Apple exploring 6-inch iPad/iPod touch for Fall 2011?

SuperApple.cz claims that even though Apple has been reluctant about releasing a smaller iPad, Apple is still working on two models with screen sizes close to 6 inches. Specifically, the report claims that Apple is working on a 5.7-inch model and another model just below 6 inches. They claim that this information comes from two separate sources so the minimal size difference might really not be a difference at all.

Apple has been known to explore multiple screen sizes before releasing their final products and an example of this is the iPad. In an earnings call last year Steve Jobs said that Apple worked to get the display size just right before deciding on the 9.7 inch size. Although the report about a new 6 inch device for 2011 is calling this device an iPad, we think this could be a larger iPod touch. Apple has said that they are not going to release a mini-tablet for various reasons, so why would they?

A 6-inch iPod touch could make sense for better gaming, a bit more productivity, and would help Apple go head-to-head with some of the upcoming pocket game consoles with 4-5-6-inch displays. Apple could even throw some 3D action onto the thing. The report speculates that we’ll see this 6-inch iPad in the middle of 2011, but we like to think we will be seeing a 6-inch iPod touch debut at Apple’s annual Fall event.

This device would be ideal for the holiday shopping season and this is around the time that Sony will be unleashing their PSP 2 called NGP with a very large display and touch interface. According to two reports, Apple has something tablet/touch related in the works for a Fall 2011 launch, with one report even calling it a “Fall surprise.” A report from China in late 2010 also claimed that Apple was still working on a smaller iPad and they said it looks like an iPhone. With minimal design variation between the iPhone and iPod touches of today, it is all starting to make sense.

Earlier this month a report from iLounge (who has accurate sources for product sizes) claimed that Apple is in fact still working on a smaller iPad. What do you think? Will it happen? Will it be an iPad nano? An iPod touch XL?