Rumors of Apple's second-generation iPad expected to weaken tablet sales
Sources from overseas suppliers indicated to DigiTimes that they expect the launch of Apple's next iPad to "seriously weaken" tablet offerings from other PC vendors. Some believe that tablet sales projections for 2011 have been overly optimistic, and may disappoint.
"Since consumer demand for tablet PCs is still limited, while most upstream and downstream players are over-optimistic about the market, tablet PCs may see a sharp drop in demand as soon as the third quarter of 2011, after a big battle in the second," the report said.
That "big battle" in the second quarter of 2011 is expected to be led by Apple's second-generation iPad. In addition, Google is expected to have a tablet-specific version of its Android mobile operating system ready, while Intel will launch its Oak Trail platform.
While the report notes that total tablet sales in 2011 are currently expected by some to reach between 45 million and 55 million sales, some have expectations that high for Apple's iPad alone. For example, analyst Brian Blair of Wedge Partners sees Apple selling 48 million iPads in 2011.
However, after some on Wall Street were disappointed by Apple's sales of 4.19 million iPads last quarter, some analysts lowered their forecasts. Yair Reiner with Oppenheimer has predicted Apple will sell 23 million iPads next year, while Charlie Wolf of Needham & Company expects the company to ship 18 million iPads in 2011.
Last week, one report alleged that Apple currently plans to build about 40 million iPads in calendar year 2011. The company has also allegedly increased its build orders for the end of 2010, in anticipation of strong holiday sales.
54 Comments
Are you saying that holiday sales will drop because of a spring offering? I don't think so for a product in the $500-$600 range. This is one piece of computer hardware that is attainable for even those on a restricted budget.
This isn't surprising at all, but could have been mitigated somewhat had Apple made iPad 1 a far higher speced system. The low res screen, lack of cameras, limited RAM, and poor connectivity (not even a single USB port? Come on Apple) make this very, very much a 1.0 product. Maybe not even 1.0.
I can see the logic in the argument however Apple always has new products in the pipe line and it has not hurt sales of existing product all that much before. The iPad does have a lot of media hype surrounding it and it does get bought by many beyond the usual suspects so perhaps there will be more impact than usual. I admit I am one of those being discussed as I am holding off for a next gen but I am an traditional Apple user and I follow these things carefully so as not to buy the end of a line. I wonder if all that many of those hoping for their first iPad in their stocking will care.
This isn't surprising at all, but could have been mitigated somewhat had Apple made iPad 1 a far higher speced system. The low res screen, lack of cameras, limited RAM, and poor connectivity (not even a single USB port? Come on Apple) make this very, very much a 1.0 product. Maybe not even 1.0.
I would like to see you do better for the price (or any company for that matter).
USB/Camera/RAM were omitted/limited for valid reasons.
"low res screen" I would hardly call the screen on the ipad low res.
Oh my stars... more rumors being reported on AppleInsider! And I fell for it again! What is the world coming to... truly, I ask you, what!