Apple has no problem placing massive orders for its upcoming iPhone 6s and 6s Plus units, but according to a new report the company is treading a bit more carefully when it comes to orders for the upcoming 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
Reportedly set to arrive in late November this year, sources in Apple’s supply chain say that Apple’s component orders for the giant-sized tablet have been lower than most people expected — although no specific numbers are mentioned.
Given that iPad sales have been slowing for the past few years — along with the rest of the worldwide tablet market — it makes sense that Apple would be cautious. Supersized iPhones have, of course, turned out to be a recipe for success, but there’s no guarantee that following a similar formula will do the same for the iPad.
With that said, it seems that Apple is pulling out all the stops when it comes to the technology involved with the iPad Pro. Apple reportedly tested a small batch of 264ppi, 2,732×2,048 displays back in June, and clues abound that the company is planning to add a stylus to the device, too.
Gauging order numbers is a challenge any time a new product is released — even for an experienced company like Apple. Let’s not forget that Tim Cook admits he was way off with his iPhone 6 predictions (which turned out better than even Apple expected), while Samsung typically goes the other direction and is disappointed.
You can’t blame Apple for playing it a bit safe.
Source: Digitimes
Luke Dormehl is a U.K.-based journalist and author, with a background working in documentary film for Channel 4 and the BBC. He is the author of The Apple Revolution and The Formula: How Algorithms Solve All Our Problems … and Create More, both published by Penguin/Random House. His tech writing has also appeared in Wired, Fast Company, Techmeme and other publications.
5 responses to “iPad Pro may be available in limited quantities when it first ships”
I have seen one big Android tablet out in the wild. The person using it bought it specifically to replace a box full of sheet music. Right size for that application and he loves it for that.
I think tablets of this size are a bit of niche market so it is a good idea to limit the stock until you see how it sells. Not a fun size to attempt to hold laying back on the sofa for some light reading. I had a 10″ tablet and went back to the 8″ size which hit the sweet spot for me.
For a business where you include a stylus and a keyboard this could be a different story though. A touch screen comes in very handy so this may the the gateway device into touch screen Macbooks.
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I agree with Kevin – I’m an Ad Industry creative and the thought of a larger tablet, with the possibility of a stylus with true and accurate (detailed) input would be huge. I know a few of us in the office who are eagerly awaiting this. But again – total niche market.
Why not just make it a true 4k retina screen?
“iPad Pro may be available in limited quantities when it first ships”
This is an astounding piece of news!