14 DAY TRIAL // Market research has churned out some interesting information about Apple’s so-called plans to introduce a larger “iPad Pro” this year. In a nutshell, it’s probably not happening, according to IHS.
A company that sells IT intelligence, IHS has direct ties to Apple’s suppliers, including those who make displays for the company’s devices.
According to their latest research, the Cupertino giant is interested in various screen sizes and is toying with prototypes, but nothing too serious is going on at the moment.
Rhoda Alexander, IHS' director of tablet and monitor research, explains to CNET that “Some manufacturers over the last six months have received sample quantities of a larger panel.”
“They’re playing around with a product that could possibly be an iPad-related product,” Mrs. Alexander said. “Various sizes are being reported with 12.85 inches being one of the sizes.”
This kind of information is not exactly indicative of Apple’s plans, be they short or long-term.
“We have not seen volume shipments yet of any panels,” Mrs. Alexander added. “We have to get a lot further down the line in terms of seeing really strong indicators from Apple that such a product exists, and we’re just not at that point.”
It is also quite possible that there isn’t even a market for a 12-inch iPad at the moment.
“When this [rumored] product was first discussed, it was said that there were requests from the education market, which I think shows a lack of understanding about how that market works,” she told the technology site.
“Those products have to qualify over years. Most of the education market is still using the iPad 2,” she said.
But while a larger iPad may not be in the cards for this year, a larger iPhone is almost definitely coming. There are high hopes for the iWatch to materialize as well by the end of 2014.