iPad and iPad mini: spring launch?
A new report showcasing observations from the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas includes hints at a spring release for the next generation iPad and iPad mini.
Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White said, “Our checks at CES indicate Apple will release the iPad 5 and the second-generation iPad mini this March. The iPad 5 is expected to be lighter and thinner than the iPad 4 that was released in October, while the form factor of the iPad mini should be similar to the first generation iPad mini that debuted in October.”
These reports are similar to what various international bloggers have noted, with dozens of claims that Apple is now observing an accelerated product release schedule, particularly with the iOS family of devices, as the company aggressively seeks to keep their market share.
Big changes at Apple
In years past, the company typically observed annual update cycles, and tech analysts could react accordingly, as could consumers, but last fall’s fourth-generation iPad release only seven months after the third generation iPad shocked the world. Many assumed the move was a way to usher in the post-Jobs era after the passing of the company’s CEO, but with rumors swirling of a spring release and the possibility of more releases annually, it appears a change in the company rather than a one-time marketing ploy. It remains unclear.
Rumors of a less expensive iPhone for emerging global markets were subject to criticism as more than one executive said it would never happen, others say the company plans to offer lower priced smartphones without sacrificing quality, but other analysts note the opposite.
Coupling the two recent rumor reports, the most obvious conclusion one can come to is that Apple is coming up with a new formula in the face of tight competition.
Roland Estrada
January 14, 2013 at 12:06 am
So basically Apple is sticking to their typical time frame for new iPad hardware. No news here. That Apple did an internal parts tweak last fall is interesting but not necessarily surprising, as they do this on the Mac line between exterior hardware updates.
In terms of a “cheap” iPhone, Phil Schiller shot that down in an interview with the Shanghai Evening News. It’s unlikely Apple will give up an iPhone profit of roughly %50 for a 20 to 30 percent. The iPhone 4 and 4s already provide a less expensive entry level iPhone. Another thing to consider is that Apple has roughly 20% of worldwide smartphone market share but around 75% of worldwide smartphone profits. Apple won’t make the “cheaper iPhone” tradeoff because it’s smartphone profit dictates in doesn’t have to.
andytvcams
January 14, 2013 at 1:22 pm
That sounds like Apple are heading down the twice a year release on the iPad.
Their is only so much you can do with these tablets and a twice a year model launch will be a step to far. A decision that Apple may live to regret.
The iPhone 5 has not sold as well as Apple were hoping for the result being a cut back in suppliers making parts for that model.
The market has become over saturated and consumers are having to cut back on their spending. And there so much more choice than their was a year ago.
Roland Estrada
January 14, 2013 at 4:07 pm
All this consternation is based on rumors. And that’s all they are – rumors. I would be shocked if Apple goes to a twice per year release of any product. The only real numbers will be the ones Apple releases at their quarterly earnings call later this month.
Apple lives off of the once per year release of iDevices. They feed off of the anticipation of those releases. It also doesn’t make business sense on the supply side, for them to have that much churn. It adds an unnecessary layer of complexity. Apple has a corporate culture of simplicity. Read “Insanely Simple” by Ken Segall and you will understand why some Apple rumors don’t make sense.
The market is not necessarily over-saturated. It’s more the the android market chasing it’s tail with newer product versions of previous models.