KGI

55 'KGI' stories October 2013 - April 2018

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KGI: Apple could sell just 2 million HomePods across all of 2018, company ‘mulls’ low-cost model

Benjamin Mayo Apr 13 2018 - 7:55 am PT

A fresh report from Ming-Chi Kuo gives KGI’s take on the recent stories of poor market reception for HomePod. The report suggests that Apple could sell 2-2.5 million HomePods across all of 2018, with a million of those from first month pent-up demand.

Most analysts have predicted sales for HomePod around ten million a year, so Kuo’s prediction is quite pessimistic. He says the high price has cut off a lot of the potential market (in the face of tough, cheaper, competition) and that Apple is ‘mulling’ a lower-cost model.

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KGI: Apple to release more affordable 13-inch MacBook Air in Q2, HomePod demand ‘mediocre’ so far

Chance Miller Mar 3 2018 - 9:09 am PT

Reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities is today out with a pair of new investor notes on Apple. The analyst offers new supply chain details on the new iPhones coming this year, AirPods demand, and more. Kuo also says Apple is planning a more affordable 13-inch MacBook Air for this year…

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KGI: Apple estimated to sell 100 million units of new 6.1-inch iPhone, priced as iPhone 8 replacement

Benjamin Mayo Feb 14 2018 - 2:11 am PT

KGI continues to double-down on its claims on what the 2018 iPhone lineup will comprise. The 6.1-inch LCD iPhone will apparently resemble the iPhone X with a similar full-screen design, but at a more accessible price for customers; the analyst expects this new iPhone to be priced to replace iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, as cheap as $699.

The LCD 6.1-inch iPhone will use slightly less premium components, such as an aluminium frame instead of stainless steel. Nevertheless, given that it looks like a top-end iPhone in style, KGI believes the lower entry point will make it Apple’s most popular 2018 device and see total sales around 100 million units.

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KGI: iPhone SE 2 wireless charging unlikely, upgrade for iOS 12 possible

Zac Hall Jan 29 2018 - 9:29 am PT

Reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities has cast new doubt on the potential launch of an iPhone SE 2 with wireless charging or any other notable new features. In an interesting rebuttal to recent rumors, KGI questions the authenticity of recent claims for a few reasons.

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KGI predicts 6.1-inch LCD iPhone will help Apple rebound from ‘lower-than-expected’ iPhone X sales

Chance Miller Jan 28 2018 - 10:03 am PT

Reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities is today out with a trio of new investor notes that offer some additional color on the supplier breakdown for this year’s new iPhones. The analyst has previously stated that Apple will introduce three new iPhones this year, including two OLED models at 5.8-inches and 6.5-inches, and an LCD model at 6.1-inches…

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KGI: 6.1-inch LCD iPhone priced between $700-$800 w/ single rear camera, no 3D Touch

Chance Miller Jan 23 2018 - 8:56 am PT

Reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities is today out with a new investor note offering more color on the new iPhone models coming later this year. Kuo predicts that Apple’s decision to bring the iPhone X design to additional models will cause an increase in sales, while also offering more information on specifications…

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iPhone X
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KGI lowers iPhone X sales estimates, reiterates 6.1-inch LCD iPhone coming in fall

Benjamin Mayo Jan 19 2018 - 3:33 am PT

A new report from KGI defies market consensus claiming that iPhone X shipments are not as strong as many believe. The analyst says that it believes Apple will ship around 18 million iPhone X units in the current quarter, significantly below estimates in the 20-30 million range from other analysts. It primarily blames longer replacement cycles in China for the weaker demand for iPhone X.

However, KGI reaffirms its predictions of a three-tier 2018 iPhone lineup with a 6.1-inch LCD model, a successor to iPhone X and a 6.5-inch OLED ‘iPhone X Plus’ launching in the fall. In fact, KGI suggests that Apple may stop making iPhone X altogether when production of the new 2018 models ramp up.

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KGI predicts battery-hungry ‘upgraded 3D-sensing and AR’ features on future iPhones

Zac Hall Dec 21 2017 - 8:11 am PT

iPhone X Charger Battery

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted earlier this month that new iPhones next year will pack noticeably higher capacity batteries, but that move may not be entirely to extend battery life. Kuo’s latest investment advisory predicts “upgraded 3D-sensing and AR-related functions” that are more power-hungry.

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KGI: All three iPhones introduced in 2018 to pack more powerful batteries

Chance Miller Dec 7 2017 - 9:22 pm PT

Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities is out with his latest investor note this evening covering more changes we can expect with next year’s iPhone refresh. Kuo writes that Apple will bring L-shaped battery designs to the 6.5-inch and 5.8-inch OLED iPhones introduced next year, allowing for increased capacity and improved battery life…

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iPhone X
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KGI: Apple to offer two OLED iPhones with updated stainless steel frames next year

Zac Hall Nov 6 2017 - 8:18 am PT

iPhone X is still brand new, but there are already a few rumors about what to expect from Apple next year for its successor(s). Included in a heavily supplier-focused investment report from KGI Securities’ analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is a fresh mention of Apple offering not one but two iPhones with OLED displays and stainless steel cases. The new report also predicts Apple will make changes to the stainless steel metal frame to improve data transmission quality.

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KGI: iPhone X successor won’t bring TrueDepth sensors to rear camera, will offer ‘other spec upgrades’

Zac Hall Oct 31 2017 - 9:00 am PT

iPhone X TrueDepth Sensor

It’s iPhone X review day and KGI is out with a new report on what to expect from next year’s iPhone update. Specifically, Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities has issued a new report on the possibility of new iPhones next year gaining TrueDepth Cameras with 3D sensing on the backside like the front cameras on the new iPhone X.

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KGI: About 3 million iPhone X units will be available for launch, production improving in November

Benjamin Mayo Oct 20 2017 - 1:43 am PT

With iPhone 8 now on sale, all eyes are on the upcoming iPhone X. A morning report from KGI reiterates production issues we’ve been hearing about the iPhone X, indicating that only 2-3 million units will be shipped for sale before the launch on November 3rd (preorders open a week from today).

KGI points to supply shortages for several components including circuit boards for the iPhone X antenna and wide angle camera, and the depth-sensing Infrared dot projector.

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KGI: All 2018 iPhones to adopt Face ID as Apple abandons Touch ID

Chance Miller Oct 12 2017 - 4:50 pm PT

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is out tonight with a new investor note. Kuo explains that, despite initially believing Apple might readopt fingerprint technology, it’s now likely that all 2018 iPhone models will move to Face ID and leave Touch ID in the past…

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KGI: iPhone 8 Plus selling better than expected as iPhone X delay pushes ‘super cycle’ into 2018

Chance Miller Oct 6 2017 - 7:16 am PT

KGI’s Ming-Chi Kuo is today out with a new investor note in which he further analyzes the iPhone X supply chain and production struggles. Kuo also looks ahead to 2018, noting of when Apple will hit full production of the iPhone X as well as what’s in store for the 2018 iPhone…

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KGI: Despite production delays, TrueDepth camera puts iPhone X 2.5 years ahead of Android competition

Michael Potuck Oct 2 2017 - 9:53 am PT

A new report from KGI today includes a drop in the firm’s estimate for 2017 iPhone X shipments, its forecast for 2018-2019 performance, and how far behind Android devices are all thanks to Apple’s new TrueDepth camera system. This powers the new facial recognition and tracking system for Face ID unlocking, Animoji, and more.

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iPhone 8
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KGI: Initial iPhone 8 sales were not ‘weak’, stable demand at carriers

Benjamin Mayo Sep 27 2017 - 1:59 am PT

A new report from KGI rebuts some of the industry pessimism around the launch of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. Although it is true that lines were shorter than the usual blockbuster iPhone release, KGI says that opening weekend sales were about half that of last year’s.

Given that many early adopters are waiting for the iPhone X, 50% sales volume is inline with expectations. KGI says they are seeing stable demand from carrier sales.

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KGI: Preorder demand for iPhone X could top 50 million units, supply constraints through spring 2018

Benjamin Mayo Sep 25 2017 - 6:44 am PT

AAPL stock is down slightly today due to a report from Digitimes that Apple has asked suppliers to slow down delivery of iPhone X components, and investor fears that iPhone 8 demand is weak.

On the other side of the spectrum, KGI today says that iPhone X demand could reach 40-50 million units due to strong interest …

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KGI: Breakdown of iPhone 8 3D sensors, all colors to come with black front

Michael Potuck Sep 8 2017 - 8:56 pm PT

A new report from KGI this evening includes a detailed breakdown of the 3D sensors that will be found in the iPhone 8, predictions for what Apple will do for colors with the front of the device, and more.

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iPhone 8
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KGI: iPhone 8 cost higher due to Samsung controlling OLED, no Touch ID due to 3D Touch

Zac Hall Sep 6 2017 - 9:47 am PT

KGI is out with a new report ahead of Apple’s September 12 event that shares a few details about the iPhone 8, or iPhone Edition as it may be called. Specifically, the latest report explains why the OLED iPhone must carry a premium price this year as well as the reason Apple will probably drop Touch ID fingerprint recognition.

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KGI: Apple’s iPhone 8 ahead of Qualcomm with 3D sensing tech by 2 years

Greg Barbosa Aug 21 2017 - 12:47 pm PT

In a new report out by KGI’s Ming-Chi Kuo, the group believes that Apple has a significant lead on Qualcomm in the 3D sensing technology space. KGI reports that Qualcomm won’t be making significant shipments until at least 2019.

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KGI: 3 new iPads to debut next quarter will slow decline in sales, 10-10.5 inch model wildcard

Seth Weintraub Jan 8 2017 - 5:54 am PT

In a new report out this morning from noted analyst Ming-Chi Quo at KGI Securities, we find the size of the new iPad form factor, expected in Q2 still in flux indicating that Apple may still be deciding between different sizes.

The new models will come in 12.9”, 10-10.5” and 9.7” versions. We note the 12.9” model will be the second generation of the existing 12.9” iPad Pro, the 10-10.5” model will be the high-end model equipped with a narrow bezel design, and the 9.7” model will be the low-priced option. The former two models will have an A10X chip manufactured by TSMC (2330 TT, NT$183.5, N), while the latter comes with an A9 chip made by Samsung LSI. Although we estimate iPad shipments in 2017 will drop again YoY to 35-37mn units, we except the decline to narrow to 10% from 2016’s roughly 20%, given that the 10-10.5” model may see more demand from commercial/ enterprises and tender markets, while the low-priced 9.7” model may have a greater shipment contribution and likely account for 50-60% of total shipments of new iPads.

Perhaps most interesting for AAPL stockholders is the psychological impact of iPad sales leveling off and greater ASP…

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iPhone sales expected to drop in 1st half of 2017 without new SE model, Apple to put margin pressure on suppliers

Seth Weintraub Nov 4 2016 - 8:57 pm PT

KGI‘s Ming-Chi Kuo is out with his latest iPhone sales numbers forecast which shows the iPhone 7 line falling in sales for the second consecutive year. The primary drivers are weak demand in China, slow shipment volume of 4.7” iPhones in 1Q17, and the lack of a new iPhone SE in 2Q17.

We are conservative about the sell-through of the 4.7” iPhone and Apple’s market share in China. As such, we estimate 1Q17 iPhone shipment volume of 40-50mn units, lower than the 51.2mn units in 1Q16.
Shipment volume in 2Q16 came in higher than expected thanks to upbeat demand for the iPhone SE. However, in order to keep gross margin at a high level and to avoid cannibalization of high-end models, we do not expect Apple to launch an upgraded iPhone SE in 2Q17. Without contribution from a new model, we forecast total iPhone shipment volume will reach 35-40mn units and fall YoY in 2Q17, lower than the 40.4mn units in 2Q16.

Falling sales may force Apple to exert pressure on its suppliers to reduce costs starting this month or next…

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iPhone 8
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KGI: ‘Increasing likelihood’ iPhone 8 will feature glass front and back, stainless steel metal for premium models

Zac Hall Sep 29 2016 - 7:12 am PT

Reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities has released a new report further forecasting that the 2017 iPhone will likely adopt and glass front and back design like the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s. The idea seems to be that the new Jet Black iPhone 7 has proved highly popular with customers due to the appeal of its glossy finish, and glass would make it much less scratch prone; Apple has recommended customers use a case with the glossy aluminum model to avoid ‘micro abrasions’ from general usage.

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KGI: Apple’s full iPhone 7 Plus 5.5-inch lineup to adopt dual camera, 3GB of RAM

Seth Weintraub May 11 2016 - 9:21 am PT

Contrary to a previous report, KGI’s Ming-Chi Kuo now believes Apple’s next-generation 5.5-inch iPhone, likely to be called the iPhone 7 Plus, will have a dual back camera across the whole line. Previously, KGI is quoted as saying only the high end configurations of the iPhone would adopt the new camera technology:

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