Usually reliable KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo say he expects to see three new iPad models from Apple in 2017, including a new 10.5-inch iPad Pro, a new 12.9-inch Pro model, and a low-cost version of the 9.7-inch iPad.
Kuo in a note to investors on Sunday, obtained by AppleInsider, said he expects iPad to follow a conservative hardware evolution going into 2017, with Apple preparing three next-generation models largely similar in design to existing units.
In addition to a 12.9-inch “iPad Pro 2,” Kuo says Apple will debut a new 10.5-inch model, as well as a low-cost 9.7-inch iPad. Apple’s “A10X” chip, fabricated by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company using a 10nm process, will likely power both the 12.9- and 10.5-inch iPad models.
The report indicates that Apple will not offer any major product updates for iPad Pro for the rest of 2016, as the 12.9 inch iPad Pro 2 is destined for 2017.
Kuo suggests the 10.5-inch iPad Pro would replace the current 9.7-inch Pro model in the Apple lineup. The lower-cost 9.7-inch iPad will likely make use of the A9X processor, which currently powers both iPad Pro models.
The analyst also told investors Apple is working on a redesign of its venerable tablets, expected to debut in 2018. He says to expect a flexible AMOLED panel, along with a host of other hardware upgrades. The new technology could allow Apple to offer more intuitive user interfaces.
Kuo sees iPad sales continuing to slide, despite the expected hardware refreshes and debut of the 10.5-inch Pro model. With increased competition from Chromebooks in the educational market, and the lack of new models in the second half of 2016, the analyst cut his fiscal 2016 iPad shippings estimates from 45-50 million to 35-40 million units.
