Apple is working on a new 12-inch model of the iPad that would include a long list of features that the smaller 9.7 inch and 7.9 inch iPads lack, such as the ability to view two apps simultaneously and a multiple login feature, according to 9to5Mac.
The report says that Apple is developing a new version of IOS to run on the tablets that will enable users to make the most of the larger 12-inch screen size. It's also going to allow users to view two apps side-by-side on the larger tablets and provide redesigned versions of Siri and its notifications center. The new iPads will also allow multiple users to log in, which means that more than one user can share a device and at the same time, get their own customized apps and data on the tablet when they sign in with their username.
The larger iPads are expected to launch later this year, whereas support for dual app viewing could be made available as soon as next month at the Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco, USA Today reports.
It's not the first time a report on the possibility of a larger iPad has surfaced. Back in March, The Wall Street Journal reported suppliers were told to start production of an iPad with a 12.9-inch screen.
Even though iPhone sales continue to increase, iPad sales are suffering. For instance, last quarter, the tech giant sold a total of 12.6 million iPads; 2.4 million units less than what analysts estimated and 23 percent fewer units sold in comparison to same time last year.
One of the reasons for the decline is attributable to the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, which launched last autumn with larger screens (4.7 inches and 5.5 inches, respectively) than previous models, according to Mashable.
If this report has any truth to it, the big question is whether a 12-inch iPad would be succesful in reviving detereorating sales, as a bigger display would conincide with the screen sizes of some Macbook computers.
