Apple plans to launch larger, 12.9-inch iPad in 2015: Report

Apple Inc is preparing to roll out a larger, 12.9-inch version of its iPad for 2015, with production set to begin in the first quarter of next year, Bloomberg cited people with knowledge of the matter as saying on Tuesday.

The Bloomberg report comes as Apple struggles with declining sales of its 10-inch and 7.9-inch tablets, which are faltering as people replace iPads less frequently than expected and larger smartphones made by Samsung Electronics Co and other rivals encroach upon sales.

The technology giant has been working with its suppliers for over a year on larger touch-screen devices, the report cited sources as saying.

Apple is expected to introduce larger versions of its 4-inch iPhone next month, although the company has not publicised plans for the device.

The company was not immediately available for comment.

(Reuters)