IHS Suppli doubts 12.9-inch iPad Pro is a viable product

Rumors suggest Apple is working on a 12.9-inch iPad that’ll debut sometime later this year. While analysts like DisplaySearch are bullish on the idea of an iPad Pro, IHS’ director of tablet and monitor research Rhoda Alexander is not convinced Apple will adopt this form factor. Speaking to CNET, Alexander said that some manufacturers are playing around with different sizes, including 12.85-inches, for products that could be an iPad. Despite the possibility that Apple is working with some early prototypes, IHS Suppli is not factoring these panels into its forecasts. “We have not seen volume shipments yet of any panels,” she said. “We have to get a lot further down the line in terms of seeing really strong indicators from Apple that such a product exists, and we’re just not at that point.” Alexander also doubts Apple is creating a larger tablet for the education market or for businesses that are a looking for a hybrid tablet-laptop. “When this [rumored] product was first discussed, it was said that there were requests from the education market, which I think shows a lack of understanding about how that market works. Those products have to qualify over years. Most of the education market is still using the iPad 2.” DisplaySearch recently projected the possible debut of an iPad Pro sometimes this year. The company released its display forecast for 2014 and predicted Apple would be working on a large-sized tablet, an iPhone 6 with a 4.7-inch screen and an iWatch. Continue reading →

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