Apple may release 13-inch iPad in 2014 - Sydney Morning Herald

http://images.smh.com.au/2013/12/24/...na-620x349.jpgApple's 9.7-inch iPad. Is a larger model in the works? Photo: Reuters

This post was originally published on Mashable.
It's never too late in the year for a new Apple rumour. The latest, emerging from Asia, claims the company has a larger sized iPad in the works.
Citing a source from Apple's Asia supply chain, Digitimes reports the company may be preparing to release a 12.9-inch tablet in October 2014.
This latest report follows a similar rumour published in the Wall Street Journal earlier this year claiming Apple was testing a new iPad with a screen measuring "slightly less than 13 inches".
The Digitimes report also claims Apple's larger tablet will be manufactured by Taiwan-based PC manufacturer Quanta Computer.
In recent years, Apple rumours of varying authenticity originating from Asia supply chain sources have become commonplace. But those rumours generally hint at a new product that might mirror existing market trends, such as an iPhone with a larger screen, or an Apple-branded smart TV.
History tells us Apple generally avoids following trends, instead opting to set new ones and open up new product categories. An iPad with a nearly 13-inch screen would largely buck the current trend of smaller tablets and phablets currently dominating the global market.
If that logic holds, then the notion of a 12.9-inch iPad – a tool that could be particularly useful in education, an important focus for Apple – doesn't seem so far-fetched.
Tim Cook's memo to staff
Meanwhile, in a year-end memo to company employees, Apple chief executive Tim Cook sparked further speculation over what the tech giant might have up its sleeve next year.
"We have a lot to look forward to in 2014, including some big plans that we think customers are going to love," he said in the memo, according to 9to5Mac. "I am extremely proud to stand alongside you as we put innovation to work serving humankind's deepest values and highest aspirations."
Cook offered no details, but he was likely referring to a few gadgets Apple is expected to release next year. They include the iWatch – a smart watch that is expected to connect with other Apple devices using Bluetooth – and new iPhone models.
Besides the 2014 tease, Cook also commended the company on some of its new gadgets in 2013.
Specifically, Cook named the iPhone 5s, iPad Air, iPad mini with Retina display and the new Mac Pro. On the software side, Cook commended the work on iOS 7 and Mac OS X Mavericks. He also applauded the company for reaching its 50 billionth iOS app download this year.
Additionally, Cook congratulated his company for its work with (Product)Red, an organisation that fights the spread of AIDS in Africa, and for urging US Congress to pass equality and diversity in the workplace legislation earlier this year.
Mashable, Los Angeles Times

http://pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-89EKCgBk8MZdE.gif