Apple is preparing three new iPads to launch in spring, including an all new mid-sized model
KGI Securities analyst, Ming-Chi Quo has released a new note claiming that Apple is preparing three new iPads to launch in spring, one of which being an all new mid-sized model with a screen-size of 10-to-10.5-inchs. – This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about Apple introducing an all new screen variation for the iPad, back in November Japanese website, Mac Otakara, released reports suggesting Apple’s 10-to-10.5-inch iPad model would launch without a physical Home Button and a new bezel-free design.
The new models will come in 12.9”, 10-10.5” and 9.7” versions. We note the 12.9” model will be the second generation of the existing 12.9” iPad Pro, the 10-10.5” model will be the high-end model equipped with a narrow bezel design, and the 9.7” model will be the low-priced option. The former two models will have an A10X chip manufactured by TSMC (2330 TT, NT$183.5, N), while the latter comes with an A9 chip made by Samsung LSI. Although we estimate iPad shipments in 2017 will drop again YoY to 35-37mn units, we except the decline to narrow to 10% from 2016’s roughly 20%, given that the 10-10.5” model may see more demand from commercial/ enterprises and tender markets, while the low-priced 9.7” model may have a greater shipment contribution and likely account for 50-60% of total shipments of new iPads.
It’s unclear if the smaller 9.7-inch iPad will support Apple Pencil or feature a Smart Connector. Ming-Chi Quo’s report doesn’t mention an iPad mini, most likely hinting that Apple shall be ditching the smaller iPad variation during the next update.