Apple to Launch 12.9-Inch iPad in Early 2015

[charlituna]

and those spreading the rumors know the difference between 12.9” iPad & Retina MacBook Air screens in the supply chain?

I'm not buying the Retina MBA rumors that much either. The way I see it we could be looking at a return to the Macbook v Macbook Pro days. With the Air filling the MB role and the Retina Pro, well as the pro. The class Macbook Pro might stick around for another couple of years until SSD prices come down but eventually i see it and the iPod Classic as disappearing.

 

[Aluminum213]

12.9" screen with 3x3 grid folders


Can't wait!!!!

 

[LordBeelzebub]

I have a regular sized iPad and a nice Logitech Blu-tooth keyboard to go with it and it provides a decent 'laptop like' experience, but I'm not sure I'd want a big 13 inch iPad. IDK how much a 13 inch iPad would cost but I think at that size and to use it with a keyboard for apps like Pages, Numbers, etc I'd rather just invest a little more money for a MacBook Air.

But that's just me.

 

[charlituna]

One more evolution on the iPad and we'll have the iBoard followed by the iMat in no time!

Actually i wouldn't mind those so much. I've played with a PixelSense a few times and I love the idea of something like that which runs on iOS. And a whiteboard version as well. particularly if one could 'airdrop' between then via a gesture of some kind.

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Didn't Tim Cook promise us (and the investors) a lot of great innovative products in 2014? Seems that list is shrinking down

Products or hardware. Because you know iOS and Mac OS are products and appear to be very innovative

 

[sfwalter]

Just thinking out loud: I wonder if rumors of a 12" Macbook and the large tablet is really one in the same. I'd love a 2-in-1 running OS X or iOS.

 

[pnvgordinho]

This big ipad would only be good if Apple would make it work with a stylus pen like the ones you can find with wacon tablets. Otherwise would be just another tablet with bigger screen and I think people wouldn't go for it.

 

[AppleScruff1]

The 17" MBP was a niche product, too. But it's gone. I don't believe Apple is interested in niche products (anymore). The whole company used to be niche, which was great, but that's gone now. Now they just want mainstream commercial success.

I agree. I don't see Apple producing a 12" tablet that has the same functionality as the iPad. If they did, it would be a be catering to a much smaller market, IMO.

 

[prospervic]

Why is everybody rounding DOWN?

Can we stop calling it a "12-inch iPad"?

For the math challenged, 12.9 is just shy of 13!

It's a "13-inch" iPad.

(Or, is that too scary?)

 

[prospervic]

This rendering is too big!

Compared to the 13" Macbook Air, this jumbo iPad looks to have 15" screen.
(No wonder people are scoffing.)

 

[apolloa]

I know you're trying to be sarcastic but that's actually exactly what a Korean newspaper said, that Samsung pre-emtively released a large tablet before Apple because they knew the large iPad was coming, and if you read the Macrumors article, you'll see Apple has been working with display suppliers for a while already. Samsung would've known about it since Apple's main iPad display suppliers are in Korea. Why is that so difficult to imagine though? Chinese makers are already selling iPhone 6 lookalikes. Asian makers are nothing if not nimble.

Because the market was going to move to bigger tablets regardless of what Apple does, Samsung does NOT make an entire new product in 3 months or whatever. It also does NOT base it's entire products line on Apple 'Rumours'. Business does not work that way, they look at what will sell, where the gap is then make it.
That's not very hard to understand is it? Anyway I won't be drawn into an argument over this so no more posts from me on that, it's been done to death time and time again already.

 

[mabhatter]

I'd get one.

I use my iPad live with my band all the time. We have a Mackie PA system, and use the Master Fader app to wirelessly mix the band. I also use the DJ SoundBox app for trigger live samples.

This would make life a lot easier when im looking to adjust something on the fly while I also play bass and sing.

They definitely need some kind of power + io connector for a larger one... Every setup I see had some kludge to keep the iPad going... And with all the music apps out there you could easily have 3-4 iPads with different instruments and mixing apps going... But connecting is difficult (wireless isn't a Professional performance option)

 

[fertilized-egg]

Can we stop calling it a "12-inch iPad"?

For the math challenged, 12.9 is just shy of 13!

It's a "13-inch" iPad.

(Or, is that too scary?)

Very true. For whatever reason, the iPad Mini almost never gets called an 8" tablet but almost always 7", and looks like the same may happen for this 12.9" tablet if it's released.

At the same time I haven't seen anyone calling the 9.7" iPad a 9" tablet. Just no consistency. Perhaps it's because people want to make the connection to existing Android tablet more strongly.

 

[Eric5273]

If Apple would only add support for a bluetooth mouse to iOS then this would be the perfect device for me to replace my macbook. it's just too hard to use the touch screen when sitting at a desk. They wouldn't even have to change much to add mouse support, just add the pointer and the point and click work like a finger tap, and click and drag work like a finger swipe and all would be good.

Then I could get a stand for the desktop and use it with a regular apple bluetooth keyboard and mouse, and then use it like a tablet when I'm on the go.

 

[AFDoc]

I think that is a perfect size for a larger pad. I like the mini because it's easier to hold in your hand and use it..... I would grab this before running to the computer and looking something up. The larger iPad would get a ton of use around our home.

 

[dazed]

12.9" screen with 3x3 grid folders


Can't wait!!!!

yes, my thoughts exactly. seems pointless unless they adapt the OS to fit the resolution.

Maybe if they would allow widgets to be added to the home screen that would help.

 

[albusseverus]

This would be a move in completely the wrong direction. Apple is wasting valuable Touch Mac development effort trying to eek a few more bucks out of iPad. This is what happens when you put a parts guy in charge of the company - milk old designs at the expense of innovation.

What we need -desperately- is the whole MacBook line to turn into aluminium slabs, with a proper touch Mac OS.

iOS is useless for any serious work. It was cute in a phone in 2007 and neat in a small, limited function tablet in 2014. But that's as far as the tablet OS needs to go, or you end up being Microsoft trying to view every problem as a nail for your hammer that's worked well so far.

The number of customers wanting to touch their MacBook screens is too loud to ignore. Witness all the try-hards putting keyboards with iPads and still not being happy. This is what business needs. This is what home users need - the more direct experience of touching the screen -when appropriate- with the power of a full computer OS.

Apple seems to think it's OK to be 2 years behind customer needs as long as they are the only Apple-ecosystem game in town. They should have had 4.5" phone screens 2 years ago, but they arrogantly told everyone they don't need it, then ****** themselves when Samsung made mindshare and sales based entirely on screen size and -nothing- else to offer.

Cook will flog the iPad horse into inappropriate areas, and until long after any public interest remains. He's not a product guy and more importantly, he's not listening to his product guys, if he has any.

The iPad Air proved you don't need a Mini if the iPad is light enough. There is no substitute for a full Mac for any real work - what we need is Apple to innovate the MacBook line… not more d*cking around with 2 inch-larger iPad sizes. Steve knew the right size for the product, they just had to realise the technology to make it lighter and faster.

Now is time to turn the might of Apple to MacBooks, not try to push limited function iOS into the computer market. So what do we get? MacBooks with less power than last year?? And a 12" iPad?? Sheesh!

 

[BriSpe]

Didn't Tim Cook promise us (and the investors) a lot of great innovative products in 2014? Seems that list is shrinking down

MTE!
So apperently no bigger iPad, no Apple TV, no Smart Watch, no new MacBook Air and no iPhone 5.5" this year....according to those speculations.
What do we have then when Fall comes?
iPhone 4.7, iPad Air 2 and iPad mini. Pretty boring new Product lineup.
Apple said they're gonna bring some exciting stuff, so it doesn't make any sense, does it?

These people need to get their facts straight and stop talking.
I'll wait and see what Apple will release in the next 2 month.

 

[Zxxv]

Future headlines:

"Battery production issues has delayed the 12.9inch iPad"

"Battery issue resolved, iPad Pro is back on schedule"

"Apple having issues with LCD production"

"iPad Pro may or may not be released this year"

"iPad Pro now slated for WWDC 2015"

"iPad Pro put on hold for some reason"

"iPad Pro back on schedule for early 2015 release"

"Initial production to be in slow supply"

you missed some


iPad Pro really an iWatch - Rumourist didn't realise he was too close when taking pictures

iPad Pro turns out to be the iTV - Rumourist says didn't realise he was so far away when taking pictures

 

[sinfonye]

This would be a great device for those in government, business, or for education.

Yes, it doesn't have to do everything that the Surface does to be a useful device. This could be Apple's attempt to undermine Microsoft's stronghold.

 

[sinfonye]

Because the market was going to move to bigger tablets regardless of what Apple does, Samsung does NOT make an entire new product in 3 months or whatever.

Samsung do make an entire new product in 6 months. They have a small army (many thousands) of programmers and engineers that can be rapidly redeployed to new projects. It's a very impressive setup that gives them huge flexibility to seize market opportunities.

 

[ds2000]

I don't really see the point. Since buying my 15" MBP my iPad hardly gets picked up now-a-days and will be sold. I'll probably replace it with a mini for my iBooks but not 100% sure yet

 

[69650]

I don't see who the target market is for this.

1. It isn't for kids - bigger = easier to break. Plus, for a kid, the "regular" size iPad is already large.
2. It isn't for millennials - nobody wants to lug something around that big that doesn't even function like a full computer.
3. It isn't for business because it still doesn't do half of what the Surface 3 would for businesses.

Who is it for!? Techies and Apple enthusiasts that just want another Apple product around the house?

The article states that it will initially be targeted at business customers. Life is not so black and white as you suggest. Who would have thought that restaurants would replace their paper menus with iPads. I can see a 12" iPad being used as a touch screen info point in shops. The possibilities are endless.

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Yes, it doesn't have to do everything that the Surface does to be a useful device. This could be Apple's attempt to undermine Microsoft's stronghold.

What stronghold? Look at the sales figures. Nobody is buying the Surface.

Apple needs to keep up with the Android devices. Samsung already has a 12" tablet on the market.

 

[Freeks]

With iOS: Too big.
With OSX: Perfect!

 

[RightMACatU]

...
With OSX: Perfect!

You have my vote!

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Line up the tourists taking picture with their iPad Pro -MajorRollEyes

 

[dca100]

I'd put it in a stand and watch/stream movies, use it as a second screen to watch NCAA Football/basketball ,oh yeah, bring it on, its the future of "touch"

Absolutely right! It's about the only thing that would tempt me to replace my current iPad. I'd use a 12" version to watch downloaded movies on planes thru BBC iPlayer, Blinkbox etc. I find the iPad a little small for this at the moment. A bit bigger would be better.

Personally I don't lug my iPad around with me much on the move - that's what my iPhone's for - but it always comes with me in my bag when traveling. A 12" iPad would still be extremely portable when in a bag or rucksack. I'd imagine that using iPad Air materials it wouldn't be much heavier or bulkier than the 3rd gen iPad.

I'm sure I'd prefer it at home too where larger-screen web browsing would be nice, and in the garden to watch sports.

Each to their own, but bring it on as far as I am concerned!