Key Analyst Says New Apple Hardware is Coming to WWDC 2017
New Apple hardware could launch at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which begins in three weeks.
WWDC 2017 could see the arrival of two long-rumored Apple hardware products, according to a key stakeholder. Both the so-called “10.5-inch iPad Pro” and a Siri-powered speaker could debut next month, according to MacRumors.
In his “2017 WWDC highlights report” to investors, prominent KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo explains there’s now a 70 percent chance Apple will reveal a new iPad Pro next month.
He notes:
The newly designed 10.5” iPad Pro will have a similar form factor to the 9.7” model, but will feature a larger display thanks to narrow bezels. The new design should improve the user experience and help gain traction in the corporate/ commercial sectors. We forecast 10.5” iPad shipments of 5.0-6.0mn units in 2017F, accounting for 15% of total 2017F iPad shipments.
Meanwhile, Kuo once again said there’s a 50 percent chance Apple announces a Siri-powered speaker at WWDC. The analyst once thought the new speaker wouldn’t debut until later in the year. However, in recent weeks he has become more bullish on the product arriving earlier.
In our April 28 Insight report (“Apple’s first home AI product to see cyclical shipments of over 10mn units; main competitor is Amazon Echo”), we offered estimates for the new home AI/ Siri speaker line. We also believe this new product will come with a touch panel.
In recent years, Apple has elected not to debut new hardware products at WWDC. However, the market might have forced Apple’s hand this time around.
Though Apple’s iPad remains the No. 1 tablet around the world, the overall market remains in decline. Releasing a new iPad Pro mid-year could help the company during the upcoming back to school season in the United States, especially when it’s advertised alongside the newly released budget iPad.
Introducing the company’s first Siri-based speaker sooner rather than later has become increasingly important given what the competition is doing.
Last week, industry leader Amazon unveiled the Echo Show speaker, which includes a 7-inch screen. Elsewhere, Harmon Kardon unveiled the Microsoft Cortana-powered Invoke.
The annual Worldwide Developers Conference kicks off three weeks from today on June 5 with the annual keynote address beginning at 10 a.m. PDT. In addition to new hardware, Apple’s likely to use the event to unveil “iOS 11” and next-generation versions of macOS, tvOS, and watchOS.
What new Apple hardware do you want to see announced at WWDC 2017? Leave your comments below.
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