After having taken a step ahead of the competition by integrating its M2 chips into its iPad Pro (and M1 on the iPad Air), Apple would take a little rest in 2023. In any case, this is what the famous analyst Ming Chi Kuo, often well informed about the Apple.
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Anjie Technology will be the new beneficiary of the all-new design foldable iPad. There may be no new iPad releases in the next 9-12 months as the iPad mini refresh is more likely to begin mass production in 1Q24.— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) January 30, 2023
In a series of tweets, Ming Chi Kuo indeed explained that no new iPad should be released within “9 to 12 months ahead”. It would therefore be a blank year in tablets for the firm, which will however have a lot to do with the iPhone 15.
A more complicated 2023
According to him, Apple expects a more complicated year in this specific market, and forecasts a drop in slate sales of 10 to 15% compared to 2022. A decline linked to the absence of new products.
We will probably have to wait until 2024 to discover the new iPad Pro. © The Digital
The iPad Mini 7 was expected in 2023, but its development would have been delayed, and we should discover it in the first quarter of next year. It could also be accompanied by a new iPad Pro, logically equipped with an M3 chip.
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Thus, I’m taking a cautious approach to iPad shipments for 2023, predicting a YoY decline of 10-15%. Nevertheless, I’m positive about the foldable iPad in 2024 and expect this new model will boost shipments and improve the product mix.— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) January 30, 2023
These new OLED screen models would see their diagonal increase, going from 11 to 11.1 inches for the first, and from 12.9 to 13.1 inches for the second. An article from The Information also mentioned a 16-inch version: capable of matching the MacBook Pro, it would be designed for artists and creatives.
A folding iPad to create craze
Ming Chi Kuo also specifies that sales could benefit from the general enthusiasm for a particularly innovative new product: the first folding iPad. To achieve this, Apple would collaborate with the company Anjie Technology, which would provide it with a kind of “carbon fiber kickstand” probably allowing it to be used as a computer.
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My latest survey indicates that the foldable iPad will feature a carbon fiber kickstand. Carbon fiber material will make the kickstand lighter and more durable.— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) January 30, 2023
A first for the brand, which should prepare a launch with great fanfare for the occasion. Alas, almost no product information has leaked so far. Once again, the choice of screen size will be essential in order to aim for minimal bulk when folded.