Neil Hughes
Analyst Ben A. Reitzes with Barclays Capital said in a note to investors on Tuesday that he believes it's possible that Apple will keep the iPad 2 alive in two ways, even after a true "iPad 3" is launched in early 2012. He sees Apple continuing to sell the current 16GB version of the iPad 2 at a lower price, as a new entry-level model much like the company currently does with the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4.
In addition, Reitzes said it's possible Apple could also introduce a faster iPad 2, which he dubbed an "iPad 2S," akin to the iPhone 4S. A so-called iPad 2S could include a faster processor and Siri integration, just like Apple's latest iPhone.
Finally, Reitzes said he believes Apple still plans to launch a full-fledged iPad 3 in the March timeframe. That product would differentiate itself from the hypothetical iPad 2S by featuring a high-definition Retina Display in addition to Siri integration and a faster processor.
Numerous recent reports have indicated that Apple has inked a deal with Sharp to build LCD panels for its next-generation iPad. The next iPad is rumored to feature a high-resolution display, akin to the Retina Display branding Apple introduced with the iPhone 4 in 2010.
Sharp's new iPad 3 display is expected to feature IGZO technology, which stands for indium, gallium and zinc. The new LCD panel is rumored to have a 330-dots-per-inch resolution without the need for IPS technology for superior viewing angles found in the current iPad 2.
An IGZO display would also allegedly allow Apple to use a single LED bar for backlighting the display, in contrast with claims that an IPS-based Retina Display would require two LED backlights. This would allow Apple to make its next iPad even thinner, and potentially offer better battery life.
Reitzes has forecast Apple to sell 13.9 million iPad units in the current December quarter, but he cautioned that the number could be too optimistic. In the company's 2012 fiscal year, he sees Apple selling 47.7 million iPads, good for a 47 percent increase from fiscal 2011.
Mike Wuerthele
Malcolm Owen
Andrew O'Hara
Mike Wuerthele and Malcolm Owen
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67 Comments
How the hell did you guys 'see' them selling the iPad 3 HD? 2S? WHAT? Where are you guys getting this information? That's wayy too many SKU. So their going to have a 16,32,64GB Verisions of the iPad 3hd, 2s, and 2? Something is totally wrong here, and I'm not even counting the 3G versions. If this happens, Apple would really be straining themselves. And what's the point of a 2S vs a 3?
Also, what would be the price points in this case?
Wouldn't it be better just for Apple to have an iPad 3 and just discount 2? It seemed to work so well before. I'd reckon there isn't much incintive to change it.
I can see an iPad 3 and iPad 2S being released at the same time since there are still plenty of unanswered questions about the 264ppi Retina Display for the iPad regarding production rate, component cost, GPU performance and battery usage that are still unanswered.
Why would Apple release TWO IPADS AT ONCE? Wouldn't them having not released two iPhones at once (like the analysts were CERTAIN would happen) be a tip off to the silliness of this idea?
So much lol.
I just don't see it working out very well. The 2S especially wouldn't make sense. So I would assume the difference would be just the screen on the 2S vs 3.
Why would Apple release TWO IPADS AT ONCE? Wouldn't them having not released two iPhones at once (like the analysts were CERTAIN would happen) be a tip off to the silliness of this idea?
its just these analysts again trying to impose their own agenda into the press to try and plant ideas. That's what all these analyst predictions are. Just a load of BS and I wouldn't be surprised if some share holders were pushing these stories into the presses as well. It's just the powers that be trying to remotely steer Apple.