THE latest rumours suggest Apple is now working on a 13-inch version of its iPad tablet. Reports claim that it is testing larger screens that can be used either on a previously rumoured 5.7-inch iPhone, or a bigger tablet.
According to the Wall Street Journal, suppliers in Asia have said Apple has asked for prototypes of iPad screens that are 13-inches wide — three inches bigger than the current iPad model.
If the rumours are true, Apple’s giant iPad could be same size as its MacBook Pro. It would also be bigger than some notebooks, including HP’s 11.6-inch EliteBook.
These latest iPad rumours follow reports last month that claimed Apple is working on plastic iPhones with 4.7-inch screens. These could be available in a variety of colours including yellow and red — current iPhones and iPads only come in black and white — and may sell for as little as £63 (RM315).
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At the same time, Apple is said to be working on a larger, 5.7-inch iPhone dubbed a phablet because it’s a cross between a phone and a tablet computer. These rumours originated in a note to investors written by industry analyst Brian White from Topeka Capital Markets. The iPhone Mini could follow Samsung’s lead and have a glass front with a plastic case.
Apple traditionally unveils new handsets at an annual event in September and White believes this year’s event will be dominated by the rumoured iPhone 5S.
White claims that the iPhone Mini could be announced before this event so not to distract from the 5S launch, but Apple will likely show off both handsets together.
The Telegraph also reported that accessory manufacturer Tactus had published a picture of a cheap, plastic iPhone model, rumoured to have a 3.5inch screen and 5MP camera. White added the iPhone Mini may “have a curved back casing made of coloured plastic and will be thicker than the iPhone 5”.
Other rumours to have generated from White’s note include that the iPhone 6 — expected next year — will have a much larger screen than the current 4inch iPhone 5 model. Apple’s 4.7-inch model will put it in close competition with Samsung’s 4.8-inch Galaxy SIII.
