Apple’s annual iPad updates look set to be pretty lean this year, with latest reports suggesting that while an iPad Air refresh is on the cards, no iPad Pro or iPad mini 3 will be released.
Although multiple rumours of a larger, iPad Pro have circulated in recent weeks, industry analysts have now suggested that Apple’s 2014 iPad collection will consist solely of an update to the 9.7-inch iPad Air.
Speaking in a note to investors, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that claims of an iPad Pro launch will not be fulfilled this year, with Apple unlikely to launch a 12.9-inch tablet to rival the CES introduced Samsung Galaxy Note Pro.
Claiming Apple will focus its development efforts elsewhere, Kuo offered a bit of wiggle room, stating: “Even if it (a larger iPad) does make an appearance this year, shipments will be low.”
Despite the success of the iPad mini, and subsequent iPad mini 2 which launched last November with a new Retina display in tow, it has been claimed that Apple will not launch a third-generation 7.9-inch tablet this year.
While consumers will have to make do with the iPad mini 2 for a further 12 months at least, serial Apple tipster Kuo has claimed the iPad Air will receive a specs bump this autumn.
Targeting two easy areas of improvement, the analyst has claimed that the iPad Air will be upgraded to a new A8 processor and introduce the TouchID fingerprint sensor incorporating home button found on the iPhone 5S.
According to Kuo’s insiders, Apple’s reduced tablet efforts are being forced by the company’s push to finalise Apple iWatch hardware and software for launch later in the year.
He added that “unless more aggressive promotions are launched,” a lack of new models will see annual iPad sales drop for the first time.
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Via: AppleInsider
