Apple - feeling size matters - reportedly plans bigger iPad tablet

Concerned about softening sales, Apple is reportedly set to launch a bigger iPad tablet with a touch-screen measuring 12.9 inches diagonally.

The original iPad is 9.7 inches and the mini has a 7.9 inch display.

Analysts say the bigger devices are aimed at businesses – helped by Apple’s recently announced partnership with IBM – as well as schools and even government departments.

While iPhone sales have risen, the iPad’s popularity has fallen in the last two quarters. In the period from April to June they sold 13.3 million. In the same period in 2013 the total was 14.6 million.

Microsoft’s challenger – the Surface – may not have been a great success, but it is part of a growing market known as the Ultra-mobile personal computer segment, which includes hybrids to which you can add a keyboard, models like the MacBook Air and other super-slim, larger screened devices.

Industry tracker Gartner Research sees that growing from 22 million units last year, to 32 million in 2014 and to 55 million in 2015.

Apple’s Chief Executive Tim Cook as well as wanting to boost iPad sales is also looking to take back some ground from its smartphone rivals with a larger model iPhone due out on 9 September.