Why would you want a giant iPad?

Apple is apparently considering the introduction of iPads with larger screens in a couple of years. But who are these for and is there any point to doing so unless it makes big improvements to the user interface?

Who needs a bigger iPad?

There are some groups who might want a larger-screened iPad running the current version of iPadOS. Graphic designers and architects might crave the additional space for design using Apple Pencil; statistical analysis could become a little easier; photographers, videographers, and music editors using iPads in their workflow might see some benefits. And, of course, a giant iPad would deliver a good experience when playing games.

The challenge, though, is that when iPads get bigger, they also get heavier, which means these things may be a little unwieldy. In an echo of what then-CEO Steve Jobs said during the introduction of the original iPads, you’ll be able to use them on an armchair, but not for long. Your wrists will begin to ache.

This implies that these iPads will be built for use on desks and tables, which itself suggests you’ll use external controllers, such as an Apple Pencil, mice, keyboards, or even third-party game controllers to make use of them.

Is less more?

That means these larger iPads might end up straddling some weird new market segment in which the product is less portable than the current 12.9-in. model and less capable of multitasking and some other tasks than the computers they seek to replace.

While there would be a small number of pro users for whom these things are great, most will choose a smaller iPad for its portability or a Mac to deal with more complex tasks.

The case for these things doesn’t seem clear. Yet.

So, let’s think about this. Perhaps Apple has a strategy to change that? I think it might, given that the purported road map allegedly means these things won’t appear for a while.