Large-Screen 2015 iPad Release Date Delayed
Those expecting to pick up a larger-screen iPad anytime soon will have to wait, as it seems production of the tablet has been delayed.
Apple was slated to begin producing a 12.9-inch iPad during the first quarter of 2015, but it seems that Apple suppliers have been to told to delay production until September. The Wall Street Journal reports that people familiar with the matter indicate the delay is due to design and features for the enterprise market. Bloomberg, meanwhile, cites anonymous sources stating that a problem with the display panels is what is holding the new tablet up.
A new 12.9-inch iPad was meant to reinvigorate the iPad brand, which has suffered from declining sales in four consecutive quarters. It seems that display panel production at such a size, however, is difficult. The delay, however, might not be such a bad thing, as RBC Capital Markets Research Analyst Amit Daryanani told CNBC.
"In a way I would argue this is almost a better thing because [the] iPhone still has a lot of momentum, a lot of steam ahead of it," Daryanani said. "As that starts to ease up a little bit towards the end of this year ... it would be optimal for the iPad to come out at the point."
"At least for the next couple of quarters, probably for the next few years, as goes [the] iPhone so goes Apple's stock, so I don't think this really hurts Apple that much as a stock."
Apple has not commented on the delay nor offered any details about a 12.9-inch iPad.
A 12.9-inch iPad would provide Apple some more leeway between its iPhone and iPad lineups. The latest iPhones have larger screens than ever and are beginning to straddle the line between smartphones and tablets. The iPhone 6's display is 4.7 inches while the iPhone 6 Plus's is even larger at 5.5 inches, entering phablet territory. As a result of the larger screens, customers are opting to simply pick up a smartphone like the iPhone 6 Plus rather than a smaller phone and a tablet, such as the iPad, beside it.
Apple's iPad mini sports a 7.9-inch display and the regular-sized iPad features a 9.7-inch display. Apple's regular iPad, however, is quite expensive compared to similar offerings from competitors, and still lacks key features like a USB port. A larger, 12.9-inch iPad might help Apple actually differentiate the iPad from the iPhone and rival competitors, if it can keep the quality of the device high.
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