Apple developed 7-inch iPad alongside current model
Jim Dalrymple, The Loop's author, in a commentary on the latest rumors of Apple plans to release a 7-inch iPad model early next year, notes that such a device has existed in Apple's labs for quite some time. The fact is, Apple already has a 7-inch iPad. The two devices were developed at the same time. They have the same specifications, except, of course, the 9.7-inch model has a higher density screen than its smaller counterpart.