iPad 5, iPad Mini 2 Rumors Affecting Sales and Shipments of Current iPads, Says Analyst
Lower sales and shipments of current iPads resulted from the iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2 rumours that are spreading like wildfire, according to an Apple analyst.
Apple Insider reported that a KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that iPad shipments will decline between 20 to 25 percent quarter-to-quarter, and then suggest that the second quarter will see a decline of 10 to 15 percent fall in shipments on the same period last year.
According to the analyst, this is a direct result of cheaper Android tablets on the market, although there are other factors to consider as well as the onslaught of iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2 rumours.
However, these figures are not official and the sales will see a decline around now because some potential buyers will not want to purchase a new iPad when there is a possibility that Apple will announce new models later this year.
Apple is offering 15 to 17 percent discounts on the fourth-gen iPad and iPad Mini signalling the imminent release of iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2.
However, the discounts are only offered on the refurbished iPad 4 and iPad Mini and have been done in an attempt to push sales of the refurbished Apple products.
With the new price reduction in place, consumers can now pick up the 16GB and 32GB variants of the Wi-Fi iPad mini for $249 and $359, respectively, which is a discount of 15 and 16 percent. If the 64GB version of the Wi-Fi iPad mini has taken your fancy, then be prepared to shell out $346, which is a 17 percent discount.
On the other hand, if you prefer the 9.7-inch iPad 4 to its 7.9-inch sibling, then fret not, as Apple has discounted the former as well. You can avail a discount of 16 percent on the 16GB and 32GB variants of the iPad 4, which now cost $419 and $499, respectively. If you're looking for more storage, then the 64GB version would be more up your alley and will cost $579 (17 percent discount).
Apple also offers a year-long warranty and a new battery on the refurbished iPads to attract consumers in buying the refurbished units.
iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2 is rumoured to be released in September completing its almost one year cycle in order to maximize profits.
iPad Mini 2 is rumoured to feature a screen display with a resolution of 2048 x 1536. Other specs include a more powerful dual core A7 processor and a 7.9 inch screen. It will also feature a 10-hour battery life, a FaceTime HD camera, and an iSight camera with 1080 pixels HD video recording. Apple is also trying to reduce the thickness of the iPad Mini 2 by using the Sharp's IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide) technology in its screens. The iPad 5, on the other hand, is rumoured to have no bezels, and the whole form factor has been made sleeker. Horowitz believes this design indicates that Apple will be calling on Sharp's IGZO screen technology.