KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who specializes in Apple, says the rumored 12.9-inch "iPad Pro" will not ship until the Q3 2015, after going into mass production in the Q2.
The analyst says the Pro will require an oxide panel to achieve its "high resolution, quick response, and high color saturation," and Apple needs plenty of time to ensure sufficient yield and assembly, pushing delivery time back.
In addition, Kuo believes Q1 2015 sales of iPads will be mediocre at best, with Apple expected to sell under 10 million, a 54.5 percent drop year-over-year.
"We believe that, in a major shift, while Apple (US) used to be able to use new form factor designs to boost demand, it has failed to do so this time around," Kuo said. "The lighter and thinner iPad Air 2 will face strong headwinds in increasing sales in 1Q15, we believe; we also hold that this means that iPad, along with the entire tablet market, is faced with structural challenges characterized by a lack of new applications and market saturation. We don't think these challenges will be easily overcome by upgraded specs, new form factor designs or lower prices."
Source:
BGR
In addition, Kuo believes Q1 2015 sales of iPads will be mediocre at best, with Apple expected to sell under 10 million, a 54.5 percent drop year-over-year.
"We believe that, in a major shift, while Apple (US) used to be able to use new form factor designs to boost demand, it has failed to do so this time around," Kuo said. "The lighter and thinner iPad Air 2 will face strong headwinds in increasing sales in 1Q15, we believe; we also hold that this means that iPad, along with the entire tablet market, is faced with structural challenges characterized by a lack of new applications and market saturation. We don't think these challenges will be easily overcome by upgraded specs, new form factor designs or lower prices."
Source:
BGR
