Apple (AAPL) is up 0.43% at recent check and it seems that it’s rising on reports that its suppliers have started manufacturing new iPads.
That news comes from Bloomberg, which writes that according to its sources, Cupertino has already started mass production of a full-sized iPad with a 9.7-inch screen. The device, presumably the next generation of the iPad Air, should be unveiled by the end of this quarter or early next, the publication reports, adding that a new version of the 7.9-inch iPad mini is also entering production and likely to be available by the end of the year.
Not much is known, in terms of new features for these devices, although Bloomberg says the larger tablet will feature “anti-reflection coating” on the display to make it easier to read in bright lighting conditions, but that manufacturing complications may lead to restricted output.
The news comes at a crucial time for the tech giant as it works to increase sales of iPads, its second-largest revenue generator, behind the iPhone, after two straight quarters of declines and missed expectations. iPad sales fell to 13.3 million units in Apple’s Q3, which ended on June 28. While acknowledging that there was soft demand, CEO Tim Cook last month said he remains optimistic about the device and said his company should be able to continue leading innovation in the tablet market.
“We’re very bullish about the future of the tablet market, and we’re confident we can continue to bring innovation to this category through software, hardware, and services,” he said.
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