Apple’s iPad has sold by the millions — approximately 16 million units this year since its launch — and analyst Brian White of Ticonderoga Securities predicts as many as 45 million (!!!) iPads shipping next year, after speaking with one of Apple’s component suppliers for the iPad. This estimation would certainly place the iPad squarely in the realm of being the fourth-largest consumer electronics category in the United States next year with the top three spots held by TVs, smartphones, and notebook computers, respectively.
In addition to this optimistic shipping estimate for the iPad in 2011, White also offers more information about specs for the smaller 7-inch iPad:
As others have already speculated, White’s contact says the second-generation iPad will be smaller, with a screen that measures about seven inches, compared to the first iPad’s 9.7-inch screen. The new iPad will also include the high-resolution “Retina” display that the latest version of the iPhone (4) boasts, a micro or mini USB port, a camera and greater capacity of up to 128 gigabytes. The amount of storage in the current generation of iPads tops out at 64 gigabytes.
I’m in agreement with other skeptics that the 7-inch iPad will likely NOT have a retina display in order to keep costs down. However, if Apple can ship the kinds of numbers that White is predicting, then maybe sheer volume and buying power will make a retina displays possible for future iPads?
