Apple was 'close' to introducing 14-inch iPad model in 2023
Apple allegedly got close to creating a super-sized iPad Pro that was much larger than the current-largest 12.9-inch model, with a 14-inch version considered for a potential launch in 2023 at one point.
iPad on a table
Apple is anticipated to be preparing an iPad Pro upgrade in early 2024, with OLED accompanied by a replacement of the 12.9-inch model by a 13-inch version. However, Apple could've gone much larger with the model.
In Sunday's "Power On" newsletter for Bloomberg, Mark Gurman claims that Apple actually got close to actually releasing a 14-inch iPad Pro at one point, but instead it's gone for the 13-inch update instead.
Gurman first mentioned a larger iPad Pro was in the works back in 2021 for potential release within years, but other leaks down the road continued to promise that Apple was actively still working on the concept.
In June 2022, DSCC's Ross Young said that a 14.1-inch tablet could arrive from Apple at some point in early 2023, though that ultimately didn't happen. In October 2022, a report said that a 16-inch iPad could be launched in the fourth quarter of 2023, though admitted that development could kill the product before release.
While Gurman does say about the product's development by Apple, there still doesn't seem to be a launch for such a large-screened model on the horizon, or for quite some time.
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
I suspect we will see this size in the next iPad Pro revamp.
Funny I don’t see people in this thread clamoring for a 14 inch iPad either, so I think it’s safe to say you’re in the minority. At 1.5 lbs, it’s the 12.9 inch iPad is the heaviest one they’ve ever made by at least a half pound.
You miss the point of the iPad Pro. It’s supposed to be portable AND useful. While it is useful, the size and weight put off many people, and that includes pros.
The 12 is big but is also a bit of a tween device.
It has the next level of bulk but not the next level of function over the 11inch Pro.
Which as other pint out is made worse by the software not keeping pace.
I agree with you that 1.5 lb is too heavy for a handheld, but being handheld doesn't have to define what an iPad has to be. iPad tablets can encompass a wide product range serving a variety of customers, and Apple should offer more options. I'd like to see a 7" class iPad, basically an iPhone 14 Plus without the cellular modem and with lower performance SoC, offered. There is room for a 15" iPad. When the folding iPads come, those will serve as 20" external displays, AIO, laptop, and tablet computers, basically all of the above. It doesn't mean that there aren't 9" to 11" sized iPads that would be the bulk of sales. There should be a model for as many niches as possible.
The more worrying thing, which is repeated ad infinitum, is Apple is curiously uncertain on where they want to take touch computing. They have the handheld phone touch tablet well in hand. Bigger touch tablets? Curiously only want to serve a certain niche. There is probably a strange resource competition between Macs and iPads inside Apple.