Apple's iPad Pro 2 will now launch inside Q1 2017, alongside two other models
The original iPad Pro was a beast – and very popular with consumers. But, as history tells us, a second-generation product is ALWAYS better. It is where refinements to design and performance are implemented and mistakes from the previous iteration are removed. Given just how good Apple’s iPad Pro was the idea of a new addition is very compelling, as it is difficult to see where Apple could actually make any improvements.
And this delay is likely down to Apple innovating on the design and functionality of the iPad Pro. Here's one theory via PC Advisor:
“The current A9X chip – which is used by both iPad Pro models – is based on the 16nm FinFET process, the same used by the new generation of graphics cards from nVidia and AMD. In order to produce a chip with significantly faster performance without high power consumption, Apple will have to wait until chip manufacturers are ready to move down to 10nm, which is rumoured to be late in 2016.”
Given the potent nature of Apple’s current iPad Pro range, the switch to 10nm will definitely be worth the wait. The power contained within these smaller, more efficient chipsets is immense and we all know how could Apple is at optimising the hell out of its products.
Apple’s recent earnings call put to bed rumours that Apple’s days at the top are over. The company posted record sales for its iPhone and growth across other areas of its business. The iPhone is still very much Apple’s cash cow; nothing else even comes close.
The company’s iPad lineup didn’t do too well though; sales were down 20% year on year, though Tim Cook was quick to point out that there was plenty of innovation on the way for iPad in 2017.
Another thing worth noting about iPad is that punters tend to hold onto tablets longer than they do phones. No one updates their tablet every year, while this is quite common in the phone world. For this reason, sales will always be flatter than they are in the phone space.
Still, 20% drop year on year is pretty significant, so it’ll be interesting to see where Apple takes its iPad lineup in 2017.
What will happen to Apple’s iPad Air range remains to seen. It could well go the way of the iPad Mini; tablet usage has changed a lot over the years, largely thanks to the effect of Microsoft’s Surface range, and consumers now expect their tablets to function as a laptop. This is why the iPad Pro exists. Hybrid technology is definitely the way forward for the tablet space.
What complicates things further is that Apple’s iPad line looks as if it is about to undergo some very larger changes, with more models and way more choice. According to Digitimes, this is how Apple’s iPad line-up will look next year, in terms of screen sizes:
- 7.9-inch
- 9.7-inch (premium)
- 9.7-inch (budget)
- 12.9-inch
- 10.5-inch
The diversification of the iPad range is problematic for a couple of reasons but the most pertinent is just how confusing it is – I mean you have the iPad, iPad Pro, iPad Mini and iPad Air. They’re all positioned differently and occupy different segments of the market.
What’s more likely to happen, knowing Apple’s usual approach to things, and the fact its iPad line-up has become a little cluttered, is the implementation of just two brand names: iPad and iPad Pro – this would mean only two types of iPad, but a choice of display sizes in each.
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Bezel-Less 10.9in iPad Pro With NO HOME BUTTON
Apple is apparently hard at work on a thicker, 10.9in bezel-free iPad Pro model which apparently functions without a Home key. The original report comes via Japanese blog Mac Otakara and was picked up by Mac Rumours, which reported the following:
“The nearly bezel-free design will allow for the 10.9-inch model to have the same overall footprint as the current 9.7-inch iPad Pro. A top bezel will remain in order to provide space for the front-facing FaceTime camera, but the bottom bezel will be reduced, according to supply chain sources cited.”
It added: “The much-rumored 10.9-inch model will also be marginally thicker at 7.5mm, the same depth as the original iPad Air. The current 9.7-inch iPad Pro measures 6.1mm thick. The next 12.9-inch model will also be 0.3mm thicker at 7.2mm, while a rumored 7.9-inch iPad Pro will allegedly likely have the same dimensions as the iPad mini 4.”
Apple's 2017 10.5in iPad Rumours - Production To Begin December 2016
A report via Taiwanese sources claims that Apple's plans for a 10.5in iPad to launch alongside the iPad Pro 2 are going to start rolling in December 2016 with a view to a Q1 2017 launch. The word comes via DigiTimes unnamed insider sources in the supply chain, but apparently the rumour is "confirmed" and production will begin next month. Allegedly both models will be powered by Apple's A10X chipset.
The report goes on to claim that the 10.5in size has been picked out due to its popularity with businesses in the US. That's a bit confusing though, firstly, where is Apple getting this idea? Presumably through survey data, but also, if the 10.5in size is popular then why is the apparent iPad Pro 2 a 12.9in model? The 10.5in edition has not been referred to in rumours as being either a Pro edition or not, it is still very much up in the air, but if businesses like 10.5in so much it would rather render a 2.4in bigger screen somewhat redundant.
A new report on November 28 claims the 10.5in iPad will NOT feature a physical Home key. The info comes via Japanese Apple news site Macotakara, which cites "an informed source in Taiwan". Allegedly the new iPad will be the first Apple device to remove the Home key, but unlike similar reports regarding the iPhone 8 there is no information on how this will be implemented design-wise and what, if anything, the Home key will be replaced with.
An on-screen software key is feasible, though somewhat unlikely, far more plausible is something in-line with the iPhone 8 rumours which suggests a TouchID fingerprint scanner and capacitive touch Home key embedded under the display glass, perhaps using ultrasonic technology or similar.
The report goes on to say that the 10.5in iPad will be virtually bezel-less, with a true edge-to-edge display. It will apparently be similarly sized to the current 9.7in iPad Pro, but will have this bezel-less screen crammed into the same space. The bodywork is mentioned as being 7.5mm thick, while there is a larger bezel at the top for the front-facing FaceTime camera. The same source also adds that the iPad Pro 2 will be 7.2mm thick, and alleges there may also be a 7.9in iPad Pro in the works to replace the iPad Mini
Apple's MEGA Plans For Its iPad Line REVEALED
It feels a bit like the elephant in the room, but sooner or later Apple is going to have to give up on the iPad; the only question is when. We keep wondering about this, but Apple keeps making tablets despite the fact that tablet sales across the board (not just Apple's iPads, but definitely including them) have been in consistent decline for years now - consumers simply seem to buy tablets slowly; nothing like the annual or two-year refresh with smartphones on contracts.
We're also on the verge of big change which will probably drive tablet sales down even further; with truly flexible display panels allowing for more innovative form factors; phones which expand into a tablet size, for example.
The transition towards detachable devices appears to be in full swing as pure slate tablets experienced their greatest annual decline to date of -21.1%. On the other hand, detachable tablets more than doubled their shipments since the fourth quarter of last year.
"This quarter was unique as we had new detachables in the market from all three of the major platform players," said Jitesh Ubrani, Senior Research Analyst with IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Device Trackers. "Despite lukewarm reviews, the iPad Pro was the clear winner this season as it was the top selling detachable, surpassing notable entries from Microsoft and other PC vendors. It's also important to note that the transition towards detachable tablets has presented positive opportunities for both Apple and Microsoft. However, Google's recent foray into this space has been rather lackluster as the Android platform will require a lot more refinement to achieve any measurable success."
"One of the biggest reasons why detachables are growing so fast is because end users are seeing those devices as PC replacements," said Jean Philippe Bouchard, Research Director, Tablets at IDC. "We believe Apple sold just over two million iPad Pros while Microsoft sold around 1.6 million Surface devices, a majority of which were Surface Pro and not the more affordable Surface 3. With these results, it's clear that price is not the most important feature considered when acquiring a detachable – performance is."
Despite declining tablet sales globally, it doesn't look like Apple's iPad business is taking a break anytime soon as word has emerged of the firm's plans for new iPad Pro products in both 2017 and 2018.
The news comes via well-known and reputable KGI Securities analyst Ming-chi Kuo, a man with extensive connections in the Asian supply and manufacturing networks and who has made unnervingly accurate predictions about Apple's devices in the past.
Kuo has outlined an expected roadmap for three Apple iPad products in 2017 and has also mentioned some big changes for the product in 2018 surrounding the implementation of flexible AMOLED display components.
The rise of flexible AMOLED panels on devices, which looks set to kick off in earnest during Q1 2017, with the Samsung Galaxy X, is likely the main reason as to why Apple has switched to a three-year design cycle with its iPhone. That and the fact 2017 is the iPhone’s 10th birthday.
Nevertheless, Samsung will be the first OEM out the blocks with a completely flexible mobile phone with its Samsung Galaxy X, which is destined to launch at MWC 2017, according to reports, and this will change the face of the mobile space pretty much overnight, just as the first touchscreen phones did way back in 2007.
Well… that was the official story before the Galaxy Note 7 started exploding, costing Samsung billions in revenue. Now, sources are claiming Samsung is delaying the launch of the Galaxy X in favour of focussing its resources on the Samsung Galaxy S8. Why this is the case remains to be seen; it could be down to losses, lack of confidence or a combination of both. What seems certain, however, is that Samsung is still very much reeling from what happened to its Note 7 and the potential knock-on affects of it on the rest of its product portfolio.
In a note to investors reported by AppleInsider, Kuo implied that for 2017 Apple's approach to the iPad line will be fairly low key, similar to his predictions for the iPhone series this year; he says that three models will arrive in 2017 but they will be quite similar in design to the current catalogue. Kuo states there will be a 12.9in iPad Pro 2 next year, as well as a new 10.5in variant; although it isn't explicitly stated, there are indicators that the 10.5in model may replace the existing 9.7in iPad Pro.
Both of these variants will, according to Kuo, be equipped with 10nm Apple A10X chipsets produced by TSMC. However, a 9.7in iPad is also expected in 2017, described as possibly being "low-cost" due to its continued use of the A9X processor isntead of the brand new A10X. The existing iPad Pro 9.7in model already runs the A9X, and Kuo suggests that this trend of older chipsets in the smaller model could continue in 2018 with the arrival of an A10X-powered 9.7in iPad.
"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," Kou wrote in his latest research note. "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. As a result, we expect Apple to launch a 10.5” iPad Pro in 2017. In addition, we estimate the 12.9” iPad Pro 2 and 10.5” iPad Pro will adopt the A10X processor, with TSMC (2330 TT, NT$177.5, N) being the sole supplier using 10nm process technology. The low-cost 9.7” model may adopt the A9X processor, which is also exclusively supplied by TSMC."
Kuo's prediction for the 2017 iPad line is not optimistic, however, as he beleives sales will not pick up until Apple engages in a radical refresh of the product; something he expects to happen in 2018.
"According to the analyst's latest predictions," reports AppleInsider, "Apple is working to reinvigorate its tablet series with a redesign set to debut in 2018. Kuo expects a flexible AMOLED panel to highlight a host of hardware upgrades, technology that could open the door to more intuitive, and therefore compelling, user interfaces. The company is thought to be following the same formula for iPhone."
Here Kou said the exciting stuff: "Revolutionary iPad model likely to be introduced in 2018F at the earliest, with radical changes in form factor design & user behavior on adoption of flexible AMOLED panel. We believe iPad will follow in the footsteps of the iPhone by adopting AMOLED panel in 2018F at the earliest. If Apple can truly tap the potential of a flexible AMOLED panel, we believe the new iPad model will offer new selling points through radical form factor design and user behavior changes, which could benefit shipments."
So no new iPad models this year?
The big question is will Apple release any new iPad's next month at its annual autumn iPhone unveiling, which traditionally saw the launch of new iPads as well. The short answer is: probably no iPads worth getting excited about.
It's likely that Apple will release small processor bumps to the current iPd Pro and iPad Air 2, giving each a newer, slightly faster A10X chipset. It's also conceivable that Apple could give the later 12.9in iPad Pro the same True Tone display that is found in the 9.7in iPad Pro. However, besides that don't expect major changes to either device next month.
2017 iPad lineup
If Kou is right (and he usually is) and Apple doesn't radically alter the form factor of the lineup until 2018, it's possible that in addition to the new sized iPad Pro in 2017 Apple could refine the lineup geting ride of the iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 4 and just releasing a single "iPad mini" with an A10 chip and True tone display. It would then make sense for Apple to ditch the iPad Air altoghether (as they are likely moving away from the "Air" monkier) and simply have the 9.7in iPad Pro, the 10.5in iPad Pro, and the 12.9in iPad Pro.
Apple iPad Pro Leaked Images
AppleInsider picked up a couple of leaked photos allegely coming from a worker inside Apple's Chinese supply network and it's claimed these images show the iPad Pro 2; a successor model to the firm's 12.9in iPad Pro tablet aimed at professionals and businesses. According to the details, the tablet has the model number designation MH1C2CD/F and it will go into production reportedly in September, suggesting Apple could announce the device around October or November in keeping with its established schedule of launching new tablets within a couple of months of iPhone September launches.
Supposedly the tablet in the images is a pre-production test unit and it only has enough storage space for the iOS 10 beta and some test applications. There is pretty much no other information on specs and features at present, but we can make an educated guess about an Apple A10X processor and it seems likely that the adaptive display technology Apple added to the 9.7in iPad Pro - which allows the screen to adjust brightness and colour dynamically with ambient lighting - may make its way across the the larger 12.9in successor. Other than this we are expecting the same quad-speaker, Apple Pencil stylus, Smart Connector, and Smart Keyboard setup we saw before on the first iPad Pro.
Apple's Q3 2016 earnings are in -- and the results aren't exactly great.
The Company posted quarterly revenue of $42.4 billion and quarterly net income of $7.8 billion, or $1.42 per diluted share. These results compare to revenue of $49.6 billion and net income of $10.7 billion, or $1.85 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 38 percent compared to 39.7 percent in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 63 percent of the quarter’s revenue.
“We are pleased to report third quarter results that reflect stronger customer demand and business performance than we anticipated at the start of the quarter,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “We had a very successful launch of iPhone SE and we’re thrilled by customers’ and developers’ response to software and services we previewed at WWDC in June.”
“Our Services business grew 19 percent year-over-year and App Store revenue was the highest ever, as our installed base continued to grow and transacting customers hit an all-time record,” said Luca Maestri, Apple’s CFO. “We returned over $13 billion to investors through share repurchases and dividends, and we have now completed almost $177 billion of our $250 billion capital return program.”
This means Apple's 2016/17 REALLY needs to be good, especially if it wants to post growth figures again for its iPhone and iPad line.
Naturally we will update you with more info as it emerges.
The Case For The Ultra-Cheap Apple iPad Air 2...
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