Apple’s iPad lineup already spans a variety of screen sizes, from the compact iPad mini (8.3 inches) to the iPad Pro (12.9 inches), but what if Apple took it a step further and introduced a 15-inch iPad? While this may seem excessive to some, the idea of an even larger iPad opens up possibilities for both professional and casual users. Let’s explore the pros, cons, and potential use cases of a 15-inch iPad.
Pros of a 15-Inch iPad
1. Enhanced Multitasking and Productivity
A 15-inch iPad would be a dream come true for those who use their iPad for serious multitasking and productivity. With more screen real estate, users could easily run multiple apps side by side, allowing for even more efficient work in Split View or Slide Over modes. Professionals who rely on large spreadsheets, presentations, or creative work could benefit significantly from the increased screen space.
• Designers and Artists: A larger screen would give digital artists and designers a much bigger canvas to work on. Paired with the Apple Pencil, this could rival traditional drawing tablets, making it an ideal tool for creatives.
• Document Editing: Handling documents, spreadsheets, and presentations would feel less constrained, enabling users to see more data or text at once without constant scrolling or zooming.
2. Better for Media Consumption
For users who love to watch movies, stream shows, or play games on their iPad, a 15-inch screen would offer an immersive viewing experience closer to a small TV. Paired with Apple’s Liquid Retina display technology, the larger screen would make streaming content in 4K or HDR more visually stunning, with deeper blacks and more vibrant colors.
• 4-Speaker Audio System: Coupled with Apple’s excellent audio system, the larger display could provide a more immersive home-theater-like experience for watching movies or playing games.
3. Potential Laptop Replacement
A 15-inch iPad could edge even closer to becoming a complete laptop replacement. When paired with accessories like the Magic Keyboard or an external mouse and keyboard, it could serve as a powerful mobile workstation, especially with the continued development of iPadOS and its ability to handle professional-grade apps like Final Cut Pro or Adobe Photoshop.
• Desktop Workflows: A bigger screen would mean less need for an external monitor, making it more practical to use the iPad as your primary device for tasks like video editing, photo editing, or even coding.
4. Bigger Battery Capacity
A larger iPad would likely mean a larger battery. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro already offers great battery life, but a 15-inch iPad could extend that even further, potentially allowing for all-day usage even when running heavy applications. This could be crucial for professionals who need their device to last through long workdays or travel without frequent recharges.
Cons of a 15-Inch iPad
1. Reduced Portability
One of the major selling points of the iPad is its portability, and a 15-inch model might be too big and heavy for on-the-go use. While smaller iPads like the iPad mini or the 11-inch iPad Pro can easily fit into a bag or be used comfortably in hand, a 15-inch model could be unwieldy, making it less practical for casual browsing, reading, or commuting.
• Heavy and Bulky: A 15-inch iPad would likely be heavier, making it less comfortable to hold for long periods or carry around as a truly portable device.
2. Overkill for Casual Users
For users who primarily use their iPads for light tasks like checking email, browsing the web, or reading, a 15-inch model would be overkill. The larger screen might make sense for professionals, but casual users might find it unnecessarily large and awkward for simpler tasks.
• Price Point: Larger devices typically come with a higher price tag, and a 15-inch iPad would likely be significantly more expensive than the current lineup. This could be a dealbreaker for users who don’t need the extra screen real estate.
3. Not Ideal for Every Use Case
While a larger screen can be great for many tasks, some activities are better suited to smaller, more portable devices. For instance, note-taking, gaming, or using the iPad as an e-reader could feel cumbersome on such a large screen. It would also make handheld use more difficult for certain apps or games that rely on touch input.
• Handheld Gaming: A 15-inch iPad might feel too big for handheld gaming or for certain mobile games that rely on precise touch controls.
• Drawing and Writing: While the Apple Pencil would benefit from the larger screen for creative tasks, note-takers might find the size unwieldy compared to the 11-inch or 12.9-inch iPad models.
Use Cases for a 15-Inch iPad
1. Creative Professionals
For illustrators, photographers, and designers, a 15-inch iPad could be a game-changer. The larger canvas would allow for more detailed work without zooming in and out constantly, making it an even better tool for digital art and design. Video editors could benefit from the larger timeline views, and graphic designers would have more space to work on intricate designs.
2. Multitasking Power Users
For those who rely on multitasking, whether for business or productivity, the 15-inch iPad could be the ideal device. Imagine having multiple apps open simultaneously without feeling cramped—this would significantly improve workflows for users who need to juggle emails, documents, and research on the same screen.
3. Home Entertainment
A 15-inch iPad could also serve as a portable entertainment hub for users who want to enjoy a big screen without committing to a television. It could be a great device for watching movies in bed or on the go, without needing a bulky laptop or relying on a small phone screen.
4. Professional Workstation
A 15-inch iPad could become the centerpiece of a mobile workstation for professionals who need serious computing power while on the move. Paired with the Magic Keyboard and a trackpad, this larger iPad could handle complex tasks like editing large documents, rendering videos, or running multiple apps at once, making it a compelling option for business travelers, executives, or remote workers.
Conclusion: Should Apple Make a 15-Inch iPad?
The idea of a 15-inch iPad certainly has its merits, especially for creative professionals, power users, and those who need a larger display for multitasking or entertainment. However, it also comes with downsides, such as reduced portability and a higher price point, which might make it impractical for the average consumer.
In short, while a 15-inch iPad could be a fantastic tool for certain niche groups, it would likely be overkill for most users who don’t need such a large display or who prioritize portability. Whether Apple decides to expand its iPad lineup in this direction remains to be seen, but the possibility of a larger iPad opens up new and exciting potential use cases for those who crave more screen space and power.
