Apple is expected to launch the new low-cost 9.7-inch iPad at the ‘Creative Education’ event tomorrow, i.e. March 27th. The company is also expected to bring in a new Apple pencil at the event, and now we hear that the new low-cost iPad will likely support the new Apple pencil.
According to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple Pencil shipments will rise to 9 to 10 million units in 2018 give the fact that the new low-cost iPad may support Apple Pencil. He further adds that the new Apple Pencil support is to differentiate the low-cost iPad from competing low-cost Android tablets.
Though there are no previous rumors regarding the Apple Pencil support, there were speculations that it could be based on the design of the event invite image. However, it is unclear if Apple will offer the existing Apple Pencil or introduce a new, more affordable version. If at all the new low-cost iPad does get Apple Pencil support, there is also the possibility that it might get some kind of keyboard support as well.
Kuo believes 9.7-inch iPad shipments will account for more than 70 percent of all iPad shipments in 2018 and the new low-cost is said to be priced as low as $259. Kuo further said that Apple Pencil might support for future iPhones, however, 2018 iPhones might not get the support.
Research notes from KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said:
Strong demand for low-price 9.7-inch iPad in 2017. iPad shipments hit 43.8mn units in 2017, well above the 35mn units forecast by the market at the beginning of the year. The primary driver was the low-price 9.7-inch model, whose selling points are competitive pricing and a significantly larger panel than those of six- to seven-inch smartphones (iPad mini was a flop because it was replaced by large-screen smartphones). In a bid to strengthen its selling points and to differentiate it more from low-price Android tablets, the new low-price 9.7-inch iPad (starting mass production in 2Q18) will likely support Apple Pencil.