iPad Shipments Lowered Because of iPad Mini Cannibalization? - MacRumors
Skip to Content

iPad Shipments Lowered Because of iPad Mini Cannibalization?

by

Sterne Agee's Shaw Wu has issued a new report on Apple, raising his iPhone unit estimates while lowering iPad estimates reports Apple 2.0. Additionally, Wu has cut his revenue estimates slightly while increasing his gross margin estimates for Apple's holiday quarter.

Aaplstock
Wu says iPad mini demand is strong but sales are limited by supply constraints and he sees the mini cannibalizing full-sized iPad sales. iPhone sales will grow because of improving manufacturing yields and increased availability.

We believe AAPL shares will likely continue to be volatile until year end due to non-fundamental factors including profit taking as AAPL as been an outstanding performer in 2012 where many are opting to lock in gains and fears of higher "fiscal cliff" tax rates next year. However, we believe as we enter 2013, investor sentiment will likely shift back to fundamentals. We are at the beginning of two big product cycles that will likely last 3-5 quarters and see margins poised to improve with greater scale and improving yields.

Tag: Shaw Wu

Top Rated Comments

gnasher729 Avatar
177 months ago
Duh, Of course the mini is going to canibalize regular ipad sales. Just like releasing any new different sized or optioned model of product would do.

There was a rumour that the next iPhone comes in six different colours. I bet that will cannibalise sales of black iPhones and white iPhones.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
qtrim Avatar
177 months ago
What a dumb observation. That like saying 6ft bed Ford F-150's are cannibalizing the 8ft bed versions. Who cares?
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JGIGS Avatar
177 months ago
Duh, Of course the mini is going to canibalize regular ipad sales. Just like releasing any new different sized or optioned model of product would do.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gmanist1000 Avatar
177 months ago
Better to be cannibalized by your own products.

This happened with iPod nano, and the iPod mini as well.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
177 months ago
Better to be cannibalized by your own products.

This happened with iPod nano, and the iPod mini as well.
Well, you can't really be cannibalized by other people's products, can you?

----------

That's only true if sale of a regular sized ( :D) iPad is replaced by a sale of iPad Mini ( which we have no proof for or against), but i doubt it's the case. I think Apple is selling way more iPad Minis.
This is what is meant by cannibalization. People buying the iPad Mini instead of an established product from the same manufacturer.

Most companies try not to do this, but I really don't think Apple cares much. I'm sure they'd prefer everyone bought an iPad and an iPad mini, but it's more important that you buy any iPad instead of a Kindle/Nexus.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gnasher729 Avatar
177 months ago
No it's not.

As stated before, Apple's margins on iPad mini are lower than on iPad. So cannibalization of the iPad by iPad Mini = less profit for Apple, and potentially unhappy investors.

"If you don't cannibalise your own products, someone else will". Don't know exactly who said it.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Apple TV Thumb 3

Everything Coming in the 2026 Apple TV 4K

Wednesday July 8, 2026 4:51 pm PDT by
The Apple TV 4K hasn't been updated since 2022, and it's due for a refresh. An update is planned for 2026, but Apple is likely going to wait to launch it after Siri AI launches in iOS 27. Design Apple TV design updates don't happen often, and that's not changing. The next Apple TV is going to have the same squircle shape as the current model, and it'll continue to be made from a black...
iphone 16 teal

'Siri AI' Lawsuit Update: Apple to Pay Owners of These iPhone Models

Thursday July 9, 2026 7:08 am PDT by
In May, Apple agreed to pay $250 million to settle a U.S. class action lawsuit over Siri AI's delayed launch, and eligible iPhone users could receive up to a $95 payout. This week, the California court overseeing the case held a hearing regarding preliminary approval of the settlement, but the judge has not yet issued a ruling. It will likely be at least a few more months before eligible...
iphone 16e usb c feature

Apple Begins Selling a $419 iPhone

Monday July 6, 2026 6:29 am PDT by
Apple recently added the iPhone 16e to its refurbished store, with U.S. pricing starting as low as $419 for a model with 128GB of storage. Originally released in February 2025, the iPhone 16e is a lower-end device with a 6.1-inch OLED display, an A18 chip with 8GB of RAM for Apple Intelligence support, a single 48-megapixel rear camera, a 12-megapixel front camera, a USB-C port, an Action...