iPad 6

Everyone seems to be looking ahead to the iPad 6, instead of getting excited for the iPad 5, which is expected to be announced by Apple in a few weeks. The well trusted KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo sent out a research note over the weekend regarding the future of Apple's iPad, iMac and MacBook lines. Unlike analyst David Hsieh, who believes Apple is working on a 12-inch iPad, Kuo thinks the iPad 6 "will not change from the current 9.7-inch format." Instead Kuo says the iPad 6 will get a bump in pixels per inch instead of an increase in screen size.

"In light [of] advancing Oxide and a-Si technologies, the PPI of iPad 6, which we expect to come out at end-2014, will exceed that of 2013’s iPad 5 by 30-40%, which will offer more competent visuals.”

Kuo also noted that he expects the iPad mini 2 to feature a Retina display, and added "that there will be no further changes to resolution for the third-generation iPad mini next year," according to MacRumors.

Analyst David Hsieh has released a report on Apple's upcoming 2014 products based on his supply chain research. Hsieh believes "Apple is planning to revamp nearly all of the displays in its products over the next year." This includes a 12.9-inch iPad with a 2,732 × 2,048 resolution, a 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and 5.7-inch iPhone with a 1,920 x 1,080 display. Hsieh also said Apple will release an iWatch, a new Retina MacBook Air, and an Apple-branded TV sometime next year.

Hsieh notes that "rapid developments in technology and manufacturing of LCD and OLED displays" has made it easier for Apple's competitors to challenge the Cupertino company.

"Apple is no longer able to offer unique features in its displays as a long-term differentiator. Mobile device brands are adopting the latest displays with large sizes, high resolution, wide color gamut and low color shift wide viewing angle, and low power consumption, supplied by many panel makers not 'bounded by Apple. Introduction of the iPhone 5S and 5C was the latest example that Apple has been slow in adopting the latest display technologies.