Apple MacBook Pro 2016: MacBook Pro Demand Plummeting Because Of High Prices And Low Specs

Renowned KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggest that there will be a decline in demand for Apples newest notebook, the MacBook Pro with Touch Bar model. This is due to the high price in comparison to the specifications of the new device. Kuo in a note to investors explained that the initial outlook for the new MacBook Pro model after the special media event last week have been tepid.

Looking at the new Apple MacBook Pro 2016, the specification pales in comparison with the steep asking price for the Apple flagship notebook. The new 13 inch and 15 inch Touch Bar models prices starts at $1,799 and $2,399, respectively. These prices are way higher right next to last year's 13-inch MacBook Pro refresh at $1,299 last March and the larger 15-inch variant at $1,999 last May.

Furthermore, Kuo added that aside from the high costs the new key design developments has been disappointing for avid Apple users. The KGI analyst states that the core problem is Apple's switch to USB-C, the scrapping of the SD card reader and the lack of room for higher memory adjustments.

Kuo forecasted that for the first quarter of 2017 the demand for older MacBooks will remain the same. However, he anticipated that there will be a 15 to 25 percent drop off  in the shipments from quarter-on-quarter because of a lower demand for the new MacBook Pro models.

On the other hand, Kuo admitted that in spite of the bad initial response to the new Apple MacBook Pro 2016, he is optimistic going deep into 2017. Particularly, he anticipated that the Cupertino will reduce the pricing of the new MacBook Pro with Touch Bar model during the second half of 2017 to catch up with the sell-through. Historically, Apple has dropped discounted prices on its hardware a year after it is launched as well as other prices for legacy devices. 

Stay tuned to SWR for more updates and latest news on Apple MacBook Pro 2016.