Apple launches new iPads and smart watches

Apple Inc is expected to consolidate its leading position in the smart watch and tablet computer markets with new models making their debut, researchers said on Wednesday. 

During an online conference, Apple announced its eighth-generation iPad with its A12 Bionic chip starting at US$329.

Apple’s iPad sales are expected to hit 45.1 million units with an 8 percent growth year on year. It will take about 34 percent of the global tablet market, according to researcher TrendForce.

CITIC Securities said iPad sales will hit 50 million units this year with a 10 percent growth from a year ago, thanks to office, education and entertainment demand during the pandemic. 

Apple also unveiled its Series 6 smartwatch, starting at US$399, adding new features including monitoring sleep and blood oxygen levels as well as detecting when wearers are washing their hands.

Apple is expected to sell 27.7 million smart watches this year, a growth of 3.7 percent, according to TrendForce. 

Apple, Huawei and Samsung were the top three smart watch vendors by the end of first quarter, with market shares of 36.3 percent, 14.9 percent and 12.3 percent, respectively. 

On Apple China’s website, iPads start from 2,499 yuan (US$367.5) and new smart watches will cost from 2,199 yuan with deliveries in October at the earliest.