Apple Prepares a New 12.9-Inch IPad for Early 2015, Says Bloomberg

[RaduTyrsina]

The iPad Pro rumors are back and this time we have fresh information coming from reputed publication Bloomberg. The online outlet says that Apple’s suppliers are preparing to manufacture the company’s largest-ever iPad, with production scheduled to commence by the first quarter of next year. Here are some more details from the original report:

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. Apple currently produces iPads with 9.7-inch and 7.9-inch displays. The Cupertino, California-based company has been working with suppliers for at least a year to develop a new range of larger touch-screen devices, said the people.

Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook is working to shake up the iPad line. Sales of the tablets, which are Apple’s second-biggest product by revenue after the iPhone, have declined for two straight quarters amid a lack of new models and as consumers have instead gravitated to smartphones with bigger screens. Apple’s suppliers recently started manufacturing an updated 9.7-inch screen iPad, and were also set to enter production of a new version of the iPad mini, people familiar with the plans have said, with the devices set to be available later this year in time for the holiday season.

So, we can see the this report pretty much confirms and lines up with previous rumor, saying that a 12.9 inch is on the cards and it could see the daylight sometime in 2015. Bloomberg also notes that Apple has been working with suppliers for at least a year to develop a new range of larger touch-screen devices.

Larger-screen iPads are said to be aimed at business clients, where the device could be able to cope with such tasks as the traditional laptop computer. However, many out there are wondering whether this won't cannibalize sales of the 13-inch MacBook. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Source: Bloomberg