Bloomberg has just reported Apple is preparing to manufacture a 12.9-inch iPad, set to launch sometime in early 2015, which seems to corroborate what one analyst predicted back in February:
Apple Inc’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.
Sources also reiterated previous rumours that a 9.7-inch iPad and refreshed iPad mini have already commenced manufacturing, set for a holiday debut.
Also, sources also mention larger iPhone screen sizes are coming in 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch models, set to be announced at a September 9 media event (no surprise here).
Last year, the WSJ reported Apple was testing larger iPads with screens up to 13-inches in size, while earlier this year alleged prototype images surfaced claiming to be the larger iPad. Digitimes reported in March Apple had apparently shelved their 13-inch iPad plans for this year, backtracking on a previous story we could expect the launch in 2014.
Could we see a separate March iPad event to unveil a massive 12.9-inch ‘iPad Pro’? We already expect refreshed iPad Air and Retina iPad mini models this fall.
