Bigger iPhone and 12.9in iPad being prepped for 2014

Apple's popular iPad and iPhone may soon have big brothers, as a Taiwan-based tech site reported a 12.9-inch version of the tablet is being readied for launch in late 2014.

 

DigiTimes quoted sources in the supply chain as saying Apple may release the 12.9-inch tablet in October 2014, targeting North America's educational market.

 

"In addition to tablets, Apple is also rumored to be planning a larger size iPhone for May 2014, using a 20nm processor manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the sources noted," it added.

 

The bigger iPad is expected to rival Korea's Samsung, which is reportedly planning to come up with its own 12- and 13-inch tablets, DigiTimes said.

 

On the other hand, the report said its sources believe the bigger tablets may "greatly impact" demand for Ultrabooks, the light and thin Intel-based notebooks.

 

Quanta Computer involvement

 

DigiTimes said the bigger iPad will be made by Quanta Computer.

 

While it was originally expected to adopt either 12.9- or 13.3-inch panels, it said "recent rumors" show the 12.9-inch will more likely be picked.

 

A separate report on tech site Mashable said the report comes on the heels of a similar rumor in the Wall Street Journal saying Apple was testing a new iPad with a screen measuring “slightly less than 13-inches."

 

"In recent years, Apple rumors of varying authenticity originating from Asia supply chain sources have become commonplace. But those rumors generally hint at some new product that might mirror existing market trends, such as an iPhone with a larger screen, or an Apple-branded smart television," it said. — TJD, GMA News