According to the well-known KGI security analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple will add three more tablets in its iPad line up next year. Mr. Kuo believes that the iPhone maker will release a 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2, a less-expensive 9.7-inch iPad and a brand new iPad Pro with a 10.5-inch display screen.
The report has ignited excitement among users mainly because of the new 10.5-inch iPad Pro. The 10.5-inch screen size is new in the company’s tablet range. However, it is unclear how Apple will justify another stock-keeping unit (SKU) by bringing a mere 0.8-inch diagonal increase in the 9.7-inch iPad.
Currently, Apple offers iPads in three different screen sizes; the 7.9-inch iPad mini, the 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro. The report suggests that by bringing another screen size to its iPad line up, the company aims to target customers who prefer medium-sized tablets. The 10.5-inch iPad seems to be the best fit for commercial and educational segments.
It was reported last week that while the overall demand for iPad has declined, Apple continues to experience a surge in the demand of its tablet from businesses and the government. Demand for Apple products from the enterprise market has remained stronger as compared to the consumer market.
Discussing next year’s iPad line-up, Mr. Kuo said: “We expect three new iPads (12.9" iPad Pro 2, new size 10.5" iPad Pro & low-cost 9.7" iPad) to be launched in 2017, though this may not drive shipment growth amid structural headwinds; 2017F shipments to fall 10-20% YoY. If the iPad comes in a larger size, such as a 10.5" model, we believe it will be helpful to bid for tenders within the commercial and education markets.”
Interestingly, Mr. Kuo did not mention anything about the 7.9-inch iPad mini in the report. If the iPhone maker unveils the 10.5-inch iPad in 2017, it is likely that the company will drop the 7.9-inch iPad from its product line up. This makes sense because users are more inclined towards larger screens.
According to the KGI security analyst, the iPhone maker will launch an OLED screen iPad in 2018. For now, the only product with an OLED screen in the company’s portfolio is the Apple Watch. Several rumors have been making rounds that suggest the company plans to use OLED screen in the 2016 Macbook Pro and next year’s iPhone.
The company is yet to comment on the report. However, it seems like Apple loyalists have a lot in store for them in the near future. We are keeping our fingers crossed till next year, which is when the 10.5-inch iPad is expected to make an appearance.