Apple Inc. has reportedly finalized a deal with Quanta Computers for the manufacturing of its 12.9-inch iPad set for 2014 launch.
Quanta Computer Inc. is a Taiwan-based maker of notebook computers and other electronic hardware. It is one of the largest manufacturers of notebook computers in the world.
It was previously reported by The Korea Times that the Cupertino-based company planning to launch a 12.9-inch iPad with Retina display on the second half of 2014. This is to further compete with other device makers especially Samsung and LG Electronics which have been releasing bigger tablets. Apple’s biggest tablet so far is measuring 9.8-inches.
“The 12.9-inch iPad will have improved picture quality. As the Apple partner intends to boost its lineup for displays that have almost ultra high-definition (UHD) quality, the upcoming iPad will provide very clear quality similar to that of UHD,” said an Apple retail store official to The Korea Times.
In a Digitimes.com report, Quanta Computer is also competing with other Taiwanese manufacturers particularly Invectec and Foxconn Electronics for the Apple iWatch smartwatch deal. Apple also reportedly offered manufacturing partnerships to them.
All mentioned companies refused to confirm the report.
Apple is working double-time to become the first to release the biggest tablet in the market. This is after its archrival Samsung Electronics announced its plan of making the biggest tablet in the world after dominating the smartphone market. The Korean company is reportedly working on a 10.3-inch tablet with an OLED display which will be released also in 2014 along with its new Galaxy tablets.
“By diversifying its tablet lineup, Samsung plans to significantly narrow differences with Apple in the race. Samsung believes it also can dethrone Apple in tablets as it did in smartphones,” said an official at Samsung Electronics.
