Apple Release Roundup: iPhone 6, iPad Air 2, iMac and 2014 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro Release Q3
Apple will reportedly release its major products in the third quarter of this year. According to Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities, people can expect the newest Apple products to hit stores this Q3. Among these include the iPhone 6, iPad Air 2, cheaper iMacs and 2014 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. There are also additional products for release including the iWatch. What can people expect?
Apple Insider obtained a research note from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. According to the analyst, Apple will likely have a big third quarter for 2014. The company may release its refreshed iPad Air, iPad Mini, iPhone 6 and iWatch at that time. Likewise, Kuo also noted that the tech giant will likely relase the 12-inch MacBook Air and refreshed MacBook Pro within the same period.
Kuo believes that the third quarter of the year will be the most crucial for Apple. The company plans on releasing not just new products but also new product categories. The market will see if Apple's venture to other device formats and design factor will pay off.
"We believe the rumored iWatch will be Apple's most important product this year, carrying much more weight than iPhone 6," Kuo said in the research note.
"As market feedback for the product should reveal whether Apple still has the ability to continue making game-changing products with Tim Cook at the helm." He added.
Kuo predicts that if Apple succeeds in its iWatch bid then the company will no longer just compete with tech companies, it will also be a player in the fashion industry. Kuo thinks that Apple's success this year will rely on several factors. These include replacement demand for a phablet iPhone, success of minor upgrades for iPad, sales potential of cheaper iMacs, user experience of the new 12-inch MacBook Air and integration of Apple TV with Apple Store.
"Compared with lower-margin iPad mini with Retina display, which shipments has been tepid, higher-margin iPad Air was a hot selling item in 4Q13, which will slow Apple in developing new iPad mini models. We believe Apple plans to launch upgraded iPad Air early this year, and will accelerate development of 12.9in iPad." Kuo noted.