Larger Screen iPad Model Delayed Until Later in 2015

If you’ve been waiting to get your hands on a larger screen iPad, you’ll need to wait a bit longer. Apple is said to be delaying the release of a larger screened 12.9″ iPad model until later in the year, according to a set of new reports from Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal.

Specifically, the Bloomberg report says:

“Production of the 12.9-inch-screen iPad is now scheduled to start around September because of delays involving the supply of display panels, said one of the people, who asked not to be identified because the details aren’t public. Apple had initially planned to begin making the larger version this quarter, people familiar those plans had said.”

The Wall Street Journal seems to confirm the schedule change, noting that Apple is considering adding some new options to the larger iPad:

“Apple is now considering adding USB ports and adopting so-called USB 3.0 technology…”

“The company has also been considering adding ports to connect to a keyboard and mouse, the people said.”

Rumors of a larger screened iPad have been circling for quite some time, most of which estimated a general early 2015 timeline. Unofficially dubbed the “iPad Pro”, the device is expected to offer a 12.9″ screen that is notably larger than existing iPad models with a 9.7″ and iPad Mini with a 7.9″ display.

This news aside, it’s expected to be a busy coming months for Apple products. On March 9, Apple is planning on hosting an event that is presumed to focus on the new Apple Watch device. Some rumors suggest a refresh to the MacBook Air line will arrive at the same event or sometime in the near future, citing WSJ:

“Separately, Apple also plans to broaden its product offering with a new 12-inch MacBook Air, people familiar with the matter said.”

Minor software updates to iOS and OS X are also expected to arrive next week.