Apple is rumored to be developing an 11.4 to 12.9 inch tablet that may get a release in Spring, next year. One of its manufacturing allies of Foxconn is reportedly testing the device.
It has been rumored for a long time that the Cupertino-based tech giant is working on a big screen tablet. The company's former iPad editions came with a maximum screen size of 9.7-inches and its iPad Mini is even smaller with a screen size of 7.9-inch. But it seems Apple wants a bigger tablet this time, which is reportedly in the final stage of production, according to a recent post on a Chinese website, PadNews.
In July, a proto type of the big screen tablet by Apple, the iPad Maxi or iPad XL, was leaked online, hinting at a release in the Holidays. But recent reports suggest the launch has been shifted to early next year and an iPad Mini with retina display can be expected instead on this Christmas.
There are indications that Apple may fall short of supply for iPAD Mini on release as there is a shortage of retina displays for the device, reports itproportal.
Ming Chi Kuo, who works as security analyst for KGI, is known for his early predictions on Apple products. According to Kuo, the iPad Maxi is expected to run on Intel chips instead of the A8 processor. Also the upcoming tablet may include a keyboard dock similar to the Microsoft Surface tablets, released in October, reveals Gizbot.
In a recent interview, Apple CEO Tim cook claimed that the Microsoft Surface tablet was a 'compromised confusing product.' In fact, the 12-inch iPad Maxi can be cited as a well intended move on Apple's end to meet Microsoft head on.
In October the South Korean website ET cited both Samsung and Apple to be gearing up for big screen tablets by mid next year. As of now, Apple is maintaining absolute silence about the product. Although, while revealing the fiscal results in the third quarter, Cook hinted his company will look forward to unexplored ventures.