The next Smart iPad will sport the TouchID fingerprint scanner and a next-gen A8 mobile processor. The analyst also predicts that the upcoming iPad will sport a rear-facing 8MP camera.
The writing is on the wall for these predicted upgrades. Apple generally merges iPad and iPhone features shortly after the initial release. And why not? The two devices often pull from the same parts bin and rolling out similar feature sets allows Apple to reduce the manufacturing costs by increasing the volume.
Interestingly enough, the KGI analyst states that Apple will release these models earlier than last year, with a third quarter release most likely. Slow sales of last year’s models are to blame, he says. Plus, if launched early enough, Apple could participate in the often-lucrative Back to School selling season that it generally misses with early fourth quarter product release.
The analyst blames the slower than expected sales of the latest iPad mini with Retina on Apple having repeated the same mistake it made years ago with the full-sized iPad when it thickened the device in order to build in the higher-resolution display.
"This change proved unpopular among consumers," he wrote. "We think iPad mini with Retina display made the same mistake, explaining why it's not selling as well as the previous generation of iPad mini."
This year's iPad mini with Retina display will maintain the same form factor as the current model but initially ship in limited volumes, while the previous year's model may continue to be manufactured and sold at a reduced cost.
Separately, Apple is reportedly working on a 12.9" iPad to generate new growth momentum via a richer entertainment and productivity experience. However, the analyst said the product is unlikely to make its way to market until next year, as Apple is believed to working on new usability features to accompany the release.
The writing is on the wall for these predicted upgrades. Apple generally merges iPad and iPhone features shortly after the initial release. And why not? The two devices often pull from the same parts bin and rolling out similar feature sets allows Apple to reduce the manufacturing costs by increasing the volume.
Interestingly enough, the KGI analyst states that Apple will release these models earlier than last year, with a third quarter release most likely. Slow sales of last year’s models are to blame, he says. Plus, if launched early enough, Apple could participate in the often-lucrative Back to School selling season that it generally misses with early fourth quarter product release.
The analyst blames the slower than expected sales of the latest iPad mini with Retina on Apple having repeated the same mistake it made years ago with the full-sized iPad when it thickened the device in order to build in the higher-resolution display.
"This change proved unpopular among consumers," he wrote. "We think iPad mini with Retina display made the same mistake, explaining why it's not selling as well as the previous generation of iPad mini."
This year's iPad mini with Retina display will maintain the same form factor as the current model but initially ship in limited volumes, while the previous year's model may continue to be manufactured and sold at a reduced cost.
Separately, Apple is reportedly working on a 12.9" iPad to generate new growth momentum via a richer entertainment and productivity experience. However, the analyst said the product is unlikely to make its way to market until next year, as Apple is believed to working on new usability features to accompany the release.
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