Chip demand for Apple's iPad devices has been slow according to supply-chain sources. Shipments of the iPad-series for 2016 could reach just 40 million units or even below the mark, the sources indicated.

Shipments of Apple's iPad devices are set to continue their slide in 2017 and come to a record-low level, the sources said. Shipments are unlikely to pick up until 2018, when Apple is expected to update to OLED panels, the sources added.

Ming-Chi Kuo, analyst with KGI Securities, was quoted in various media reports such as MacRumors as saying shipments of Apple's iPads are forecast to fall 10-20% on year in 2017. The upcoming new iPads for 2017 are unlikely to drive shipment growth, said Kuo, which believes they will come in three models – a 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2, a 10.5-inch iPad Pro and a 9.7-inch iPad.

Apple is expected to bring "revolutionary" changes to its 2018 iPad lineup, such as the adoption of AMOLED panels, Kuo was quoted as saying.