Sam OliverTaiwanese industry publication DigiTimes reported Tuesday that Apple is expected to build Wi-Fi, UMTS and CDMA models of the next iPad in a respective build ratio of 3:4:3. Production of the device is expected to start as early as the first half of January, with about a half-million iPads expected to be assembled.
Citing industry sources, the report claimed that between 60 and 65 percent of current iPad shipments are the UMTS 3G model. Because of this, Apple is expected to work even more closely with wireless partners for the second-generation tablet.
"In addition to wireless functions, Apple is also working on strengthening the iPad 2's anti-smudge and anti-reflective treatments in order to compete against Kindle and attract more consumers," the report said.
Sources estimated that Apple will produce about 40 million iPads in 2011, accounting for as much as three-quarters of the tablet market. That estimate is significantly lower than the 6 million per month capacity reported by DigiTimes earlier this month.
The report also indicated that Apple is expected to have shipped about 16 million iPads in 2010, and between 2 million and 3 million units will remain in the channel at the start of 2011. That number is expected to satisfy demand as Apple gradually stops production of the first-generation device, in time for the debut of "iPad 2."
Earlier this month, DigiTimes reported that Apple passed on an active-matrix organic LED display in its second-generation iPad because of constrained supplies of the displays. Those insufficient supplies have allegedly prompted Apple to stick with a backlit LCD display for the forthcoming device.
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44 Comments
It wouldn't surprise me, but the data plans out there are still very expensive and wifi is becoming ubiquitous anywhere I would use one.
I'm looking forward to an iPad with cameras and GPS. Beyond those two features, nothing is going to get me all that excited. I don't think the next version of the iPad will be revolutionary, just evolutionary... which isn't a bad thing. The first version of the iPad is absolutely solid.
It only stands to reason that if a Verizon iPhone is coming, perhaps a Verizon iPad is also.
Considering Apple preferes to have ONE model of phone (plus the old model), it could likely be CDMA and GSM compatible. So will the iPad.
Can't say I'd be surprised with the addition of a CDMA-capable iPad -- it only makes good business sense.
I am a little surprised that Apple sells so many 3G models (60-65%). Other than those using the iPad as a business tool, it really doesn't make much financial sense to incur yet another monthly data bill.
Also expect to see highly subsidized iPads in 2011 from both AT&T and Verizon (and maybe others carriers as well). Again, I personally don't think subsidized hardware with expensive monthly contracts are the way to go, but most of America seems to disagree. I guess it's the fantasy of "getting something for free".
While I'm on the subject of the iPad, I'll throw out my wish list for version 2.0:
? front-facing camera for FaceTime
? faster A? processor
? increased SSD (Flash) storage
? thinner and lighter while retaining or increasing battery life
? Qualcomm GSM/CDMA chipset that allows the iPad to work on any wireless carrier (and expect to see some highly subsidized offers before long as well)
Less likely but highly desired:
? Retina display
? SD card slot
And my #1 feature request:
? SUPPORT FOR MULTIPLE USERS! Currently, the iPad syncs one users? Mail, iCal, iPhoto, iTunes and Safari bookmarks which doesn?t work very well for a shared family device. Sure, other family members can access most of THEIR content through the internet such as webmail, but it is not an ideal solution. The current configuration also doesn't allow for much privacy or parental controls. If the device is unlocked for a child to play games on, he/she can accidentally delete emails, etc. I don't believe Apple would lose sales as some claim by supporting multiple users. Quite the opposite; I would rather have several iPads in various rooms of the house that any family member can log into than have user-specific iPads that family members always had to keep track of. A iPhone is a personal device. An iPad SHOULD BE a SHARED device.
Considering Apple preferes to have ONE model of phone (plus the old model), it could likely be CDMA and GSM compatible.
This is not possible with the size constraints and power efficiency required for the iPhone 4? at least looking at all the world mode chips I do know about which, ironically, cover less bands than the current iPhone.
Looking at the iPad?s internals this would be possible in that space, however there are cost and power usage issues to consider, not to mention how the space changes if Apple changes the iPad?s design.
They?d have to weigh all these factors against the number of people who would switch their devices between carriers to see if it warrants all those hits against their next device. Since the iPad is the only item with cellular radios they?ve chosen to not lock to any carrier it?s really the only one who has a chance, but I wouldn?t bet money on it.
It wouldn't surprise me, but the data plans out there are still very expensive and wifi is becoming ubiquitous anywhere I would use one.
I'm looking forward to an iPad with cameras and GPS. Beyond those two features, nothing is going to get me all that excited. I don't think the next version of the iPad will be revolutionary, just evolutionary... which isn't a bad thing. The first version of the iPad is absolutely solid.
I don't care so much about the cameras and GPS, but I would like it to be faster (I'd like PDF rendering to be instantaneous) and I like the rumors of a flat back (the rounded back was an odd choice).