Apple's 'iPad Pro' Plans Reportedly on Hold

Apple has "shelved" its plans to produce a larger-sized tablet, according to a report from Digitimes. Nicknamed the "iPad Pro", the 12.9-inch tablet was rumored to be under development with a launch date possible early next year.

Apple's alleged move comes as these larger tablets face hurdles because the form factors are not compatible with the existing ecosystems, forcing manufacturers to scale back on their plans, claims Digitimes.

However, most of the large-size tablet projects face difficulties because of lack of support from related platform developers and ecosystems. Apple has also been said to shelved its large-size tablet project.

12_9_ipad_macbook_air

Mockup of a 12.9-inch iPad next to a 13-inch MacBook Air

It is unclear whether Apple having "shelved" the iPad Pro is a permanent move or if the company is simply taking a wait-and-see attitude with the project for the time being.

Rumors of the iPad Pro first surfaced last May with a claimed early 2014 launch timeframe, but while a number of other sources have weighed in with their own claims about the device including word that production on the device's display had already begun, targets for the device's launch have slipped over time. Most recently, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has frequently offered accurate information on Apple's product plans, suggested last month that while the iPad Pro remained under development, its launch would likely not come this year.

As rumors of a larger iPad gained steam throughout the latter half of 2013, Samsung moved to introduce its own product with the launch of a 12.2-inch tablet early this year.

Digitimes has a mixed track record with its reporting, frequently obtaining accurate information from within Apple's supply chain, but on occasion seeming to misinterpret that information.

Related Roundup: iPad Pro
Buyer's Guide: iPad Pro (Neutral)

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Top Rated Comments

cmChimera Avatar
140 months ago
More like: Was never happening.
Score: 50 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Ballis Avatar
140 months ago
Samsung bait. Just like that stupid watch.
Score: 40 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nepalisherpa Avatar
140 months ago
Apple never said they were releasing one....and Apple never said they are holding off. Love these analysts!
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BC2009 Avatar
140 months ago
Translation from Digitimes: It is time to admit that the iPad Pro rumors were completely fabricated so we will say that Apple put them "on hold".

Apple never planned a 12-inch iPad with a resolution that differs from an even multiple of existing iPad.

Those larger cuts of the iPad display panel are for a Retina MacBook Air. Always have been.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pgiguere1 Avatar
140 months ago
Apple's alleged move comes as these larger tablets face hurdles because the form factors are not compatible with the existing ecosystems, forcing manufacturers to scale back on their plans, claims Digitimes.
Bulls***.

Apple would have thought about a solution for apps before starting making plans with Chinese manufacturers.

This report is basically saying that Apple went "Oops, we forgot about that part.", and they're now considering the app compatibility situation for the first time? Give me a break.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
D.T. Avatar
140 months ago
“Apple is developing a car”

*click*click*click*click*click*click*click*click*click*

“Apple has put the car development on hold”

*click*click*click*click*click*click*click*click*click*

_profit_
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)