If you're sad because Santa isn't bringing you any present this year, here's a piece of news, or should we say, rumor, that's going to brighten up your day - Apple may launch iPhone 6 in May and 12.9-inch iPad Pro in October next year.
Apple tipster DigiTimes claims it learnt from "sources from the upstream supply chain" that Apple will launch an iPad, which will have a display size anything between 12.9-inch to 13.3-inch, in October next year to help the company keep pace with rival Samsung, which has a 12-inch-plus tablet in the works.
The new iPad, dubbed iPad Pro, will be made by Quanta Computer, the publication reported, adding that Apple is looking at the possibility of offering Apple fans an alternative to the 11-inch MacBook Air.
DigiTimes also claims that Apple will launch a bigger iPhone in May 2014, which will feature 20nm processor made by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC).
Now we would have snickered at this piece of news as DigiTimes has an unenviable hit-and-miss track record, had not the venerable Wall Street Journal (WSJ) also claimed that Apple supply chain partners have received requests from the technology giant for "prototype smartphone screens larger than 4 inches" as well as "screen designs for a new tablet device measuring slightly less than 13 inches diagonally." WSJ claims to have got its information from anonymous people at Apple's suppliers.
Elsewhere, International Business Times chips in by claiming that it sources have confirmed that the iPad Pro will be offered with 2K and 4K (UHD) display options, while Korea Times say production of the 12.9-inch iPad, which will boast of near-UHD quality, has already started.
And, here's our take.
We think, no, we are certain Apple will not launch any new iPhone in May 2014. Why? Because it is unthinkable for Apple to release a new iPhone within 8 months of debut of its predecessor. If Apple must release the iPhone early, a July debut is more likely. However, we're willing to bet on September release. An iPhone with a bigger display? That's a possibility because smartphones with 4-inch display are out of trend, no matter what Apple wants you to believe. Moreover, Apple wouldn't want Samsung to have a free run in the phablet market.
As for the iPad Pro, we wouldn't be surprised if Apple does launch a tablet with a display bigger than 9.7-inch (the display size of iPad Air) to help the company better compete with Microsoft's second generation of Surface tablets and any Galaxy tablet that Samsung has in the works. An iPad with 12-inch-plus display could theoretically kill the ultrabook market, besides positioning Apple as the tablet market leader. However, don't pin your hopes on 4K display-equipped iPads. An iPad with 4K display is not happening. Not in 2014, at least.
Over the weekend, Apple CEO Tim Cook sent out an internal memo that said Apple has "big plans" for 2014. We won't be surprised if "big plans" means giving the next generation iPhone and iPad, bigger displays.
Apple shares closed 3.84 percent up at $570.09 on the Nasdaq on Monday on the back of news that it has inked a deal with China Mobile, the world's largest wireless carrier, to sell its iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c in China.
