Apple's 12.9-inch iPad Pro Release Imminent But Delayed

Apple may have released a new set of iPads but it has started gearing up for another one. Despite doubts about the 12.9-inch iPad, it appears the company will be pushing through with the release so long as it gets around its production issues. When can people expect the new breed of iPad Pro?

Apple has yet hit another production problem as recent information suggests the release of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro was pushed back due to production problems. The new report came from Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities. The analyst has been known for providing accurate Apple predictions for the past years. According to Kuo, people can expect the new iPad to hit around second quarter of 2015.

AppleInsider obtained a research note from the KGI supporting the delayed release. According to Kuo, Apple wants to incorporate an oxide LCD technology supporting the higher resolution display of the upcoming iPad. The technology can also allow Apple to transform its iPad with higher color saturation and quicker response times. The most recent example of Apple's switch to oxide technology is through its iMac with Retina 5K display sporting large-format 27-inch oxide TFT panel. The analyst also noted that Apple needs to work around the production time and assembly to allow for mass manufacturing. Given the current situation, the company will not make it to a first quarter release.

MacRumors discussed that Kuo focused on predicting the shipment of iPads. The analyst thinks that the shipment may go down to 54.5 percent quarter over quarter amounting to 9.8 million units at the start of 2015. The market has been saturated leading to lack of new applications. According to Kuo: "We believe that, in a major shift, while Apple (US) used to be able to use new form factor designs to boost demand, it has failed to do so this time around."

Tim Cook claimed before that the drop in iPad sales can be considered as a slight "speed bump" which the company intends to address.