KGI's Ming-Chi Kuo returns with more claims on future Apple products-- the well-connected analyst says Apple has three iPads prepared for 2017 launch before it reveals a "revolutionary" upgrade on 2018.
A note to investors from the analyst says the 3 upcoming iPads will be largely similar to current models. These are a 12.9-inch "iPad Pro 2," a 10.5-inch iPad Pro aimed at the enterprise and education markets, and a low-cost 9.7-inch iPad. The 12.9- and 10.5-inch tablets are to be powered with the upcoming A10X system-on-chip (reportedly built by TSMC using a 10nm process), while the 9.7-inch model should stick with the current A9X processor.
However, despite such hardware refreshes Kuo predicts iPad sales will remain down at least until 2018, when Apple presents a revamp of the tablet lineup. This should involve a "new selling points through radical form factor design and user behavior changes," perhaps through a redesigned metal chassis and a flexible AMOLED display.
In the meantime Kuo has dwindling predictions for the iPad-- so much so he even cut 2016 shipment forecasts from 45-50 million to 35-40m, the result of a lack of new H2 iPad launches during H2 2016 and increased competition from Chromebooks in the education segment.
Go Apple to Debut 10.5-inch iPad Pro in 2017, Integrated Flexible AMOLED Tech in 2018 (AppleInsider)
