Apple predicted to sell 2.6 million iPad Pro units despite production delays

By David Curry November 18, 2015

Apple iPad Pro — Jessica Lee Star/Digital Trends

Apple might be on course to sell 2.6 million iPad Pro units by the end of the fiscal year, according to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. In a research note obtained by AppleInsider, Kuo says that even with the production issues, the iPad might still hit between 2.4 million and 2.6 million unit sales.

The iPad Pro display is seeing less-than-satisfactory manufacturing results, leading to delays. Sharp is currently the display manufacturer for 100 percent of the iPad Pro units, though Samsung might be contracted to lend a hand before the end of the year.

On top of that, the Apple Pencil is also having production issues, due to the assembly process of a new device. Shipping times are four to five weeks in most regions.

Kuo does expect the display and stylus issues to be sorted by the end of the year, but that won’t lead to an increase in sales next quarter. Kuo projects between 2.1 million and 2.3 million iPad Pro sales, a decline of 10 percent. That might not sound too good, but it is the smallest predicted decline across Apple’s product line.

In the report, Kuo mentions that TSMC is manufacturing all of the iPad Pro A9x processors, and that Foxconn is assembling all of the units. That differs from Apple’s iPhone approach, where TSMC and Samsung are both contracted to build the processors.

The iPad Pro is the more expensive of the three iPads available, intended for professionals, creatives, and as a PC alternative. Apple chief executive Tim Cook recently asked why anyone would buy a PC today, when the iPad Pro is available to purchase. Our own review of the iPad Pro praises its amazing design and accessories, but like most Apple products it comes with a large price tag.

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