Production of Apple's larger iPad reportedly delayed as suppliers focus on iPhone 6

Citing sources within Apple's supply chain, The Wall Street Journal reports that a larger iPad model is in the works, but production will likely be pushed back into 2015.

"The top priority for the supply chain is to meet the overwhelming demand for the larger screen iPhones," the source said. "The output of the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus remains unsatisfactory. It would be challenging for display makers to split resources and spend a few months to ramp up production for a new larger screen iPad now."

The publication claims Apple partner suppliers were planning to ramp up for mass manufacturing in December.

Bolstering rumors that massive interest in Apple's new iPhones is to blame for the iPad production holdup, the report goes on to say Foxconn is having trouble meeting iPhone 6 demand. A company official said Chairman Terry Guo is touring factories in Zhengzhou to personally oversee operations.

While the exact sizing of Apple's rumored iPad is unknown, previous reports place the panel at 12.9 inches on the diagonal, a massive increase in screen real estate from the current 9.7-inch iPad Air. In August, whispers from Apple's suppliers pointed to an early 2015 launch for the device, but that estimate could be pushed back into the middle of next year if mass production doesn't start this year.

Apple on Wednesday sent out invitations for a special event set to take place on Oct. 16 at which the company is expected to announce a next-generation iPad Air model and possibly new iMacs.