According to a new analysis, if Apple releases a smaller less expensive iPad this September, the new iteration of the iOS device could be a large success with schools who are under budget constraints and also for students looking for a lighter and more portable iPad.
In a recent note to investors, analyst Brian White said he continues to hear information about Apples plans to launch a so-called “iPad mini” this September. He mentioned a possible September released when he revealed that supply chain resources indicated Apple is gearing up for what could prove to be an “exciting” month. He believes that a smaller iPad would expand Apple’s addressable market opportunity. With a smaller size, the new iPad would be able to sport a smaller price tag and be able to attract a more price sensitive customer, while also offering an alternate for those who just want a smaller tablet. In particular, White believes that schools under budget constraints who can’t afford the current entry-level $399 iPad 2 might show interest in a smaller iPad. He also believes that students might prefer to carry around a smaller and lighter iPad for classes.
There seems to be a lot of speculation of a new, smaller iPad from Taiwan, based on a “highly encouraging” interest in a prospective “iPad mini” from Apple. Data from ChangeWave Research shows that 14% of North American consumers looking to buy a tablet would be “somewhat likely” to purchase a smaller iPad, while 3% indicated that they were “very likely.” The information presented showed that a so-called “iPad mini” from Apple would be the greatest challenger to Apple’s own market dominating full-sized iPad.
Rumors of a smaller iPad have been around for years despite the late Apple CEO, Steve jobs, famously mentioning that 7-inch devices were too small for users. According to Jobs, 7-inch tablets would need to ship sandpaper with the hardware so users could file down their fingers to the point where they could hit smaller targets on the screen. Despite all evidence pointing against it, rumors became more specific and continue to claim Apple has been experimenting with a smaller prototype iPad.
We’ll have to wait and see if anything is announced in the upcoming WWDC.
Source: ChangeWave Research
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