Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s iPad fans may have to wait a little bit longer for the anticipated iPad Pro. A recent report from analyst Ming Chi Kuo indicates production for the device could be delayed until the second quarter of 2015.
If Kuo’s report turns out to be true, the iPad Pro may not arrive until summer. It makes since Apple would keep something in production until it is perfect and ready for production, but it could hurt the company in the long run. Over iPad production growth has slowed down significantly and this rumored delay could further dent the company’s spot in the marketplace.
iPad Pro specs and features
The iPad Pro is rumored to feature a 12.2 inch display and 2GB of RAM. It will also reportedly feature A8X processer, the same processor featured in iPad Air 2. The tablet may also feature high color saturation, high resolution, and quick response.
Kuo explained, “We believe that, in a major shift, while Apple (US) used to be able to use new form factor designs to boost demand, it has failed to do so this time around. The lighter and thinner iPad Air 2 will face strong headwinds in increasing sales in 1Q15, we believe; we also hold that this means that iPad, along with the entire tablet market, is faced with structural challenges characterized by a lack of new applications and market saturation. We don’t think these challenges will be easily overcome by upgraded specs, new form factor designs or lower prices.”
Kuo’s sale number predictions
Kuo also predicts Apple will only sell 9.8 million iPad tablets the first quarter of 2015, a number that is 54.5% less than the first quarter of this year.
Apple’s top selling product remains the iPhone, but the iPad still retains relevance as the leading tablet computer. However that may all change if Apple loses ground in the tablet market thanks to competition.
