Apple’s 12.9-inch iPad Pro isn’t big enough for you? You might be in luck, as Apple is reportedly working on a far larger version.
According to a report by The Information, Apple is developing a 16-inch iPad, which should hit the market in the fourth quarter of 2023. The outlet claims that this device could further blur the line between the iPad and the MacBook, something Apple has been trying to do ever since it launched the first iPad Pro.
We’ve heard rumors about a larger iPad before. In 2021, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said Apple’s engineers and designers are « exploring » larger iPads, though he only mentioned the 14-inch to 16-inch display size in the context of his own idea of what Apple should do. This summer, analyst Ross Young said that he had « confirmed » a 14.1-inch iPad Pro is being developed. Both said Apple is unlikely to launch this device until next year.
But The Information’s report says Apple is going even bigger, with a 16-inch iPad. If real, it would by far be the largest tablet in Apple’s lineup, which currently ranges from the 8.3-inch iPad mini to the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. It would be on par with Apple’s largest MacBook pro, which also has 16-inch display. It would probably be primarily aimed at artists, designers, and other users who really need that massive touchscreen for their daily work. And, while definitely losing some portability, it would likely be the most « pro » iPad in the company’s lineup.
Another recent rumor said that Apple is working on a version of macOS that would work with the iPad Pro. We’re taking this one with a big chunk of salt, but if true, it might mean that Apple is working on an entirely new class of iPad, one that would be much closer to a traditional laptop.
