Apple's Early Prototype iPad Had a 12-Inch Display

Earlier today, we pointed to some grainy photos of an early iPad prototype dating back to the 2002-2004 timeframe, revealing a much bulkier but otherwise fairly similar design to that seen in the device that was ultimately launched in 2010.

BuzzFeed has now posted new photos showing the prototype in full color next to an iPad 2, a comparison which shows the prototype to carry a much larger screen than seen on the iPad to date. Measuring pixel counts against the ruler shown in several of the photos reveals that the prototype device had a display measuring almost exactly 12 inches diagonally.

ipad prototype comparison front
Compared to the eventually-released iPad's 9.7-inch screen, the prototype device would have had roughly 40% more screen real estate, although it is unknown at what resolution the early device was projected to run.

ipad prototype comparison back
The prototype otherwise bears a distinct similarity to Apple's iBook of the time, carrying a white plastic shell with rounded corners and a 4:3 aspect ratio for the display. The prototype iPad measures in at just under 1-inch thick, compared to 1.35 inches for the white iBook models and the 0.34-0.50 inch range of the iPad models released to the public so far.

ipad prototype comparison side

Related Roundup: iPad
Buyer's Guide: iPad (Caution)
Related Forum: iPad

Popular Stories

Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple's CarPlay Ultra to Expand to These Vehicle Brands Later This Year

Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. In his Powe...
Apple Logo Black

Apple's Next Launch is 'Imminent'

Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models. "All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

New MacBook Pros Reportedly Launching Alongside macOS 26.3

Sunday February 1, 2026 5:42 am PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips alongside macOS 26.3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "Apple's faster MacBook Pros are planned for the macOS 26.3 release cycle," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated for the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs from...
iOS 26 Home Feature

Apple Gives Final Warning to Home App Users

Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching. In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...

Top Rated Comments

Matthew Yohe Avatar
177 months ago
I guess this shows how far along Apple really is... Back in 2004 Apple conceived and tossed the idea of "perimeter venting":



And today Microsoft is touting a device that will have it soon:

Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Illusion986 Avatar
177 months ago
I wonder how long will it take for iPad 1/2/3 to look this outdated...
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Caliber26 Avatar
177 months ago
I find it interesting that they did experiment with a thinner bezel.

I remember thinking how ugly that wide bezel was, when the original iPad was introduced but now that I own an iPad, and see that Apple made the decision to widen it, it makes complete sense.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mrsir2009 Avatar
177 months ago
I'd like a 12 or 13 inch iPad :)
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
burnout8488 Avatar
177 months ago
I guess this shows how far along Apple really is... Back in 2004 Apple conceived and tossed the idea of "perimeter venting":

Image (http://f.cl.ly/items/0i3m1Q2W0t2l0e3u301h/enhanced-buzz-wide-29946-1342646207-5.jpeg)

And today Microsoft is touting a device that will have it soon:

Image (http://www1.pcmag.com/media/images/292706-venting.jpg)

That's hilarious, the vents look nearly identical too.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Caliber26 Avatar
177 months ago
:D The i-brick? I doubt they would have had the DEV support either, I'm happy with the new one...The retina screen is a joy to use..I wonder if anybody actually has one of these?

I'm pretty sure Jony Ive has one. I would give up my right nut to rummage through that man's house and office/work lab. :)
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)