Strong competition from the Android ecosystem has prompted Apple to test iPads and iPhones with larger screen sizes, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.
The report, from an unnamed Apple supply chain source, indicates the tech giant is examining an iPad with a 13.9 inch screen, up from the 9.7 inch screen on the existing full-size iPad.
The same source indicated the company is also testing larger iPhone screens, with a size range of 4.7 inches to 5.7 inches. The larger screen would fall comfortably into the “phablet” form-factor epitomised by devices such as the Samsung Galaxy note.
Increasing screen sizes would, however, put pressure on developers to provide apps capable of supporting a variety of sizes and resolutions. At present, the iPhone comes in one size, while the iPad mini and full-size iPad are able to share applications without the need for rescaling.
The same WSJ report also suggests Apple is testing a 9.7 inch iPad screen with in-cell touch technology. This is the same type of screen used by the iPhone 5, and would enable the company to deliver an iPad with a thinner body.
The iPad 3 and 4 were marginally thicker than the preceding iPad 2, mainly to support the higher resolution “retina” display, along with additional battery capacity.
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