Apple Reportedly Launching Larger iPad in October 2014, Larger iPhone in May 2014

Following a report last month stating that Apple supplier Quanta Computer had landed the contract to mass-produce a larger-sized iPad for late 2014, Digitimes is reporting that the 12.9-inch tablet will be released in October 2014 and will target North America's educational market. Apple is also said to be examining the possibility of replacing the 11-inch MacBook Air with the larger iPad.

12_9_ipad_macbook_air

12.9-inch iPad (left) with 13-inch MacBook Air (right)

Apple's large-size tablet will be manufactured by Quanta Computer, and was originally expected to adopt either 12.9- or 13.3-inch panels, with recent rumors indicating that 12.9-inch has a better chance to be picked, the sources noted.

The report also states that Apple is planning to release a larger size iPhone in May 2014, using a 20nm processor manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). Reports of a next-generation iPhone featuring a larger screen have surfaced occasionally throughout the past year, while the claim of an A8 processor made by TSMC is follows a report in June stating that the company had struck a three-year deal with Apple to produce A-series chips starting in 2014.

However, a May 2014 release date for the next iPhone would be somewhat of a surprising move by Apple, considering that the most recent reports have stated that the larger-screened iPhone will debut in late 2014. A release then would be in line with the October 2011 launch of the iPhone 4s, the September 2012 launch of the iPhone 5, and the September 2013 launch of the iPhone 5s and 5c.

A report last month from The Korea Times indicated that production of a 12.9-inch Retina Display to be used in a next-generation iPad was already underway at an Apple supplier in Korea, with a target date of early 2014. The larger tablet is also said to carry an improved display nearing ultra high-definition (UHD) quality, which would be significantly bigger and contain more pixels than Apple's current 9.7-inch iPad Air.

Related Roundup: iPad Pro
Buyer's Guide: iPad Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: iPhone

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Top Rated Comments

Swordylove Avatar
156 months ago
Apple is also said to be examining the possibility of replacing the 11-inch MacBook Air with the larger iPad.
Don't know about Jobs, but I wouldn't allow this.
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
osx11 Avatar
156 months ago
I still think this 12.9" device IS the new MacBook Air!
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iSayuSay Avatar
156 months ago
Why you poor chap? Do you have bad eyesight? Or Giant pockets?

Large phones are for girls with handbags or men with Size 'issues'
Oh really.. what size issues exactly is that? My eyesight is quite fine and I need to cringe everytime I try to read something on my iPhone. Too damn small and it causes eyestrain for prolonged use.

Can't see any reason why would I need giant pocket or handbag for a larger phone. Even my friends' SGS3 or HTC One fits most pocket just fine. So maybe it's you who have "size" issue? :rolleyes:
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
prowlmedia Avatar
156 months ago
If they don't release an iPhone with a larger screen this year I'll be jumping ship.

Why you poor chap? Do you have bad eyesight? Or Giant pockets?

Large phones are for girls with handbags or men with Size 'issues'
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Teste Avatar
156 months ago
I would be interested in the bigger iPad if it had true multitasking - opening two apps at the same time, side by side.

I can think of few things more ridiculous than having a very large iPad using the exact same iOS as the iPhone, though (such as seen on the folders of the iPad under iOS 7). I don't want an iPad with the Mac operating system, but iOS needs many tweaks to fit better with a big iPad.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Plutonius Avatar
156 months ago
It's easy to guess. I wonder why all these publications never bother to acknowledge they are wrong when their guesses are wrong.

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If they don't release an iPhone with a larger screen this year I'll be jumping ship.

Why wait if the larger screen is so important to you ?
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)