Analyst predicts rumoured 13-inch iPad to be a Mac successor

While the iPad 5 slated for an October launch will be featuring a 9.7-inch display, a new report reveals that the company is mulling bigger iPads in the future. Ben Reitzes of Barclays Equity Research speculates that Apple may produce a larger 13-inch iPad in the future, and would also employ its 64-bit A7 chip. iPads featuring a larger screen could be aimed at replacing low-end computers, says the analyst.

The 13-inch model of the iPad could be capable of replacing the MacBook Air. Reitzes told Cnet that the iOS app ecosystem, extra-long battery life, uber-portability and user familiarity “could be more compelling than a Mac if Apple made a true effort”. He further said that a larger-screened iPad could be better a PC replacement than the current tablets, including the Surface.

More from News & Analysis

What is the US HIRE Bill and why is India’s $250-billion IT sector worried? Is the internet dead? What's this theory that OpenAI's Sam Altman says might be true?

IPads with larger display coming soon?

Reitzes believes that this iPad would significantly improve revenue for Apple. He suggests it would cost about $650. This could bring in 35 percent margines and add to Apple’s earnings, he suggests.

A report earlier this week revealed that the company is also planning a larger display for the next generation of the iPhone. While it is testing display sizes up to 6-inches, some sources point out at the possibility of a 4.8-inch display for the next iteration of the iPhone.

While its arch-rival Samsung has been offering devices in varying sizes, Apple has been loyal to a specific screen for years now. Looks like Apple is ready for some change in display sizes now. We can expect Apple to revamp displays of its iOS devices.