Tweaked iPad and New 'iPad Mini' Closely Follow iPhone 5 Launch

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo offered more predictions about Apple's iOS device plans for the September-October timeframe. He suggests that Apple may launch the next-generation iPhone in September.

iPhone 5 to debut in September. But due to in-cell touch panel and casing yield rate limits, ability to offset older models' shipments decrease will be moderate.

As for the iPad family, Kuo believes that the iPad mini will be introduces later in September. The sales will be relative modest.  He predicts sales of just 1.8 million units during the short time the device will be on sale during the third quarter.

Kuo also claims that Apple will change some internal components of the current new iPad around the same time. The changes shall address thermal issues and reduce costs. Apple could also make device thinner and add IGZO display.

Though shipments of iPad mini’s components will start in August, the new iPad line will end production, ready for transition to a modified New iPad line. As such, component shipments will drop in August as iPad mini’s components shipments growth will be offset. On a side note, the modified New iPad shares the same exterior as the original model, but contains modifications to correct its thermal dissipation problem and lower-cost components.