Apple is reportedly introducing three new iPads this year. Reports claimed that the iPads would veer away from the small size of the iPad mini and would instead feature bigger screen sizes.
Last weekend, Apple Insider obtained a copy of a note that KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo issued to investors. The note claimed that the tech giant would release three new iPad sizes: a 12.9-inch version, a 10 to 10.5-inch model with a narrow bezel and a 9.7-inch variant with a cheaper price.
The 12.9-inch iPad model would serve as the second-generation iPad Pro. The 12.9-inch and 10-plus-inch iPad Pro versions would reportedly have an amped up version of the iPhone 7's A10 chip or A10X, which will be made by the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC).
The 9.7-inch iPad model, meanwhile, would have the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus' A9 chip, which will be assembled by Samsung. According to Kuo, it's highly possible that the cheaper 9.7-inch version would "move the most units" and would represent "between 50 and 60 percent of total shipments."
Apple's new iPads are expected to debut in the second quarter of 2017, which means that consumers would likely get to buy them between April and June.
Kuo predicted that Apple's iPad shipments will dwindle this year to approximately 35 to 37 million units. However, the company's revenue will be helped by better average selling prices (ASP) due to the iPad mini's declining exposure in the market.
Apple's iPad mini 4 still sells at $399 with silver, gold and space gray variants. The 7.9-inch tablet comes with the outdated A8 processor that the company's iPhone lineup doesn't have anymore.
How to use an iPad as an external display and Touch Bar for your Mac [Video] https://t.co/SioPolihRd pic.twitter.com/wfrfVGGCAE
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In 2015, there were expectations that the iPad mini 4 would be Apple's last update to the lineup. Reports are saying that Apple was willing to end the production of iPads leaning towards smaller sizes.
Take note, however, that these are all unconfirmed reports as of now and an official announcement from Apple is yet to be had. What's clear, though, is Apple appears to have difficulties in differentiating its iPad roster. There are too many screen sizes out and soon-to-be out in the market, and this could confuse consumers as to which model is right for them.
What do you think of Apple's new iPads? What do you wish to see from the tech giant's upcoming tablets? Sound off in the comments section below!
