14 DAY TRIAL // DisplaySearch has released a prediction on its blog, claiming that Apple will once again rely on display innovation to stay ahead of the curve, planning to release larger MacBook Air computers and iPads, as well as a big-screen TV and an iWatch.
Going by this analysis, we could say 2014 will be Apple’s biggest year, considering the projection that the company will be deploying not one new product category, but several.
However, predictions are what they are and, while DisplaySearch certainly has a fair track record when it comes to forecasting Apple’s adoption of new screen technologies, we must remain skeptical.
“Based on supply chain research, we believe Apple is planning to revamp nearly all of the displays in its products over the next year,” says DisplaySearch.
“This would indicate that Apple, once again, intends to count on display technology for new product innovation.”
The firm speculates about Apple’s new products as shown in the chart on the left. Apparently, they’ve heard Apple is getting ready to increase the screen size of the low-end MacBook Air, from 11 inches to 12.
An Apple TV with a huge display is also coming in late 2014, according the chart. The specs are: 55”, 65” 4Kx2K 120Hz LCD.
Finally, the much hyped iWatch is also mentioned, featuring a 1.3”/1.63” 320×320 flexible AMOLED display.
The chart includes some of Apple’s late-2013 devices as well (likely 100% accurate), including the iPad 5 with a 9.7” 2048×1536 display, and the iPad mini 2 with its first-ever Retina display.
The least likely product to materialize (also referenced in the DisplaySearch chart) is an all-new iPad with a 12.9-inch display and a 2732×2048 resolution. Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to see this device come to fruition.