Reports continue to swirl that Apple has a new larger iPad form factor underway. For a while, such rumors suggested that Apple has been working on a new 14.1-inch iPad with an M2 processor for a while now with it looking likely to release sometime in 2023.
The purported device sounded like it would be akin to an iPad Pro but would actually miss out on key features on the Pro model like ProMotion and mini-LED display tech. Basically, it sounds a lot like a larger iPad without the 'Pro' moniker.
However, in recent times, that's all changed with the 14-inch iPad potentially being delayed or even canceled outright.
With the likelihood of a big new iPad arriving in 2023, we've still taken a look at how things have changed and which rumors could be reliable. Here's everything we know about the rumored 14-inch M2 iPad so far.
14-inch M2 iPad: Is it coming this year?
2022 offered a steady stream of tidbits and information about the chances of a larger iPad being on its way. Hints were even offered by Mark Gurman with a release window looking likely for the first quarter of 2023. That was according to analyst Ross Young.
However, in December of 2022, Young spoke to MacRumors to retract his earlier claim. He added that the larger iPad was no longer rumored for a 2023 launch. Following that, another report suggested that the tablet was either shelved indefinitely or canceled outright.
Since then, no further information about a release date has been forthcoming. However, it's still worth remembering that this is simply the latest in a long line of rumors. A lot can change over the coming months.
14-inch M2 iPad: Processor
One thing that seems fairly certain with a new 14-inch iPad, if it's a reality, is its use of the M2 chip. The chip was first announced as part of the latest MacBook Air reveal, but we've since seen it on the 2022 iPad Pro and the latest Mac Mini.
The chip now forms the foundations of many of the best Macs.
14-inch M2 iPad: Display
A new 14-inch display would make the model the largest iPad so far. The current iPad Pro maxes out at 12.9 inches, while using mini-LED technology and ProMotion to give super smooth scrolling performance. According to display analyst Ross Young, neither feature will make it to this new iPad, however. That's one of the reasons why we think the 14-inch model will be a non-Pro iPad, although it could still be one of the best iPads for artists thanks to its massive display.
If the 14-inch iPad is a traditional iPad, we're curious to know if it will have a Home button or if it'll be like the iPad Air where the Home Button is replaced in favor of Touch ID. We don't know yet but we're keen to learn more.
14-inch M2 iPad: Storage and RAM
There isn't much information about what kinds of storage options are likely on the new and larger tablet. We're hopeful that Apple will finally skip the 64GB option that's looking pretty dated now. One early report suggests that the tablet may start at 512GB which seems overly ambitious unless it's actually an iPad Pro revision.
The same report from leaker Majin Bu also suggests that the tablet will get 16GB of RAM. That would be in line with the iPad Pro M2 1TB or 2TB models but would be twice as much compared to the lower storage options.
"According to my resource, Apple is developing a new 14.1-inch iPad M2 with 512GB and 16GB of base memory. The new M2 line is expected to include a new 11-inch model with no major changes, a new 12.9 model with reduced bezels, and this new 14.1 iPad," Bu said.
14-inch M2 iPad: Price & availability
No leaks or rumors have suggested a likely price for the large iPad. All we have is guidance based on existing models. The current 10.2-inch iPad starts at $449 for a 64GB model while the 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at $1,099. That's a big window for pricing options but it seems likely the new product would cost somewhere between those two values.
