Apple Testing Screens for a Larger iPhone and a 13-Inch iPad

galaxy note ii iphone 5
5.5-inch Samsung Galaxy Note II vs. iPhone 5 (Source: phoneArena.com)

The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple and its suppliers are testing larger screens for both the iPhone and iPad:

In recent months, Apple has asked for prototype smartphone screens larger than 4 inches and has also asked for screen designs for a new tablet device measuring slightly less than 13 inches diagonally, they said. The current iPhone 5 has a four-inch screen, while the iPad has a 9.7-inch screen. The iPad Mini, a stripped-down version of its tablet computer, has a 7.9-inch screen.

Reports of larger screen sizes for Apple's iPhone model are not new. Multiple reports have already suggested that Apple has been experimenting with screen sizes as large as 5.7" for the iPhone.

However, only one previous rumor, which we classified as "sketchy" emerged in May that pinpointed a 12.9" size for a future iPad.

The larger iPad, which the site apparently in all seriousness says would be called "iPad Maxi", would launch in the first half of 2014 and be intended to target the ultrabook market as well as increase utility for digital textbooks.

While we dismissed that rumor before, the Wall Street Journal's sources apparently confirm the testing of this large almost 13" screen size. The newspaper does explain that these new designs may never make it to market.

Meanwhile, they say the new 2013 iPad will be ramping up later this month. This year's iPad will use the same 9.7" screen, but with a lighter and thinner display structure.

Related Roundup: iPad Pro
Buyer's Guide: iPad Pro (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: iPhone

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
maxresdefault

The MacRumors Show: iPhone 17's 'Awe Dropping' Accessories

Friday August 29, 2025 8:12 am PDT by
Following the announcement of Apple's upcoming "Awe dropping" event, on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show we talk through all of the new accessories rumored to debut alongside the iPhone 17 lineup. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos We take a closer look at Apple's invite for "Awe dropping;" the design could hint at the iPhone 17's new thermal system with ...

Top Rated Comments

tbrand7 Avatar
158 months ago
Well, let the iPad "Maxi" rumors begin!
Score: 51 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tbrand7 Avatar
158 months ago
RIP Steve Jobs and "Think Different".
Score: 45 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iWallace26 Avatar
158 months ago
I would love a 4.3 or 4.8 screen for the iphone not sure about a 13 inch ipad though.
Score: 45 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lincolntran Avatar
158 months ago
Maybe just me

Maybe it's just me, but I prefer to have my devices that fit my needs and my needs are:

- For quick and ultra portable: I have my iPhone 5 (don't like it any bigger, I even like the 3.5 screen better)

- For bigger screen and still ultra portable: I have my iPad mini

- For even bigger screen: I have my iPad

- For serious work AND still portable: I have my Macbook Air

- For taking over the world: I have my Mac Pro

I don't want a phone with 6.5, or 5.5, or 5.0, or related hybrid screen sizes that can't do the job as good as the 5 mentioned above. But that's just me. :D
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
irDigital0l Avatar
158 months ago
Larger screen iPhone?

Yes please.

Apple finally gets it. Multiple displays sizes for MacBook, for iPad...one sizes does not fit all.

Hopefully it'll happen this year.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TrollToddington Avatar
158 months ago
I'm in for a 13" iPad. Perfect for musicians, it will replace the music sheets. There's definitely a market for this.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)