Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Mobile
  3. News

iPad Biggie? Apple testing larger screens for iPads, report claims

Trevor Mogg
By

smaller-ipad-feature-largeApple looks as though it could be gearing up to take a leaf out of Samsung’s book by launching devices in a slew of sizes to offer consumers greater choice as well as possibly a more confusing shopping experience

Officials working for Apple suppliers in Asia said the tech company has asked for displays “slightly less than 13 inches diagonally”, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday.

Recommended Videos

The Journal added that it was currently unclear if the larger device would ever make it to market, adding that Apple, like any tech company with the resources, routinely tests various designs as it develops and experiments with new products.

Related

With the current full-size iPad sporting a 9.7-inch display, a 13-inch version would certainly represent a significant leap in screen real estate. For a long time, Apple seemed intent on sticking with its 9.7-inch display for the iPad, with talk of alternative sizes rubbished by Steve Jobs. The late Apple CEO once famously said that a smaller tablet would need to be sold with sandpaper so users could file their fingertips down to size to enable them to touch the on-screen buttons.

But the market developed, and when Apple saw how popular competitors smaller-sized slates were with consumers, it couldn’t resist pushing out the 7.9-inch Mini. Tablets with displays larger than 10 inches, however, have so far failed to sell in any great number, though it could be that Apple is considering aiming such a device at the education and business markets rather than at consumers.

iPad 5

The Journal’s report added that suppliers in Asia are preparing to boost production of the next iteration of the 9.7-inch iPad, which is expected to be the same size and have the same resolution as the current version. However, as other reports in recent months have suggested, the new model, which could launch this September, is expected to be thinner and lighter than the existing version.

The changes have apparently been made possible with the use of thinner glass for the tablet’s touchscreen display as well as backlighting utilizing a single LED light bar instead of the two LED light bars used in the current iPad.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Trevor Mogg
Trevor Mogg
Contributing Editor
Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…
How to add a different home screen wallpaper on iOS 17
An iPhone with iOS 16, showing the new Lock Screen.

If you haven't used an iPhone in a while, or if you haven't tried to update your lock screen, they you might be happy to learn about some of the new customization features that are available in iOS 17. Although iOS has made some controversial changes to its UI, such as moving the notifications to the bottom of the lock screen, they are also more welcome changes to the customization options for the lock screen.

Introduced in iOS 16 was a slew of lock screen customization features to let you tweak your phone's lock screen to your liking, and these same features are available in iOS 17 as well. While the lock screen used to be just a static image, you can now make it more dynamic with options like cycling through collections of your photos, so you can show off your favorite photos of your pets, your family, or beautiful locations that you've visited.

Read more
When will Apple release iOS 18? Here’s what we know
An iPhone 14 laying face-down on a wood table.

Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) will start on Monday, June 10. During the conference keynote, the company is expected to unveil new software updates for its major products, including iOS 18 for iPhones.

iOS 18 is expected to be a major iPhone update, likely ushering in a new design and AI features. If you are wondering when you can get your hands on the latest software version, here's everything you need to know about iOS 18's release date.
When will the iOS 18 beta be released?

Read more
The 6 best tablets for watching movies in 2024
Two iPad Pro tablets next to each other against a black background. Both have Apple's Magic Keyboard case.

Tablets are incredibly versatile devices, allowing you to surf the web, check your emails, or play games without the need for a larger (and clunkier) laptop. But one of the most popular ways to use a tablet is as a screen for your favorite movies and TV shows. Since they're slim enough to pack into a backpack and light enough to prop up while laying in bed or on the couch, tablets are a great way to catch up on your favorite shows.

However, not all tablets are great for watching movies and TV shows. Some are built with lackluster displays that can't capture the nuances of important scenes, while others are cheap and unreliable – making them a poor long-term investment. That can make it difficult to shop for the best tablets for watching movies, as there are hundreds of products vying for your attention. But if you know where to look, it's easy to find a premium tablet that'll serve you well for years.

Read more