According to recent reports, Apple may soon unveil a larger version of the iPad Air, with rumors suggesting a 12.9-inch display that would rival the current iPad Pro. The news comes from industry sources cited by DigiTimes, who claim that Apple's upcoming tablet will have the largest screen ever seen on an iPad apart from the iPad Pro.

Initially, speculation had circulated that Apple would announce a new iPad earlier this week, but instead, the company surprised consumers with the introduction of a more affordable Apple Pencil. As per DigiTimes, market insiders predict that the new iPad Air will boast a 12.9-inch display, matching the size of the larger iPad Pro. However, separate rumors have also hinted at a slightly bigger 13-inch display for an upcoming iPad Pro model expected next year.

The idea behind a larger iPad Air seems plausible, considering Apple's successful introduction of a larger MacBook Air earlier this year, which featured a 15-inch screen alongside the standard 13-inch model. Extending this trend to the tablet range appears to be a logical step for the tech giant.

Despite the similarity in display size between the rumored iPad Air and the iPad Pro, there are expected to be some key differences. The larger Pro model employs miniLED backlighting, while the big-screen Air is rumored to stick with the same LCD screen technology as the smaller Air.

The exact release date of the proposed iPad Air remains uncertain, as conflicting rumors continue to circulate. Renowned analyst Mng-Chi Kuo claims that there will be no iPad updates this year, as well as no other significant product releases. However, this notion contradicts Apple's history of launching at least one iPad annually since the company's first tablet debuted in 2010.

Another industry insider, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, stated that Apple typically releases new iPads the month following its iPhone announcements. However, Gurman believes this trend will not apply this year, casting doubt on the possibility of an October release for the iPad Air. He also mentioned that he does not anticipate any significant updates in the near future.

On the other hand, there are those who still anticipate the arrival of new iPads this year, including a refreshed standard iPad and a 10.9-inch iPad Air. Considering Apple's previous release patterns, a new iPad Air would be expected around 18 months after its predecessor's launch. To capitalize on the holiday season, it is reasonable to assume that Apple would unveil these new tablets in the next two weeks, with sales commencing shortly after.

As for the prospect of an additional super-sized iPad Air, only time will tell. It is crucial for Apple to reveal any new products soon if they aim to reach customers by mid-November. Apple enthusiasts and tech enthusiasts alike eagerly await confirmation from the tech giant regarding their much-anticipated tablet lineup for the year.