Analyst

Kuo: A7-driven Apple TV in 2014, iTV in 2015-2016

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated April 18, 2016

Citing supply chain sources, DisplaySearch yesterday shattered analyst Gene Munster's 'Apple-televison-set-due-this-Christmas' pipe dream to pieces by claiming Apple has put the iTV project on the back burner as it focuses on wearable projects, a new priority for Tim Cook & Co. And guess what reliable analyst restrains himself from making wild Munster-like iTV predictions?

That's right, Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities.

Thus, it goes without saying that Kuo's note to clients in which he analyzes Apple's television plans hasn't gone unnoticed with us. In short, he's suggesting that with the technological pieces all in place now Apple is about to introduce significant improvements to the existing $99 Apple TV set-top box.

Bonus: I also get to deconstruct some of the outrageously inaccurate predictions by crazypants Apple analysts Gene Munster!

iPad Air has IGZO screen, display expert claims

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 5, 2013

Apple has long been rumored to be adopting Sharp's sophisticated IGZO display technology for iPhones and iPads, but the reported ongoing yields issues have prevented it from making the switch over concerns on maintaining a minimum level of capacity.

At the same time, it hasn't gone unnoticed that the iPad Air achieves the same 10-hour battery life (and 24-hour LTE hotspot performance) in spite of packing in a powerful 64-bit A7 processor and, more importantly, a much smaller battery than its predecessor, 32.9 Whr versus 43 Whr for the iPad 4.

Now, one of the benefits of using IGZO display technologies is vastly reduced power consumption. So, has Apple switched to IGZO panels for the iPad Air or not?

T-Mobile sold 540,000 iPhones in Q3, representing 15% of branded devices

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated June 4, 2017

T-Mobile USA, the nation's fourth-largest wireless carrier, has sold 540,000 iPhones during the September quarter, comprising between ten and fifteen percent of the telco's total 5.6 million smartphones sold, which includes T-Mobile's prepaid and MetroPCS-branded devices.

By comparison, the #3 Sprint typically reports iPhone sales comprising as much as 25 percent of all smartphone sold.

For example, Sprint said it sold 1.4 million iPhones during the third quarter of 2013, 40 percent of which went to new customers, versus the five million total smartphones sold...

Apple may have sold 15M (now old) iPads during the September quarter

Ed Sutherland ∙ October 23, 2013

Normally, selling 170 million of anything is cause for headlines, but everyone isn't Apple. When CEO Tim Cook said Tuesday the tech giant has sold 170 million iPads to date, analysts forecast sales of fifteen million tablets during the September quarter, at a minimum.

If correct, the predictions would top the fourteen million iPads sold during the same quarter of 2012. For Apple, the expectations could also counter the belief that demand for its tablet computers are slowing...

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo posts last-minute iPad event predictions

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Typically, when you see the words 'analyst' and 'predictions' in the same sentence on a tech site, you get a free pass to roll your eyes. Let's face it, the credibility for the majority of analysts is pretty low, thanks to crazy predictions like the iRing.

But there's one man who seemingly stands out among the crowd: Ming-Chi Kuo. The KGI Securities analyst is right more often than not, so when he speaks, people listen. And he just seeded some last-minute forecasts for this week's iPad event...

Another report claims Retina iPad mini inventory will be limited at launch

Cody Lee ∙ October 18, 2013

With Apple's tablet event just a few days away, speculation continues to mount on what we may see unveiled on stage. A redesigned iPad 5 seems like a given, but there are still some unknowns regarding the new iPad mini.

The biggest question on everyone's mind is if the 7.9-inch slate will get the Retina treatment this time around. According to Peter Misek, the answer is yes. The analyst fully expects Apple to introduce a hi-res mini next week...

Analyst believes iWatch will be much more than an iPhone companion

Cody Lee ∙ October 11, 2013

Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Brian White issued an interesting research note late yesterday, offering up insight on Apple's future product plans. White claims that after meeting with a component supplier, he has a much better idea of what to expect out of Cupertino.

On the iPhone front, the analyst echoes his colleagues, saying that he is 'very confident' that 2014 will be the year of the larger iPhone—and for what it's worth, he's saying 5-inches. But his most interesting comments are in regards to the oft-rumored iWatch project...

iPhones and iPads remain the top pick among US teenagers

Ed Sutherland ∙ October 9, 2013

Despite Samsung's attempt to label the iPhone as past its prime, Apple remains the top pick among US teenagers. More than half of American teens own an iPhone with nearly three quarter of young people choosing an iPad when it comes to tablets.

When it comes to purchasing decisions, popularity of cheaper Android devices have barely moved the needle, if at all. The figures from Piper Jaffray's Gene Munster bode well for Apple and its continued growth among the key consumer demographic now driving technology purchases...

After meeting with Apple suppliers, analyst predicts 4.8-inch iPhone 6

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Though we're just a few weeks removed from the iPhone 5s launch, rumors of Apple's next-generation handset are already starting to pile up. At least thus far they've been fairly consistent: the display is going to get a size bump.

And that's what Jeffries analyst Peter Misek is predicting too, after returning from a meeting last week with Apple's Asian suppliers. Misek issued a note to investors this afternoon calling for an 'iPhone 6' with a 4.8-inch display...

Apple could pocket $1 billion in iWatch profits during first year of availability

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Despite there being no product nor confirmation from Apple that it will offer one, a high-profile Apple analyst is estimating the iPhone maker could sell between five and ten million iWatch units in the first year. According to Piper Jaffray Gene Munster's survey of 799 U.S. consumers, some twelve percent of U.S. iPhone owners said they might pay $350 on Apple's watch, if it materializes.

The survey follows Samsung's attempt to beat Apple to the smartphone punch, introducing its $299 Galaxy Gear in advertisements. For Apple, the iWatch lives only in patents filed and registered trademarks. Munster, of the 'Apple TV is just around the corner' fame, follows another analyst who believes the iWatch could be an even bigger hit...

New report calls for 8MP camera in both iPad 5 and iPad mini 2

Cody Lee ∙ October 2, 2013

Get ready, it looks like iPad-wielding picture-takers are about to multiply. According to a new report, Apple is going to beef up the iSight cameras in both its fifth generation iPad and second generation iPad mini this year.

Highly regarded analyst Ming-Chi Kuo sent out a note to investors this afternoon, claiming that the two tablets—which are expected to be unveiled later this month—will feature 8-megapixel shooters with larger apertures...

iPhone 5s/5c estimated to cost $199/$173 to build

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 24, 2013

Following iFixIt's ritual teardown of Apple's new iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c and a detailed chip analysis of the former by Chipworks, research firm IHS Suppli ran their spreadsheets to guesstimate just how much Apple may be paying for the parts.

According to a research note, the pricier top-of-the-line iPhone 5s commands a bill of material of $199.

Its polycarbonate plastic brother costs less to build, with part costs pegged at $173. The full breakdown is right after the break...