Apple is set to launch not only new iPhones and a possible wearable soon, but also a new line of iPads, according to Bloomberg. Its sources told it that a full-sized, 9.7-inch iPad is now being mass-produced for a launch near the end of the quarter, and that a 7.9-inch iPad mini will arrive a few months later. If the rumor pans out, it wouldn’t be too mind-blowing: after all, the iPhone 5s was launched last year on September 10th, with the iPad Air and mini coming a bit more than a month later. However, one interesting new tidbit did emerge: the new iPads will have an anti-reflection screen, a big change from past models. That would make sense if Apple used either anti-glare Sapphire displays or Gorilla Glass — as Corning is working on less reflective (and anti-bacterial) displays too.
Apple Inc.’s suppliers have started manufacturing new iPads, according to people with knowledge of the matter, as the company works to reinvigorate sales of the tablet computers after two straight quarters of declines. Mass production of a full-sized iPad with a 9.7-inch screen is already under way, with an unveiling projected for the end of this quarter or early next, said two of the people, who asked not to be identified because the details aren’t public. A new version of the 7.9-inch iPad mini is also entering production and will probably be available by the end of the year, they said. The timing is crucial as Apple ramps up a new product push for the lucrative end-of-year holiday shopping season. The lineup is anticipated to include new iPhones with bigger screens, as well as a health-oriented watch-like device, people with knowledge of the matter have said. The Cupertino, California-based company is holding an event on Sept. 9 to debut the new iPhones, people familiar with the situation have said. Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook last month said Apple has an “incredible pipeline” that “we can’t wait to show you.” Trudy Muller, a spokeswoman for Apple, declined to comment. Apple suppliers Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. and Pegatron Corp. rose in Taipei trading, while the benchmark Taiex index declined 0.1 percent. Pegatron climbed 2.6 percent, the most in almost a month. Samsung Electronics Co., whose Galaxy tablets compete with the iPad, fell 0.3 percent in Seoul.
