Trustworthy KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has released his report containing “2017 WWDC highlights”. The report outlining what he expects from Apple’s major event next month. Other than expecting the usual previews of next major releases of iOS, macOS, tvOS, and the watchOS, he also sees several new hardware announcements during the event.
One major announcement that Kuo expects during WWDC17 is the long-rumored 10.5-inch iPad Pro. The analyst believes that there are more than 70 percent chances that the company is going to unveil the new iPad Pro during the event based on the timing of production ramp-up which he sees as happening at the end of the current quarter. Kuo believes that the 10.5-inch iPad Pro will come in a similar form factor as the current 9.7-inch model. The narrower bezels will allow squeezing in a larger display.
The newly designed 10.5” iPad Pro will have a similar form factor to the 9.7” model, but will feature a larger display thanks to narrow bezels. The new design should improve the user experience and help gain traction in the corporate/ commercial sectors. We forecast 10.5” iPad shipments of 5.0-6.0mn units in 2017F, accounting for 15% of total 2017F iPad shipments.
Kuo also reiterates a recent rumor that Apple will also unveil its Siri-based speakers. He believes that there are more that 50 percent chances of this happening. Previously, Kuo said that the company may announce the Siri-based speakers during WWDC but these will only be available later this year to give developers time to begin support the product.
In our April 28 Insight report (“Apple’s first home AI product to see cyclical shipments of over 10mn units; main competitor is Amazon Echo”), we offered estimates for the new home AI/ Siri speaker line. We also believe this new product will come with a touch panel.
Kuo also added something new to his Siri speakers prediction that these speakers will include a touch panel display. Most of the Siri-based product related rumors didn’t talk about the inclusion of a display, however, Phill Schiller recently hinted at such inclusion.
Apple is all set for the WWDC keynote at 10:00 am Pacific Time on Monday, June 5. We’ll be covering all the key announcements of the event. Stay Tuned!