Apple Testing an 8-Inch Tablet?
Apple is reportedly testing what could be an 8-inch iPad in its labs, according to a recent report from The Wall Street Journal.
"Officials at some of Apple's suppliers, who declined to be named, said the Cupertino Calif.-based company has shown them screen designs for a new device with a screen size of around 8-inches," and said it is qualifying suppliers for it, according to the publication.
WSJ has stated that it is not sure what version Apple will end up releasing, but it does claim to know that an 8-inch model is in fact being tested by the company at this time.
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The publication's sources claim that the 8-inch iPad's screen would pack a 1,024x768 display which is quite similar to the iPad 2. It is also rumored to be an LTE device. WSJ released a report earlier today stating that the next-gen iPad would in fact be an LTE device.
9to5Mac also commented on this news stating that even though the company is testing an 8-inch tablet, it does not mean that it will actually release one as Apple sometimes decides not to follow through with launching certain products. However, an 8-inch iPad would make for a close competitor to the Amazon Kindle Fire, a device that gave Apple a run for its money in the 2011 holiday season.
In other iPad news, an Asian publication known as ChinaTimes recently reported that Apple ordered around 65 million 264PPI Retina displays from both LG and Samsung. It also stated that both have also begun production on these screens. Sharp is also rumored to be producing displays for Apple's next tablet.
Apple reportedly ordered 40 million displays meant for the iPad 2 when that device was being produced. These new reports show a 60 percent to 70 percent increase for the next generation iPad. If these reports prove to be accurate, then Apple is planning a huge release for the iPad 3.
The Wall Street Journal also reported that the next iPad will be available on both AT&T and Verizon as a 4G LTE device. Apple is expected to hold a media event to introduce the tablet during the first week of March. Its launch should follow during that same month.
