Rumor has Apple cutting Q2 iPad mini shipments
updated 09:37 am EDT, Thu March 28, 2013
Next-gen Mini, Android competition blamed
Apple is cutting iPad mini shipments down to between 10 to 12 million units in the second quarter, claims DigiTimes. The information is said to come from several industry sources involved in supplying parts for the tablet. Shipments could dip as much as 20 percent on month in April, the people say, and a 10 million figure for the quarter could be reached if May and June see declines as well.
Two factors are thought to be influencing production plans. The first is preparation for a second-generation iPad mini, which the sources expect to be launched sometime in the third quarter. The other, though, is increasing competition from 7-inch Android tablets. None of these are mentioned by name, but that could be a reference to tablets like the Amazon Kindle Fire and the Google Nexus 7, as well as lesser-known brands sold in Asia.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: 03-23-13
$199 tablets
Well the idea in selling a $199 tablet, is you make money on content - not the tablet.
Fortunately for Apple - if anyone can make money on a strong content universe - it's Apple.
Unfortunately for Apple - if anyone is not going to try that strategy - it's Apple.
Don't give the market away and hope to scurry yourself into some high end niche in the future.
It's Mac vs. PC all over again. Now is the time to stay out in front on tablets - drop the price to $199, don't drop shipments.
I know, I'm ranting in the wind. I guess I'll be picking up an android tablet then.