also reported that Apple was testing iPads that can measure up to 13.3-inch diagonally, and then Korea Times came forward with its claim that the Cupertino tech giant was toying with the idea of a larger, 12.9-inch iPad. Even with today’s Bloomberg revelation it’s not confirmed that the company would indeed bring forward a larger tablet, but all reports seem to be in favor of 12.9-13 inches as the most likely size.
The report is also interesting because spring next year would probably be time for Apple to go for another iPad hardware refresh. The company has had a rather erratic cycle with respect to unveiling new iPad versions, and hasn’t strictly followed a pattern that would make predictions easy. However, seeing as how iPad Air would be completing its anniversary pretty soon, it might be time for a larger iPad to take its place (or become the elder sibling, as with the 5.5-inch and 4.7-inch next gen iPhones).
Nevertheless, at least for now, it’s all pure speculation.
(Source: Bloomberg)
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