The iPad Pro is less than a month from launch -- with an unspecified date for the device sometime in November -- but a few rumors out of Apple's supply chain yesterday are already pointing to the company's expected sales figures for the 12.9-inch display tablet. According to the supply chain sources (via DigiTimes), Apple has placed "limited orders" for the iPad Pro for the 2015 holiday season, leading into the first quarter of 2016, pointing towards a "conservative attitude" regarding the sales of the larger-screened iPad.
Specifically, the sources say the company has placed orders for less than 2.5 million iPad Pro units for the end of 2015. After that, Apple is believed to take a wait-and-see approach to the volume amount for Q1 2016, which could be even lower than 2.5 million if holiday sales this year aren't impressive enough for the Cupertino-based company. The supply chain sources note that since most businesses are always looking to cut costs, the top-tier pricing of the enterprise-focused iPad Pro, and its accessories, may in fact not hit its target demographic as Apple expects.
The tablet market as a whole has stagnated over the past few years, as more and more users remain unconvinced of a reason to upgrade yearly for such a tertiary device. In July, iPad sales were found to have been in decline for six consecutive quarters, with much hope aimed at the 2015 holiday season's launch of the new iPad line. With today's conservative iPad Pro estimates, no iPad Air 3 launching this year, and Apple's own soft launch of the iPad mini 4, it seems like iPad sales -- and the tablet market as a whole -- may not rebound as much as expected this holiday.
Top Rated Comments
One thing seems obvious to me however: the product itself could have mainstream appeal, it's ultimately its price tag that will limit demand. If the iPad Pro was say $649, with the keyboard case and pencil at $99 and $49 respectively, I could totally see it sell in large amounts.
Bring on the iPad Air 3.
I'm in the market to replace an iPad 3 Retina. It's really sluggish now.
How the hell is the year old iPad Air 2 still $500 for the entry level 16gb.
iPad sales are down for 2 reasons.
1. You don't need to replace them yearly.
2. Competition is crushing them in price.
The iPad Pro, surprise-surprise, will not be a game changer, major seller, or special bon-bon for the entire tech market. It is definitely an expensive niche product only a few need or can utilize (aside from screen size). 99% of the market are fine with an iPad Air.