Apple Already Has a 7-inch iPad

Jim Dalrymple of The Loop reveals something that many analysts and Apple watchers have been wondering for quite some time. According to Dalrymple Apple already has a 7-inch iPad and has had it for a while as it was developed alongside the current 9.7-inch version.

The decision to launch only the larger version remains undisclosed but it’s not difficult to draw comparisons with the iPod touch with the smaller difference in the screen sizes when even the much larger iPad is being referred by many as a large iPod touch.

The 7-inch iPad would definitely be too large for the pockets and the on-screen keyboard probably wouldn’t be large enough to comfortably type on but the smaller iPad would certainly be lighter and more portable.

Should Apple decide to launch the 7-inch form factor in the future, it would have to deal with the existing apps that’s already being made for two sizes, the iPhone’s and iPod touch’s screen size and the larger iPad’s.

What kind of screen resolution is present on the 7-inch iPad, Dalrymple did not say but it may pose a challenge for developers if they have to incorporate a third size to avoid the graphics from looking out of place.

Another question with the smaller size is the battery. Currently the iPad holds two batteries which take up the majority of space inside the device and provides it with enough power to run for 10 hours. While the smaller screen would draw relatively less power, it’s uncertain whether it will allow for a longer battery life given the 7-inch iPad would obviously hold smaller batteries.

Yet another factor that would challenge Apple is the pricing. Currently the most affordable iPad costs $499 and the most expensive iPod touch goes for $399. Had Apple launched the 7-inch iPad alongside the 9.7-inch model, obviously we would have had a very different pricing structure, but with the current situation, there’s not a lot of ways, probably none at all, that Apple can position the smaller iPad in its lineup. One possible way is to sneak the smaller iPad in place of the current 16GB model, but that’s for Apple to figure out.

A number of Android tablets are now coming out with that particular screen size albeit with much higher prices than even the most expensive iPad and with the additional ability to make phone calls. Apple may not have to release a 7-inch iPad to compete with the Android tablets however, given the iPad’s prices and popularity.

Jim Dalrymple is a veteran of the Mac news scene having covered Apple since the 1990s with MacCentral before he joined Macworld when the magazine took over his independent site.