According to KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has issued a new research report which offers new supply chain details on the new iPhones coming this year, AirPods demand, as well as a "more affordable MacBook Air, which is we heard that the lineup will be updated...
Even through Kuo doesn't reveal any info on the new MacBook models other than outlining lower price tag, but we expect to see internal upgrades like processors and graphics, with improvements like the display, some of USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 upgrades may be also on the table, or perhaps an overall design updates.
When it comes to the new iPhones that will be released this year, Kuo primarily focuses on the entry-level 6.1-inch model, he believes it will make for a strong year for suppliers such as Unimicron, as well as Apple partners Wistron and Pegatron.
Meanwhile, Kuo notes that demand for HomePod has been “mediocre”, but he's extremely optimistic about the AirPods demand going forward, as he predicts that AirPods along with the rumored high-end over-ear headphones are the future of Apple's artificial intelligence and augmented reality ambitions
Even through Kuo doesn't reveal any info on the new MacBook models other than outlining lower price tag, but we expect to see internal upgrades like processors and graphics, with improvements like the display, some of USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 upgrades may be also on the table, or perhaps an overall design updates.
We expect Apple (US) to roll out the new MacBook Air with a lower price tag in 2Q18. We forecast total shipments of MacBook models will grow 10-15% YoY in 2018 (vs. 0-5% YoY decline for the NB industry), up from 15.5-16mn units in 2017. While Quanta, Radiant, Catcher and SZS are likely to benefit from strong shipments mome\ntum, SZS also stands to benefit from increased market share and a higher ASP.