Apple Reportedly Preparing 2018 iPad, MacBook & New iPhone Variants

Following the launch of iPhone X, the tech industry has been looking at Apple as it takes another step in revamping its other product series this 2018. Interestingly, there’s now information about the Cupertino giant’s plans for its next-generation iPad, MacBook and Apple Watch devices.

DigiTimes reported Monday that Apple’s Taiwanese suppliers are already seeing increased orders for components needed to produce this year’s tablets, laptops and smartwatches. Career Technology, E&R Engineering, ShunSin Technology and Superior Plating Technology (SPT) are reportedly benefiting from the increased orders, according to industry sources who divulged the information on condition of anonymity.

SPT, known for its pearl bright nickel processing technology, is expected to receive sizeable orders for the components needed to incorporate the technology to processor adapters needed for the upcoming iPhones, iPads and MacBook laptops. Industry sources shared that the components will be used for devices that will debut starting in March 2018.

Because DigiTimes sources did not indicate which product lineup is going to introduce a new installment, MacRumors surmised that it could be none other than the iPad series. After all, Tim Cook’s company introduced a more affordable 9.7-inch iPad in March 2017 through a press release. It’s also possible for Apple to launch a special edition iPhone next month, considering that the company introduced the (PRODUCT)RED edition iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus and the larger storage versions of the iPhone SE last year. There’s no mention if the next-generation Apple Watch models could be launched alongside the aforesaid products or anytime soon.

The idea that new iPhone variants could be released this coming March is not too farfetched. Career Technology recently received rush orders for supplying flexible circuit antennas for iPhone devices because Japan’s Murata is incapable of meeting Apple’s deadline for the shipments. There have been rumors about a second-generation iPhone SE for some time now. The first model was released two years ago, so some tech sites are guessing that a successor could be in the works. It’s worth noting though that renowned Apple leaker and KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has recently voiced his doubts on the iPhone SE 2’s rumored 2018 release.

The news that Apple is already preparing its new products comes after the Cupertino giant’s announcement that the iPhone X exceeded its expectations. “iPhone X surpassed our expectations and has been our top-selling iPhone every week since it shipped in November,” Cook said after disclosing that his company shipped 77.316 million iPhone devices in the fiscal 2018 first quarter that ended on Dec. 30, 2017.