Over the previous couple of years, reviews have surfaced suggesting that Apple was at the very least considering the concept of taking its iPad Professional lineup into sizes past the present 12.9-inch mannequin. Now a brand new leaker is weighing in with info from sources that recommend Apple is prepping iPadOS 17 for a 14.1-inch iPad Professional that’s slated for a launch someday in 2024.
This newest information comes from a leaker often known as @analyst941, whose sole declare to fame seems to be leaking correct data in regards to the iPhone 14 Professional’s Dynamic Island a number of weeks earlier than its precise launch. Since then, they’ve shared various particulars on iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, however we’ll have to attend till Apple unveils its new working techniques at June’s Worldwide Builders Convention (WWDC) to find out the veracity of that data.
The report of a 14.1-inch iPad being within the works seems to have come from an analogous supply, as analyst941 is basing it on what they’ve been instructed about help for the bigger pill in iPadOS 17 somewhat than something from the {hardware} engineering aspect.
The 14.1-inch display screen dimension would seem to suit inside the vary steered by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in a 2021 report. Whereas Gurman’s sources merely stated Apple was exploring the concept of a bigger iPad Professional, they didn’t supply any specifics on the display screen dimension.
It was Gurman who speculated that it may very well be within the 14-16-inch vary, however your entire report additionally learn prefer it was at the very least partially wishful pondering on Gurman’s half. The one strong info he shared was that “Apple has engineers and designers exploring bigger iPads that would hit shops a few years down the street on the earliest.”
Extra gasoline was added to the fireplace in 2022 when show analyst Ross Young revealed that Apple’s provide chain was working towards a 14.1-inch iPad Professional “with MiniLEDs and ProMotion” — successfully the identical display screen specs as the present 12.9-inch mannequin. Younger pegged 2023 as a probable launch date, however he could have been spitballing on that one, as he admitted he wasn’t sure.
Younger later walked a few of these feedback again, with MacRumors reporting him saying late final yr that the “machine has been canceled completely or considerably delayed.”
An ‘iPad Studio’ Model?
In accordance with the most recent info shared by @analyst941, this bigger iPad will function an M3 Professional chip, though that looks as if hypothesis primarily based on hints within the model of iPadOS 17 that’s being developed the brand new mannequin would have the ability to help as much as two 6K shows at 60Hz.
Nonetheless, whereas that requires one in every of Apple’s “Professional” M-series chips, it doesn’t logically comply with that it could want an M3 Professional; even the unique M1 Professional can drive two 6K shows at 60Hz over Thunderbolt.
Whereas going with an M3 Professional would nearly definitely push this 14.1-inch iPad into subsequent yr, it appears a bit early for Apple to be getting ready for the brand new mannequin in iPadOS 17. In fact, since Apple wouldn’t create a novel iPadOS solely for a bigger mannequin, the “particular model” of iPadOS 17 talked about within the report could point out that an iPadOS 17.x level launch that can finally ship with the bigger pill is already underneath growth individually from the primary iPadOS 17 challenge.
The report additionally means that Apple could differentiate this new iPad by giving it a reputation like “iPad Studio” or “iPad Extremely,” however that additionally seems to be speculative.
There’s an actual risk this might not be a brand new iPad tier in any respect. With solely a 1.2-inch distinction, the brand new 14.1-inch iPad might successfully change the present 12.9-inch mannequin.
This may be much like what Apple did with its MacBook Professional lineup, phasing out the higher-end 13-inch Professional fashions in favor of the brand new 14-inch MacBooks Professional in 2021.
Whereas the rumored transfer to an M2 Professional or M3 Professional chip would place this new iPad a notch above the present 12.9-inch iPad Professional, which presently solely options the bottom M2, Apple might simply as simply make the M2 Professional the brand new customary for the bigger pill, which may very well be an inexpensive transfer contemplating it already has a goal market of extra severe professionals.
In the meantime, The Info shared reviews from different sources late final yr that Apple is engaged on a good bigger 16-inch iPad — a pill that would very properly earn the moniker “iPad Studio” or “iPad Extremely.” If reviews of each sizes are correct, this might usher in a brand new fourth tier of iPads, powered by Apple’s “Professional” and even “Max” silicon chips.
Nonetheless, we’ve heard little different details about any bigger iPads not too long ago, and most dependable sources recommend there gained’t be any vital {hardware} updates for the iPad lineup in 2023. That doesn’t imply they couldn’t be coming in 2024, although.
[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]