Apple’s rumored 12.9-inch iPad model, referred to unofficially as the iPad Pro, is supposed to arrive at some point in 2015 according to certain reports, while others say the device is not considered “official” at Apple yet. Assuming Apple is going forward with iPad Pro plans, the gigantic tablet won’t be the only tablet to sport a bigger than 10-inch display next year. Digitimes has learned from Taiwan-based suppliers that several companies are working on large-size tablets supposed to launch next year in the first or second quarter.
FROM EARLIER: NYT: iPad Pro ‘not yet finished,’ not even considered ‘official’ at Apple
The publication specifically names Sony as one of the companies that are going to launch a 12-inch tablet in the first quarter of 2015. The device is supposedly going to offer “high-end specifications and come with a stylus,” and will target markets that have demand for “graphics-related applications.”
“The sources are conservative about demand for large-size tablets since their clients have placed limited orders for these devices, but note that they have shown great interests in entering the segment,” the publication writes.
So far, only Samsung has come out with 12-inch Android tablets, part of its Pro family of devices announced in early 2014, and launched soon after that in many markets. It’s not known how popular those devices actually are, as the company has never mentioned any sales numbers for them.
A few months ago, Microsoft too launched a 12-inch tablet/laptop 2-in-1 device, the Surface Pro 3. Microsoft said in its recent earnings call that Surface Pro 3 sales are great, without specifying how many units it sold to date. A wild report from Digitimes said a few days ago that Microsoft is considering discontinuing the Surface line of products, but the company refuted those rumors.
