14 DAY TRIAL // A reputable analyst with a solid track record reveals that, according to his research, Apple plans to debut its highly-anticipated timekeeping piece in March. Component yield rates will be low at first, but the first quarter should nonetheless see a lot of shipped units, according to Ming Chi Kuo, of KGI Research.
Responsible for accurately predicting a great deal of product launches and sales figures, KGI’s Ming Chi Kuo is regarded as one of the most reliable company watchers. Not surprisingly, the media takes his investor notes seriously.
Apple Watch debut in March
Apple is eyeing the month of March to mark the prestigious physical debut of the Apple Watch, a promising wrist-worn wearable computer that hopes to give all other smartwatches a run for their money.
Kuo says that Apple’s suppliers in the Far East are still struggling to increase their yield rates, but even so the company still stands to ship around 2.8 million units in the first quarter of 2015 alone. For the whole year, Kuo estimates some 10 million units sold. Apple Watch will start at $350 / €350 for the base Sport model, and will also come in more expensive configurations based on different materials and screen sizes.
12-inch MacBook Air to roll out soon
KGI’s renowned analyst expects the redesigned 12-inch MacBook Air to launch alongside the watch, or soon thereafter. The new laptop is said to be ultra-thin, and will probably feature a Retina display.
According to leaks, the computer will sport a single USB 3.1 Type-C connector that will facilitate everything from charging to connecting accessories and external drives. Apple is already being scrutinized for doing away with the MacSafe port & charger, despite the fact that these leaks have yet to be confirmed.