Apple: 12.9-inch iPad rumored to debut next year

(Taiwan Business News) Apple suppliers are preparing to produce Apple's largest-ever iPad, with production scheduled to begin in the first quarter of next year. The new iPad will feature a 12.9-inch screen. Apple currently produces iPads with 9.7-inch and 7.9-inch screens respectively, and Apple has been working with suppliers for at least a year to create a series of all-new devices with large screens.

Apple CEO Cook is working to overhaul the iPad product line. iPad revenue is Apple's second-largest product after the iPhone, but due to a lack of new tablet products and consumers shifting to smartphones with larger screens, iPad sales have declined for two consecutive quarters. Apple suppliers are said to have recently begun producing an updated version of the 9.7-inch iPad, and production of a new iPad mini is also expected to begin, with both anticipated to hit the market before this year's year-end shopping season.

Apple is also increasing iPhone screen sizes. It is understood that Apple will hold a new product launch event on September 9, at which it will unveil all-new larger iPhones. These new smartphones entered mass production in July. Sources indicate that Apple will launch two iPhones this time, one featuring a 4.7-inch screen and the other featuring a 5.5-inch screen. 20140827