Research and Markets (www.researchandmarkets.com) have made several predictions about the iOS market based on their latest data. According to the research group:
° Apple will release a modified version of the 9.7-inch iPad in the fourth quarter to maintain strong sales momentum in the fourth quarter of the year.
° Foxconn will enter mass production for the 7.85-inch “iPad mini” in the fourth quarter of the year. Shipments of the device are projected to have 7-8 million units starting from September. In Research and Market’s view, Apple intends to launch the iPad min with a lower price to compete with the Kindle Fire 2. If that’s the case, iPad 2 productions are likely to phase out in the next 2-3 quarters, says the research group.
° New iPad (the iPad 3) panel production volumes will climb up to 10 million units in 2012. LGD might have entered iPad 3 panel volume productions in early March. Samsung appears to be the first iPad 3 panel supplier going forward to the second quarter of 2012. Sharp’s IGZO might have been conditionally qualified by Apple.