Analyst: Surface Could Mean Slimmer iPad for Early 2013

Despite the fact that Apple announced a fourth-generation iPad (and an iPad Mini) just seven months after the iPad 3 launched, the firm may already be working on a thinner, lighter model for launch early next year.

According to Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst for KGI Securities, the iPad 4 and iPad Mini may not be enough to beat competition stemming from Microsoft's hotly anticipated Surface tablet. Kuo wrote in a note to investors that due to the threat Surface poses, Apple could be pressured into launching a lighter and thinner model of the 9.7-inch iPad.

"Though the iPad mini is expected to be successful, we think launching the lighter, thinner 9.7-inch iPad as quickly as possible matters more for Apple strategically," Kuo said.

The analyst expects Apple to integrate "GF DITO" (otherwise known as GF2) touchscreen technology into the new iPad. The iPad Mini already utilizes GF2, with the tech contributing to the slate's 23 percent thinner and 53 percent lighter body when compared the iPad 4.

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12 Comments Comment from the forums

cknobman

So WTF is thinner and lighter going to do for the iPad in regards to competing with Surface??

It will still have a chump smartphone OS on it that has about 1/3 the potential capabilities as Windows 8/RT.
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jakes69

I don't get thinner and lighter is better thinking. Too light make it looks cheap. I like to hold on a device that feels sturdy.
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d_kuhn

Competition is good... Apple seems to have gotten lazy lately, iPhone 5 that's basically an iPhone 4t, ipad mini that's not really bringing new capabilities to the table. Android has been out-innovating them lately, and while they've still got great LOOKING products... they need to pick up their game.
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misterawsome

ipad 4 just released
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Botia

Having an iPad 3, here are some things Apple could improve on:
1) Lighter. It's a little too heavy.
2) Cooler. It runs too hot. - fixed in iPad 4 I believe
3) Better edges. The current rounded edges are a pain for holding, plugging in, etc. The surface looks much better in this regards.
4) Volume control - move it away from the power button. I hate turning the device off when I want to change the volume. I also hate how it mutes the volume when you turn the volume down.

As far as the OS, it's good for what the tablet is used for - web browser, mail, netflix, some games.

Having used Windows 8 for a bit, it appears it would be really nice on a tablet. It's not so nice on a dual screen setup. Actually reverted back to Windows 7 due to usability. Microsoft did improve a lot of the core in Windows 8, but the new UI can be crippling for advanced users.
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panini

d_kuhnCompetition is good... Apple seems to have gotten lazy lately, iPhone 5 that's basically an iPhone 4t, ipad mini that's not really bringing new capabilities to the table. Android has been out-innovating them lately, and while they've still got great LOOKING products... they need to pick up their game.
For once someone who makes a criticism on Apple without bashing on them.

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blakphoenix

Is it just me or does Toms now have a very strong apple bias? I hardly see any leaked details about windows or android devices but we seem to get 5-6 ridiculous apple headlines a day. If you're desperate to give us apple news then PLEASE consolidate it into ONE post per day Toms and how about news on the new windows 8 products and new android products? I don't see Apple innovating things like the new Dell XPS 12 or ASUS Thaichi at the moment, to me those things are exciting!
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tipoo

Keep the size the same, use the space you keep getting for more battery instead. Thin is nice, but things have gotten to the point where even thinner doesn't seem like a benefit anymore.
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nuvon

Without Steve Job, Apple seems to be losing ground....
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i hope they will upgrade the camera to 8 megapixals with flash
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