See what's on the slab: Apple reportedly mulls stretching the iPad Pro to 14 and 16 inches

Apple may be considering increasing the size of the iPad Pro’s display, with potential stretches including 14-inch and 16-inch versions, according to reports. The rumblings have come from Bloomberg sources claiming to be privy to Apple’s engineering plans. If Apple opts to bring the device beyond the proof-of-concept phase, …

[Randy Hudson]

iPad and MacBook are converging

It's really just a matter of input preference. Do you want to touch the screen, with the detachable keyboard, or do you want a touchless screen, in which case the keyboard needs to always be there. macOS and iPadOS will continue to evolve until they meet in the middle, unfortunately.

I recently bough the 12.9" iPad Pro. They basically force you to buy the removable keyboard by disabling the split, on-screen keyboard. Why can I use split keyboard on my 9.8-inch iPad Pro, where my thumbs easily reach the middle of the screen, but not on a larger iPad, where reaching the center is a real problem (when holding the iPad upright with the rest of your fingers).

[Anonymous Coward]

"a fully glass back, replacing the standard aluminium enclosure"

Yes, that's what I want! A device which is both heavier *and* more breakable than it was before!

[elsergiovolador]

Re: "a fully glass back, replacing the standard aluminium enclosure"

Plus you can't repair it for a reasonable price, because Apple makes sure independent repair shops don't have access to parts and schematics.

[werdsmith]

Re: "a fully glass back, replacing the standard aluminium enclosure"

Schematics? What are the repair shops going to do with them?

Repair of this type of kit is by subassembly. Apple can make it hard by binding parts with digital signatures. Like with the fingerprint scan button. Though that was a reasonable security need. Otherwise, 3rd party parts are plentiful.

[doublelayer]

Re: "a fully glass back, replacing the standard aluminium enclosure"

"Schematics? What are the repair shops going to do with them?"

Arrange for third-party manufacture of parts Apple won't provide is the use that comes to mind. Or at a more basic level, have a better understanding of exactly how the parts are supposed to go together to figure out exactly which of them are broken. With more complex assembly, this could end up being useful.

[Andy Taylor]

Re: Schematics? What are the repair shops going to do with them?

Component level repairs are available from many independent companies. I know of several who offer a flat fee service at reasonable prices.

Why pay £600+ for a logic board when you can have the faulty part(s) replaced for a quarter of that?

[Gene Cash]

Re: "a fully glass back, replacing the standard aluminium enclosure"

Yes, the slick glass back worked SO well on my Nexus 6P... enabling it to slide to the floor and smash.

[Dadz]

RHPS

I see you shiver, with antici..

..pation.

[Anonymous Coward]

I want a 120 incher!

Oh wait, we were discussing computers? Ummmm...

[MachDiamond]

I still find

I find a good quality keyboard very important although a touch screen can be handy. I also find a mouse or Wacom tablet far more useful and easier to use than trying to find the finger that works the best on the screen. There must be something about my left hand that touch screens are dead set against dealing with.

A tablet is a consumption device and I spend more of my time creating so the extent of my tablet use is controlling my drone and as a remote for my camera.

[Anonymous Coward]

Re: ...touch screens are dead set against

Thankfully my five year old has exactly the same problem, only he's right handed, usually. If he tries to unlock my tablet it takes him about 5 attempts before the touch screen registers any swipe at all. He's not particularly sweaty, and my mates kids have no problem.

[jvf]

Re: I still find

“A tablet is a consumption device” Exactly. For doing real work-forget it. Typing and poking on a touch screen to get anything done-you’ve got to be kidding. Or, maybe it’s because of many years of playing the bass or many more years of manual labor. Either way, my fingers and touch screens don’t get along.

[Anonymous Coward]

Invaluable for the partially sighted ..

Which - of course - will start to include increasing numbers of wealthy form iShiny disciples.

This is as much a business need as a tech innovation.

[thondwe]

VESA Adapter?

Wonder if they'll come with a VESA adapter (or an Apple Only Patented Equivalent?)