Topline
Apple is updating its iPads and MacBook Airs next year in hopes of improving a drop in sales for the two products, Bloomberg reported, amid the company’s warning that it doesn’t expect revenue growth during this holiday season.
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 06: Apple CEO Tim Cook looks at a display of brand new redesigned … [+]
Key Facts
The new iPad Air will be available in two sizes—the current 10.9-inch screen and a 12.9-inch screen, about the size of the iPad Pro—and the iPad Pro will be fitted with organic light-emitting diode, or OLED, screens and the M3 chip that Apple announced in October, according to Bloomberg, which cited multiple unnamed sources.
The MacBook Air will reportedly have the new M3 processor, which will provide faster performance.
Apple did not release new iPads this year, contributing to a decline in sales for the device, which combined with Macs make up about 15% of Apple’s revenue.
The iPads will reportedly be available at the end of March with the iPadOS 17.4 software update, while the Macs, which are being developed with the macOS 14.3 software update that is expected for January or February, will also likely be available in March.
The company is also expected to release updated versions of its Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard for its iPad Pro, and its Vision Pro headset, Bloomberg reported.
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Key Background
In October, Apple held its “Scary Fast” product launch where it unveiled a new line of faster M3 chips, a 24-inch desktop iMac and upgraded high-end MacBook Pros. Despite the new product launches, Apple told investors in November not to expect revenue growth during this holiday quarter, suggesting revenue will be similar to 2022 levels, CNBC reported. In the third quarter of this year, the company also reported a 1% decline in revenue from last year to $89.5 billion, partly due to declining MacBook sales—its fourth straight quarter of decline. However, the company’s fiscal fourth-quarter earnings beat analyst expectations, and Apple CEO Tim Cook said iPhone 15 sales were performing better after its initial launch than the iPhone 14 did in a similar period, according to CNBC. Apple CFO Luca Maestri said in the call sales for Apple’s Mac, iPad and wearables, which include its Apple Watch, were suffering.
Further Reading
Apple ‘Scary Fast’ Mac launch event: the 4 biggest announcements (The Verge)
Apple lacks a clear path to growth this holiday season after four straight quarters of shrinkage (CNBC)
