Report: Apple will introduce 3 new iPads next year and a "revolutionary" flexible OLED model in 2018

[midian182]

While tablet sales continue to plummet - the IDC’s recent figures show a 12.3 percent fall in Q2 2016 compared to the same period last year - it seems this isn’t going to slow Apple down when it comes to releasing new models of the iPad.

A recent report from renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has accurately predicted a number of Apple products, says that the Cupertino company will launch a 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2, a 10.5-inch iPad Pro, and low-cost 9.7-inch iPad in 2017. This will be followed in 2018 by a “revolutionary” new model that may feature a flexible AMOLED display.

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.

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 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.

The current 7.9-inch iPad Mini is conspicuously absent from Kuo’s report. While it could just be that the analyst has no predictions for device, there’s been speculation that Apple will phase out the series, possibly because the introduction of larger iPhone models has lessened demand for the smaller iPads.

Kuo goes on to state that 2018 will be the year that the iPad receives a “radical” new design change. "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," he writes.

Assuming Kuo is correct, and he usually is, it’ll be interesting to see if the new iPads help turn the tablet market around. Most people who already own an iPad don’t feel the need to upgrade, so Apple will have to give them some compelling reasons to spend the cash on a new device.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/65969-report-apple-introduce-3-new-ipads-next-year.html

 

[Uncle Al]

Ya know, they still don't get it. Give me a USB port and the ability to choose where I want to store my files and I would buy another one, but as it is today, I'm sticking with my little Sam-Sam .....

 

[Greg S]

It's the exact same thing with different screen sizes. Why would anybody in their right mind buy another one just because the screen size is different?

Also, what is revolutionary about 10 year old technology that Apple is finally recognizing now that every flagship smartphone has been using the tech for a few years? OLED/AMOLED is not even close to new, yet because it's apple, they are going to lie through their teeth and tell you it's fantastic and engineered by them.

 

[JCCIII]

'Give me a port and the ability to access my files and, I would own an Apple, but, as it is, I returned my nearly $2,000 iPad Pro and am happy with no Apple products, that is, until the company's VPs get their heads...'
..
Joseph C. Carbone III
15 August 2016

 

[J spot]

Oh no, now casual fans are going to say that Apple invented flexible screen. Luckily Samsung will release one next year.

 

[Guest17]

The only comment I am going to make about this non-release of non-news is that I am not going to comment on this non-release of non-news. In 2050, Apple's minions and trolls will be touting the release of the iPhone 40 and the MacBook 60, with all the ubiquitous post-past-prime improvements that do nothing and mean nothing.

 

[MonsterZero]

Give me a flexible screen e-reader or tablet like on Dues Ex.