Glimpse into the Future of iPads
Get ready for some exciting updates in the world of iPads! According to our trusted tech analyst, here's what's on Apple's radar for the next few months.
The Holdout
Unlike Apple's usual fall tradition, no new iPad models have hit the market yet. And, it seems like we'll have to wait a tad longer, past Christmas, for their arrival. Ming-Chi Kuo, a renowned analyst, hints at fresh versions of some models that have been around for a couple of years now.
Pros with a Twist
Kuo suggests that the new iPad Pro models, equipped with OLED displays and the powerful M3 chip, will grace us at the end of Q1 or the beginning of Q2. The update was initially slated for the first quarter of 2024, but production issues with the new panels forced a delay.
Pricing Strategy
The OLED Pro models might come with a considerably higher price tag. Why, you ask? Apple is reportedly introducing a new iPad Air model with a 12.9-inch display, that might just be priced around the same as the current Pro models. The company is likely to maintain the price gap between the standard and premium models, meaning the Pros will cost more.
Sales Estimates
In anticipation of these price changes and possible competition from the Air, Kuo predicts a sales projection of 6-8 million new iPad Pros for the coming year.
Tabletales
Apple's postponement of iPad updates has left a dent in its profit margins this year. A report by IDC indicates that the global tablet market faced a 14.2% decline in the third quarter of 2023 - a repercussion of the initial surge in demand due to the pandemic. Apple fell short too, with a 15.1% decrease, despite being the top tablet vendor with 12.5 million iPads shipped.
Enrichment Insights
iPad Pro 2025: - Launch: The upcoming iPad Pro is anticipated to launch towards the end of 2025 or early 2026, with mass production commencing in the second half of 2025. - Chipset: Expected to run on the M5 chipset, which is set to enter mass production in the second half of 2025. - Performance: The M5 chipset should provide improved performance. - Software: The new iPad Pro will likely run on iPadOS 19, announced at WWDC in June 2025.
iPad Air 2025: - Launch: The new iPad Air models are expected to launch by March or April 2025. - Chip: The next-gen iPad Air will be equipped with the M3 chip. - Design: No significant design changes are rumored for the new iPad Air models. - Magic Keyboard: A new or improved Magic Keyboard is expected to be released alongside the updated iPad Air.
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