DigiTimes Research: there’s ‘steady demand’ for the 9.7-inch iPad Pro

Global tablet shipments will bounce back 16.3% sequentially to reach nearly 47 million units in the third quarter, but the volume will still be down over 10% compared to the same quarter a year ago, according to DigiTimes Research.

Despite the absence of new models for the second half of 2016, Apple will see its tablet shipment dip only slightly on year to 9.5 million units in the third quarter thanks to steady demand for 9.7-inch iPad Pro, adds the research group. (Note: the Sellers Research Group — that’s me — expects a second generation 12.7-inch iPad Pro to arrive before the holidays.)

While non-Apple tablet vendors will benefit from inventory build-ups in the third quarter, most brands still remain conservative about their business outlook. Among them, Samsung Electronics will see its shipment momentum fade during the peak season as its new entry-level and mid-range models will face increasing competition from China brands, according to DigiTimes Research.