Apple's new iPad Pro is incredibly thin and light, receiving positive reviews from the tech community for its hardware. Initial impressions suggested a surge in demand for the new model. However, a market intelligence firm indicates that demand may actually be lower than last year.
The new OLED iPad Pro boasts many highlights in design and internal construction. However, as it remains an iPad, its usage scenarios remain the same. According to TrendForce, demand for the OLED iPad Pro is expected to be lower than last year. It is believed that the company's shipments this year will only reach 4.5 to 5 million units, a decrease from last year. Several reasons account for the decline in demand for the OLED iPad Pro.
With the latest upgrades, Apple has raised the prices of the "Pro" models. Despite the improvements, users may still find the iPad Air more appealing as it offers similar features to the "Pro" models.
Furthermore, the market intelligence firm also points out that Apple does not offer a trade-in program for accessories. This means that anyone purchasing the new OLED iPad Pro will have to buy dedicated accessories, further increasing the overall cost of the device. Another significant reason that could impact the demand for the OLED iPad Pro is the launch of the new 13-inch iPad Air.
Previously, if users wanted the largest screen on an iPad, the iPad Pro was the only choice. However, with the recent updates, the M2 iPad Air seems like a good alternative, with a notably lower price compared to the 13-inch "Pro." This suggests that Apple's 13-inch iPad Air could potentially capture a portion of the market share.
Nevertheless, the tablet market's growth has stagnated, although Apple continues to dominate a significant portion of it. The only major competitor on par with the tech giant is Samsung's Galaxy S9 Ultra tablet, which offers a dedicated DeX mode to meet productivity needs. It is important to note that drawing conclusions at this point is premature, as the OLED iPad Pro has not yet been released.
