Three New iPads Rumoured For Autumn Release, Decline In Shipments Expected To Continue
Apple may launch three new iPad models in Autumn this year, including a new mid-sized iPad measuring between 10 and 10.5 inches.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo from KGI Securities, who has a positive track record for Apple predictions, said that the second generation of the existing 12.9-inch iPad Pro will be among the new devices announced.
Kuo’s other predictions, as reported by 9to5Mac, include a new 10-10.5-inch high-end iPad with a narrower bezel along with a 9.7-inch iPad at a lower price point.
He suggests the two higher-end devices with be powered by a new A10X chip, while the cheaper 9.7-inch model will feature the A9 chip previously used in the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus.
iPad shipments are expected to continue to drop year-on-year. Kuo estimates a decline of 10% to 35-37 million units in 2017, an improvement on an estimated 20% decline in 2016. The new low-price iPad is expected to make up 50-60% of total shipments.
A higher average selling price due to “decreasing exposure” of the iPad Mini (last updated in 2015) will offset shipment decline according to Kuo.