Turns out that the iPad keeps on dropping in sales, so the release of new models just became more urgent than ever. First quarter 2017 results of Taiwanese partners for the iPad were seriously decreased it seems. Touch panel makers like TPK Holding and General Interface Solution are on hold right now, because of Apple.
They’re not very clear on the matter of the release of a new iPad Pro, according to industry sources. Upstream suppliers and analysts did confirm 3 new Apple slates for 2017, including an entry level 9.7 incher, a 10.5 inch iPad and an upgraded 12.9 inch iPad Pro. There are some hints regarding their arrival, like the recent out of stock notices for the 12.9 inch iPad Pro and 9.7 inch iPad Air 2 on Apple’s own store.
However, the first quarter sales of supply chain makers are already compromised, as Apple’s new tablets won’t come till at least May-June, or better said its orders won’t. A 10% sequential revenue drop is expected, but growth is likely to be posted in the first half of the year, thanks to follow-up orders for the iPad Pro. This year is predicted to bring 40 million iPad units shipped, slightly less than the year before.
