Apple Rumored to Develop iPadOS 17 for Larger Unreleased iPad Sizes

Apple is rumored to be developing a special version of its upcoming iPad software, iPadOS 17, specifically designed for larger unreleased iPad sizes. According to a Twitter user who leaked the information, the new software will support the advanced capabilities of a range of bigger iPads in the works, beginning with a 14.1-inch iPad with an M3 Pro chip set for release next year.

The leaker claims that the 14.1-inch iPad model will be able to run up to two 6K displays at 60Hz via Thunderbolt 4, with iPadOS 17 including support for this capability. This suggests that the larger iPad may have multiple Thunderbolt ports instead of just one, as currently seen in the iPad Pro.

I’ve heard there’s a special version of iPadOS 17, being developed specifically for larger iPad Pro/Ultra/Studio model(s), there’s a slight change that would give the 14.1” model support for up to 2 6K displays at 60hz.

This signals for a definite M3 Pro SoC in the flagship iPad https://t.co/7FcOyaZFdv

— 941 (@analyst941) April 27, 2023

While rumors about the release date and size of Apple’s forthcoming larger iPads have been conflicting, a 14.1-inch iPad would be the largest iPad to date, beating the current 12.9-inch iPad Pro size. The leaker suggests that Apple may adopt a new name for the larger forthcoming device(s) to differentiate them from the current crop, such as “iPad Ultra” or “iPad Studio.”

Reports from Bloomberg and reliable display analyst Ross Young suggest that Apple has been working on iPads with even larger displays since mid-2021. However, Young later reversed his prediction and said that Apple was no longer planning to launch the new 14.1-inch form factor, suggesting that the device was either canceled or significantly delayed.

Despite this, in October 2022, The Information’s Wayne Ma reported that Apple is developing a 16-inch iPad that it hopes to release in the fourth quarter of 2023. However, larger iPad models were missing from Mark Gurman’s Apple device roadmap for this year, suggesting that there will be no significant iPad hardware updates in 2023.

Related articles

• Apple and University of Michigan Research Shows Millions at Risk of Hearing Damage
• Foxconn Subsidiary Joins Apple’s Mixed-Reality Headset Supply Chain

The anonymous source behind today’s rumor leaked accurate information about the iPhone 14 Pro’s Dynamic Island before the device was announced last year. However, they do not have a long-term track record with rumors yet, so the latest information they shared may not prove to be accurate.

Apple is expected to preview iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 during the WWDC 2023 keynote on June 5. For more information on what to expect in the new software, stay tuned.