APPLE 2014 FORECAST

In a note to clients picked up by AppleInsider, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that the world shouldn’t hold its breath for an own-brand Apple television — often referred to as the “iTV” — in 2014. What we should expect, however, is a completely redesigned Apple TV box. According to Kuo, Apple’s new Apple TV will feature complex motion control technology that allows users to operate the device without the need for a physical remote. Apple recently acquired Kinect inventor PrimeSense for about $350 million, and it will likely make use of the firm’s technology in the new Apple TV model and elsewhere. Kuo was less clear on the new Apple TV’s software, noting that he isn’t sure if or how third-party app support will work or even if it will be included on this model. He was confident that Apple will open its set-top box to third-party developers at some point, however. Earlier rumors stated that the upcoming new Apple TV will indeed support third-party apps and video games. Kuo’s report claims that the all new Apple TV will launch sometime late in the third quarter or early in the fourth quarter this year.

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The iWatch is going to be very expensive, says KGI Securities analyst Ming Chi Kuo in a new note. Kuo predicts some models of the iWatch will cost over $US1,000 when it’s out in the third quarter. Kuo’s report was written up at MacRumors and Apple Insider. Here is MacRumors’ write-up of his note:

Kuo believes the iWatch will ship during the end of the third quarter, offering biometric functionality, integration with the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and a “fashionable appearance.” As has been previously suggested, he predicts the device will come in two sizes, with a 1.3-inch and 1.5-inch flexible AMOLED display. It will also include a sapphire cover lens, biometric recognition, an NFC chip, wireless charging, a 200 to 250 mAh battery, and a slim and light design. Kuo also believes that Apple will offer the iWatch at multiple price points, with the most expensive version costing upwards of $US1,000.

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According to Kuo Apple’s 2014 iPad(s) will have Cupertino’s latest A8 SoC and TouchID. Kuo’s words are like any other analysts’ as they are based on what they hear from their well-placed sources within Apple and its supply chain; however, KGI’s analyst was spot on when it comes to TouchID on iPhone 5S’ home button and use of Sapphire glass. Kuo claims that this time around Apple will be releasing its iPad Air 2 a little early – sometime in the third quarter. The analyst is also placing the chips on TSMC produced A8 processor, Touch ID and a rear-facing 8-megapixel camera. Further, Apple will also be giving a refresh to its Apple iPad mini with Retina to include an A8 CPU and Touch ID. Kuo claims that the primary reason why Apple iPad Mini with Retina failed was the thicker form factor to make room for a higher-resolution display. “This change proved unpopular among consumers,” he wrote in a research note which was obtained by Apple Insider. “We think iPad mini with Retina display made the same mistake, explaining why it’s not selling as well as the previous generation of iPad mini.” There were reports earlier that Apple was working on releasing a 12.9-inch tablet that will cater to businesses as well as those in the entertainment industry; however, Kuo isn’t placing any bets on the release of such a tablet until next year.

Given Apple’s secretive nature, we can only speculate and assume what Apple has planned for release this year, and the next, and so on. However according to KGI Securities analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, he has recently put together a slide showing what he expects Apple’s roadmap to be for 2014.

According to Kuo, he expects that towards the end of Q2 2014, Apple will introduce an upgrade to the iMac, possibly at low cost. During Q3, he expects that both the iPad Air and the iPad mini will be getting an upgrade which dispels rumors that Apple could be killing off the iPad mini.

During Q3 Kuo also expects that Apple will launch the rumored iWatch and that it could come in two sizes. One will be of the 1.3-inch display variety and the other of a 1.5-inch variety, and both will come with a flexible AMOLED display. Q3 is also when the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 is expected to make its debut.

Come Q4, Kuo thinks that Apple will be announcing an upgrade to its Apple TV, which we guess is due for an upgrade. The rumored 12-inch MacBook is also expected to make its debut early Q4 along with MacBook Pro upgrades as well which is interesting as Apple typically makes computer-related announcements at WWDC. Last but not least is the 5.5-inch iPhone which he thinks could debut towards the end of the  year.

We should note that this isn’t the official roadmap and it is one put together by an analyst who thinks that this is what Apple has planned for the rest of the year. However Kuo has been pretty reliable in the past when it comes to providing insider knowledge regarding Apple’s products, so perhaps there might be some truth to his claims, but to be on the safe side, you might want to take it with a grain of salt for now.