Apple Will Launch 8 New Products In 2012 Including iPhone 5, iPad Mini, New iPods & Updated Macs

In a recent publication by Apple Insider, KGI Securities representative Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed that Apple’s new product launch schedule for the final quarter of 2012 is “jam-packed with new devices”, including a new iPhone, a smaller iPad, new iPods and updated Macs.

Kuo indicated that a total of 8 new Apple products are reportedly set to go on sale before the end of 2012. One of the two main products among these is the so-called “iPhone 5”, which Apple is expected to unveil at a media event on Sept. 12, while the other one is a smaller 7.85″ iPad Mini which is set for an October launch.

“According to Kuo, September is also likely to see the unveiling of a 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display, a new iPod touch, and a new 21.5-inch iMac.

Then, in October, reports have indicated that Apple is planning to hold a second media event at which it will unveil a smaller iPad with a 7.85-inch display. Joining the so-called “iPad mini” in October, according to Kuo, will be a new iPod nano, a “modified new iPad,” and a new 27-inch iMac”.

KGI representative also said that some products were intended for release late in the second quarter or early in the third quarter of 2012, but production problems led to internal delays.

He explained that with the new iPhone, the main issue has been with assembly of the device and not the in-cell touch panels. As for the smaller iPad, Apple is facing production yield issues with a “very thin panel module” being utilized in the new device.

As for the “new iPad” that Apple is apparently planning to launch, Kuo said the hardware will look largely identical to the current model. He said the most noticeable change will be adoption of the new 9-pin dock connector Apple is expected to feature in the new iPhone, iPod touch and iPad mini.

The new iPod touch and iPod nano will also feature new panel technology and sport all-new designs this year, according to Kuo. In particular, the new iPod nano is expected to feature wireless connectivity that will allow it to download content from the iTunes Store and iCloud.

The difficulty in placing a Wi-Fi chip inside of the new iPod nano is likely what caused an internal delay for that product, Kuo said. He believes the problem has been resolved, allowing Apple to launch the product in mid-October.

Finally, Kuo said the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display will feature an all-new design and an entry price between $1,100 and $1,300. The new iMac will however not have a Retina display this year, he added.