Sketchy Rumor Claims Apple Launching 12.9-Inch 'iPad Maxi' in Early 2014 to Target Ultrabooks

[MacRumors]

Korean site ETNews.com reports [Google translation, via Unwired View] that Apple is working on a new, larger iPad with a display measuring 12.9 inches diagonally, compared to the 9.7-inch display on the current full-size iPad. The larger iPad, which the site apparently in all seriousness says would be called "iPad Maxi", would launch in the first half of 2014 and be intended to target the ultrabook market as well as increase utility for digital textbooks.

While some users have expressed a desire for a larger iPad, consumer preference certainly appears to be trending toward smaller screens and more portability rather than larger screens. While the original iPad has experienced significant success, several analysts have estimated that the iPad mini immediately began outselling its larger sibling upon launch late last year.

ETNews.com does not have a particularly solid track record regarding Apple rumors, and is not a frequent rumor source either. Previous incorrect reports have included claims that the iPhone that was ultimately dubbed iPhone 4S would launch in late June 2011 and that the iPhone 5 would take advantage of Liquidmetal alloys and launch in June 2012. More recently, the site claimed that fingerprint sensor firm AuthenTec had cut off its existing customer base after being acquired by Apple, a development that seems likely amid rumors of Apple deploying fingerprint technology on the iPhone 5S.

Article Link: Sketchy Rumor Claims Apple Launching 12.9-Inch 'iPad Maxi' in Early 2014 to Target Ultrabooks

 

[Andy-V]

"iPad Maxi" is surely a joke haha.

 

[Harrycooke]

As if they'd ever name it something that sounds so similar to a feminine hygiene product.

 

[appleguy123]

I want a larger iPad, but that name is ridiculous.


People are buying the mini iPad because its cheaper. With the same data, you could say that customers don't like retina displays because the iPad with a non retina display is outselling the retina iPad.

Also, how can you assume that the Korean site is being serious from a google translation?

 

[daverso]

Is it April again??

 

[MonkeySee....]

Was this even worth posting MacRumour team?

 

[organerito]

I was thinking to buy an iPad to read music. I have tried it and the 9.7 screen a little too small. I would buy immediately a 12.9-inch iPad.

Unfortunately, I don't think it is going to happen.

 

[bbeagle]

"iPad Maxi" is surely a joke haha.

It would never be called 'Maxi Pad' or anything like that.
Probably something like 'iPad Professional' or 'iPad Platinum Edition'.

 

[slprescott]

Sheet Music

A good use for a larger iPad would be sheet music.

My wife teaches piano, and I've long predicted that tablets will eventually take the place of students carrying stacks of music books. The problem today is the size: the current iPad is significantly smaller than traditional sheet music books. But... an iPad Maxi could cover that much better -- and selling the Maxi to music students would be a very nice (and large) sales entry point.

 

[jonAppleSeed]

iPad Grandioso would be better

 

[ajvizzgamer101]

It would never be called 'Maxi Pad' or anything like that.
Probably something like 'iPad Professional' or 'iPad Platinum Edition'.

iPad Pro and iPad mini

 

[jakebot]

I would love this size of iPad!

 

[daneoni]

"iPad Maxi" tells you all you need to know about this 'rumor'

 

[BanterClaus]

At that point doesn't it become too big to hold comfortably?

If you need a screen that big then surely an ultrabook or an Air would be the way to go. I just think that's too big for a tablet.

 

[amerdian]

Next...

 

[rdas7]

iPad Pro

Come on, isn't 'iPad Pro' the obvious name for this?

With the added size, you'd have space for a bigger battery, more storage and more room for heat dissipation (ergo faster processors), so a "Pro" segment would make sense.

Unlikely to be *early* 2014 though, since the success of such a project would surely hinge on there being "Pro" apps available to take advantage of it.

 

[Arran]

iPad Pro and iPad mini

Or, instead of "iPad Pro", the current 9.7" iPads are discontinued and this simply becomes "the new iPad"?

It's the 'stay-at-home' iPad, and the mini is the 'to-go' model.

 

[schlitzz]

iPad Maxi?

Okay, does it come with a plastic, or cardboard applicator?!

 

[JaySoul]

Won't be happy until every Apple product is available in increments of 0.1" (at least).

 

[Rogifan]

Geez MR do you need to report on every rumor that comes out of Asia, even when the rumors are so ridiculous no one would believe them?

----------

Was this even worth posting MacRumour team?

No.

 

[omenatarhuri]

Geez MR do you need to report on every rumor that comes out of Asia, even when the rumors are so ridiculous no one would believe them?

-1

I think its good that we get full coverage. Thanks MR. Why so negative?

 

[Orlandoech]

A bigger/another iPad when we can't even get an iPhone with a bigger screen?

Lame.

 

[iSee]

I would go for an iPad this size, especially if they could keep the weight down somehow.

Some of the tasks I use my iPad for, reading programming books, sketching, and taking notes often feel cramped.

But I doubt this rumor and the name seems silly.

 

[Bhatu]

Maxi Sounds old fashioned!

 

[69650]

I don't know why they have to give each model a unique name. They don't do it with their computers, so why not just call it the iPad - available in 3 screen sizes. Sounds better than the iPad, iPad mini and iPad maxi.

A4 size iPad sounds good to me. I bet a lot of people would ditch their laptop for that.