Apple’s suppliers have begun developed new iPad tablets in an attempt to revive flagging sales of the tablet, Bloomberg reported, citing people with knowledge of the matter.
Mass production of the iPad with a 9.7-inch (24.6-cm) screen has already started, and it is likely to be unveil by the end of current quarter or early next quarter, Bloomberg said, citing two people familiar with the matter.
According to the report, the new iPad’s display will sport an anti-reflection coating to make it easier to read. However, this may confine the production of the tablet due to manufacturing complications, it adds.
Apple, which helped create the tablet market in 2010 with its first iPad, has seen growth plunge from 2012, as larger phones became more popular and people delayed replacing their tablets.
A new version of the 7.9-inch iPad mini is also entering production and is likely to be available by the end of the year, Bloomberg said.
Apple spokeswoman Trudy Muller declined to comment on the report.
International Business Machines (IBM) said in July it would partner exclusively with Apple to sell iPhones and iPads, which could rejuvenate the tablet’s sales by entering into a largely untapped corporate market.
Apple shipped 13.2 million iPads in the June quarter, 8% less than a year earlier. Sales of the devices, which accounted for 15% of revenue, fell short of Wall Street’s expectations for the second quarter in a row.
