Apple will reportedly be delaying the production of its rumored extra-large 12.9-inch iPad because of high demand of its iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.
Originally, Apple planned on beginning production of the larger iPad in December. However, demand for its newest line of iPhones is prompting the tech company to instead focus on producing the iPhone.
"The top priority for the supply chain is to meet the overwhelming demand for the larger screen iPhones," said a supplier source. "The output of the 5.5-inch 6 Plus remains unsatisfactory. It would be challenging for display makers to split resources and spend a few months to ramp up production for a new larger-screen iPad now."
While the report certainly could be true, it is important to remember that reports of production delays often surface right before a product launch, especially an Apple product launch. In April it was reported that Apple would delay the launch of the iPhone 6 Plus because of production issues, but that turned out to not be true.
Over 10 million iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus units were sold in the first three days of the products release. This is the fastest-selling Apple product in history.
Apple still has not confirmed that a 12.9-inch iPad even exists, although iPad sales have been slipping and Apple is looking to enter new markets such as business. A larger iPad would be able to compete with devices like the Microsoft Surface Pro 3.
Apple has confirmed there will be an event on Oct. 16 -- it sent invitations out on Oct. 8 announcing a refresh of its iPad and iMac lines. It is also likely that the next version of OS X, OS X Yosemite, will make an appearance. Last year's event of a similar nature saw the release of the iPad Mini with Retina display as well as the iPad Air.
According to reports, suppliers are not the only ones struggling with the high demand of the iPhone 6. Apple's largest iPhone and iPad assembler, Foxconn, is reportedly struggling to even hire enough factory employees to build the iPhones. At the largest Foxconn production site, more than 200,000 workers build the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.
It is unknown how long the delay will be if Apple does decide to delay the launch of the larger iPad, although it is likely that the device will make an appearance at some point next year.
