Apple's Beats brand in April unveiled the Powerbeats Pro, a redesigned wire-free version of its popular fitness-oriented Powerbeats earbuds.
New Low-Cost 9.7-Inch iPad May Support Apple Pencil
Apple's new low-cost 9.7-inch iPad may include support for the Apple Pencil, according to a new note to investors shared this morning by KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Kuo says that he expects Apple Pencil shipments will rise to 9 to 10 million units in 2018 "given that the new low-cost iPad may support Apple Pencil." Kuo says Apple may add Apple Pencil support in order to differentiate the low-cost iPad from competing low-cost Android tablets.
The invitation includes an Apple logo that's clearly been drawn using the Apple Pencil, which led people to think that the low-cost education-focused iPad might support Apple Pencil. It's not clear if Apple will offer schools the existing Apple Pencil or introduce a new, more affordable version if the company is indeed planning to debut a lower-cost iPad that works with the accessory.
Adding Apple Pencil support to the low-cost iPad would allow Apple's tablet to better compete with the Chromebooks that are popular in schools, providing the ability for students to draw and write directly on the iPad's screen with a fast, reliable tool.
Though Kuo does not mention the possibility, if Apple is planning to add Apple Pencil support to the low-cost iPad, some kind of keyboard could also be included. With Apple Pencil support and an included keyboard accessory, iPads would be a far more appealing option for schools.
Rumors have suggested Apple is working on a more affordable iPad targeted at the educational market. The new device could perhaps be priced as low as $259, down from the current $329 price tag for the 5th-generation iPad.
Kuo believes 9.7-inch iPad shipments will account for more than 70 percent of all iPad shipments in 2018, which will have a positive impact on Apple Pencil shipments. He expects Apple will begin shipping new iPad Pro models with TrueDepth camera systems during the "around" the third quarter of 2018, which suggests a September debut.
In addition to the low-cost iPad, Kuo's note also mentions Apple Pencil support for future iPhones. He believes the likelihood of such a feature "may increase with future iPhone screen size being enlarged," but he does not believe the 2018 iPhone models will support Apple Pencil.
Kuo says that he expects Apple Pencil shipments will rise to 9 to 10 million units in 2018 "given that the new low-cost iPad may support Apple Pencil." Kuo says Apple may add Apple Pencil support in order to differentiate the low-cost iPad from competing low-cost Android tablets.
Strong demand for low-price 9.7-inch iPad in 2017. iPad shipments hit 43.8mn units in 2017, well above the 35mn units forecast by the market at the beginning of the year. The primary driver was the low-price 9.7-inch model, whose selling points are competitive pricing and a significantly larger panel than those of six- to seven-inch smartphones (iPad mini was a flop because it was replaced by large-screen smartphones). In a bid to strengthen its selling points and to differentiate it more from low-price Android tablets, the new low-price 9.7-inch iPad (starting mass production in 2Q18) will likely support Apple Pencil.There have been no previous rumors suggesting the low-cost iPad will include Apple Pencil support, but there was speculation that it could based on the design of the event invite that Apple sent out to members of the media.
The invitation includes an Apple logo that's clearly been drawn using the Apple Pencil, which led people to think that the low-cost education-focused iPad might support Apple Pencil. It's not clear if Apple will offer schools the existing Apple Pencil or introduce a new, more affordable version if the company is indeed planning to debut a lower-cost iPad that works with the accessory.
Adding Apple Pencil support to the low-cost iPad would allow Apple's tablet to better compete with the Chromebooks that are popular in schools, providing the ability for students to draw and write directly on the iPad's screen with a fast, reliable tool.
Though Kuo does not mention the possibility, if Apple is planning to add Apple Pencil support to the low-cost iPad, some kind of keyboard could also be included. With Apple Pencil support and an included keyboard accessory, iPads would be a far more appealing option for schools.
Rumors have suggested Apple is working on a more affordable iPad targeted at the educational market. The new device could perhaps be priced as low as $259, down from the current $329 price tag for the 5th-generation iPad.
Kuo believes 9.7-inch iPad shipments will account for more than 70 percent of all iPad shipments in 2018, which will have a positive impact on Apple Pencil shipments. He expects Apple will begin shipping new iPad Pro models with TrueDepth camera systems during the "around" the third quarter of 2018, which suggests a September debut.
In addition to the low-cost iPad, Kuo's note also mentions Apple Pencil support for future iPhones. He believes the likelihood of such a feature "may increase with future iPhone screen size being enlarged," but he does not believe the 2018 iPhone models will support Apple Pencil.
Tags: Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple Pencil
Buyer's Guide: 11" iPad Pro (Neutral), 12.9" iPad Pro (Neutral), iPad (Caution), iPhone XS (Don't Buy)
[ 58 comments ]
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17 months ago
An iPad/pencil combination sounds great until you realize how many students raise their hand to ask for a pencil - 15 minutes after you've already given them one. ;)
17 months ago
I use an iPad Pro and Apple Pencil in higher education. It's been transformative. Students submit assignments digitally, and I'm able to annotate, grade, and return the digital file. There's no question about when work is submitted or when it's returned. Plus, we both have digital copies to refer to if there are questions.
17 months ago
If they can bring the price of the pencil down, I can see plenty of schools adopting this.
Note taking on tablets is becoming popular among the next generation.
Note taking on tablets is becoming popular among the next generation.
17 months ago
If they can bring the price of the pencil down, I can see plenty of schools adopting this.
I think that this will ultimately be the key factor. Maybe a bundled product?
17 months ago
Seeing as how the invitation is black and white, I wonder if Apple finally created a low cost, super fast refresh rate E-Ink Display. I know they seem somewhat antiquated but have always loved e-ink when it comes to reading. The refresh rate is what is brutal, and would have to be almost immediate if you wanted an Apple Pencil to work with it. Might be nice for educational purposes, note taking, and school worksheets.....
17 months ago
.....that is currently available, whereas this refers to an iPad that hasn't been release yet but is about to be......
but the original comment suggested the pencil would cost the same if not, more than the unreleased iPad and the idea that an ipad would be released in march under $100 is unrealistic meaning we should be taking the comment with a grain of sarcasm.
17 months ago
So the Pencil will cost same/more than the iPad ? :)
Apple Pencil costs $99, nowhere near the price of any iPad.
17 months ago
Apple Pencil costs $99, nowhere near the price of any iPad.
.....that is currently available, whereas this refers to an iPad that hasn't been release yet but is about to be......
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