10.5-Inch and 12.9-Inch iPads May Not Ship Until May or June

[macduke]

The only non-manufacturing reason I see them waiting until June would be to show off a new, advanced version of iOS for iPad Pro. But would the iPad get the update at launch, or would users have to wait until iOS 11 in September? And if the thing is going to launch in June, couldn't they go ahead and put an A11X in it instead of an A10X? There's also an outside chance that they release the new iPhone at the end of June (maybe just the special edition?) for the 10 year anniversary of the iPhone. Within that context, an iPad Pro launch makes more sense, especially if this new iPhone is branded as an iPhone Pro and has an A11 chip.

It would be nice if Apple released an iPhone Pro a few months before the regular iPhone upgrade that year so that enthusiasts and power users can get the higher end, more expensive model ahead of the typical upgrade cycle. But it needs to be worth the price, having extra features or faster hardware, and not just be a "pay more for early access" type of thing. The downside I see to this is that it takes the winds out of the sail for the "mass market" iPhone unveiling in the autumn.

Given that, if it were up to me—scary, I know—I'd launch new iPhone (regular, Plus) and iPad (Mini/regular) models in August every year and unveil the A_X Pro versions of the iPhone and iPad (10.5/12.9") in November. This means we have to wait a little longer, but I don't mind, and for those on the iPhone Upgrade Program or who just buy a new one every year, their previous gen iPhone Pro would perform favorably (maybe slightly slower or equally) against next gen base models, so there is no real downside. Maybe the iPhone Pro would get the expensive, semi-experimental new features (things in the same "wow" vein of portrait mode—perhaps wireless power, iris scanning, edge to edge display, Touch Bar, full "swimming" waterproofing, @3X mLED display, etc) a year ahead of the mass market version so it gives Apple time to perfect it. Enthusiasts like many of us here would be willing to pay more to get the advanced stuff, better battery life, and more 10 months ahead of everyone else. And for the new components they use, it gives Apple time to ramp up production at their various manufacturing partners for the next year's model as an iPhone Pro would probably only have 10% of the iPhone market share, but with higher margins that help fuel more research and development. Well, perhaps in an ideal world!

 

[zombierunner]

I want 8.5 inch iPad in 7.9 inch iPad mini form factor.

 

[Rava]

No date listed for the new Mini... Hopefully the previous rumor is true and it will be updated.

 

[TechGeek76]

I can tell you have zero clue about IT, that's for sure at least

Tech in general if he's thinks this is the worlds fastest super computer.

 

[coolspot18]

The iPad mini doesn't make sense anymore with the increasing sizes of the phones. Four iPad sizes is just goofy.

I still think it's a great size to use in bed to watch movies. The regular iPads are too big to hold comfortable for extended periods of time.

 

[utilitas]

I still think it's a great size to use in bed to watch movies. The regular iPads are too big to hold comfortable for extended periods of time.

For me even my iPhone is too big to hold comfortable for extended periods ot time. I need to have an iPad stand

 

[WinterWolf90]

Probably won't upgrade from air 2 since it is still working wonderfully.

 

[TallManNY]

That's fine, I'm waiting for the 11.7" iPad, which is really the sweet spot in screen sizes.

No. 11.4" is best. And I will fight you on this!
[doublepost=1487956486][/doublepost]

Google trucks and cars, Steve jobs.

You sir just need a car, does not mean others do not need trucks. Steve knew this very well, This is beyond Tim...so he just "tries" to simplify the situation, though is very wrong. Macs and PCs are going nowhere.

But his basic point is probably right. The folks who need "trucks" must make up far less than 20% of all PC sales, right? Maybe 50% of Mac buyers really need the "truck". But many would do better with an iPad Pro but they don't realize it.

When (not if) the PC market loses 50% of its customers to mobile solutions, it will be a very different industry.

 

[redscull]

The iPad mini doesn't make sense anymore with the increasing sizes of the phones. Four iPad sizes is just goofy.

Minis are perfect for kids. Smaller, lighter, and cheaper than bigger iPads, and significantly cheaper than phones. I realize "kids" is a bit of a niche market vs everyone, but I've also seen posts from plenty of adults who prefer that size as well. Also, not everyone buys the large phones so an iPad, even a mini, is a nice screen size increase at home.
[doublepost=1487957576][/doublepost]

As a 12.9 owner.....they seriously need to do some work on it for the screen size. There are many many times that it uses space like a iPhone instead of a huge screen "pro" device. I love Apple, but with a staff that big they cannot make a better version for people buying the top top of the line?

Isn't that entirely up to the apps and their devs? So if you're directing this comment at Apple, which built-in apps are you referring to? Your comment is applicable to literally nothing in iOS on a 9.7 screen, but I've never used a 12.9 iPad for more than just a few seconds so I can't speak for that size. I'm genuinely curious which Apple apps could have seriously benefitted from the extra resolution but failed to make good use of it.

 

[Firebrand]

Luckely rumors are always in the Air

 

[Howyalikdemapls]

What do you expect an upgrade to be? It's a rectangular piece of multitouch glass. What would "sound" like an upgrade to you? A jetpack so you can fly with it?

New screen, new A10X, hopefully at least the double-pinned Lightning port from the 12", updated Touch ID... Sounds like as big an update as any other.
[doublepost=1487939692][/doublepost]

Tens of millions of people a year at least. Which is more than you could say for your Mac Mini (which I'd like to see upgraded too, but your implications on consumer interest are way off).

Biggest issue: Access to the file system. Being able to save any file to the iPad and access it from any program. Download files directly from the web to the iPad instead of saving them within an app. Have folders be accessible from an external source as well as from the iPad itself (transfer files from a PC without having to sync through iTunes).

Also, I would appreciate being able to have multiple windows open at one time and situate them around the screen where I see fit. I want programs to continue to load/buffer even when I don't have them up on the display at that moment. I'd like a true multi-tasking experience.

A USB port or micro SD card reader would be a nice touch as well.

Basically I would like it to function like a computer, rather than a big iPhone. (Although all of these things I mentioned would be welcomed improvements in the iPhone as well.)

I know they love to throw the marketing term "Pro" onto every iPad in the lineup, but it would nice if they actually made a better iPad (iPad Pro Pro?) that could function as a laptop replacement. They could still keep their crippled iOS iPad as a base model for people who are content with that.

 

[redscull]

Biggest issue: Access to the file system. Being able to save any file to the iPad and access it from any program. Download files directly from the web to the iPad instead of saving them within an app. Have folders be accessible from an external source as well as from the iPad itself (transfer files from a PC without having to sync through iTunes).

Also, I would appreciate being able to have multiple windows open at one time and situate them around the screen where I see fit. I want programs to continue to load/buffer even when I don't have them up on the display at that moment. I'd like a true multi-tasking experience.

A USB port or micro SD card reader would be a nice touch as well.

Basically I would like it to function like a computer, rather than a big iPhone. (Although all of these things I mentioned would be welcomed improvements in the iPhone as well.)

I wonder what the majority of the target audience for the device wants. I'm someone who's bought 7 total iPads thus far, use mine daily, and very much plan on an upgrade this year. Point being, I've spent a lot of money on iPads so I feel like I'm part of that target audience.

And I don't want any of those things you mentioned. In fact, every single one of those would make the iPad less aligned to the value I get out of it.

While I do think iOS could benefit from an overhauled document management system, I don't want true file system access. That would make everything I do with files on it already more tedious and require me to waste more time organizing it. And then I'd just get annoyed at not having a real keyboard and mouse to do that kind of labor more efficiently.

Relative to a proper computer, all the iPads have pretty small screen resolutions. There just isn't enough real estate to do anything meaningful with lots of windows open. This feature at least I'm not opposed to, because it should at least be possible to give you what you want in a way that doesn't negatively impact those of us who don't need it, but it will be a serious downgrade in usability if I can't continue to use full screen or no-effort split screen for everything. And I almost never even want to split the screen.

I absolutely don't want apps to load in the background or stay loaded, aside from the special features already allowed to do so like phone calls, music, and GPS. The way iOS auto-suspends and resumes applications is one of the most beautiful things about the system. It ensures solid battery life and consistent performance all the time. Any app that takes more than a "moment" to load is terrible, probably because it's an application masquerading as an app. Applications don't belong on iOS. I will grant you that clashes with Apple's "Pro" moniker, but Apple got that wrong. A tablet is not a Pro device. Period. And trying to make it one ruins its whole purpose.

I look forward to an iPad with absolutely no holes in it. Dust/lint and water proofness would be substantially more appealing to me than ports. I suspect that's true of most users or Apple wouldn't be headed in the direction they are.

Basically, I like that it's a big iPhone. I have a computer for "truck" related activities. I do most/all my "car" activities on my iPad. If you turn my "car" into a "truck," I'll no longer have a "car" device. And no, my phone is not a suitable replacement for my tablet. Even the Plus screens are still much too small on real estate.

 

[darcyf]

I bet you all the money in the world I don't.

Ditto. The two most important (to me) things I do on my Mac are screenwriting and video editing and neither can be done beyond a rudimentary level on the iPad.

Heck, even something as basic as watching Netflix in bed is better on a Mac than an iPad since I don't have to hold my Mac to keep it upright while I watch -- or buy some infernal case that only holds the iPad at a fixed angle under the exact right conditions.

For seniors, children, and casual users the iPad is no doubt perfect. But for people who want to actually get something done, I think iPads are the exception -- most would prefer and/or in no uncertain terms require a Mac.

 

[Works4Me]

Like I posted elsewhere, I'm finding my iPad incredibly useful for marking papers from a few university courses I teach. That's something I can't do on my Macs as well because of the Pencil. BUT that doesn't even come close to meaning that I can replace my computers with an iPad. Even downloading assignments and turning them into pdfs is simpler on the Mac than an iPad. Sure, you can do it on an iPad - like you can a lot of other things than you can on a Mac - but it's just easier on a Mac. The workarounds to get things to get some things done on an iPad mean I won't be abandoning my Macs anytime soon.

 

[skitidetdu]

That's all fine but I'm still waiting for a new mac mini for my wife.

 

[TSE]

why? it's a month "delay" assuming it's even announced in March. big deal.

Maybe for you, sure.

I've been holding off on an iPad Pro for a few months because I knew a refresh was due. I am desperately needing one to replace my Wacom Intuos Pro so I can do some serious digital sketching.

 

[Count Blah]

I could not be more excited to get my hands on these new iPads. They will all be incredible.

Thanks for posting Tim. Can you please throw a couple people at updating the Mac Mini and Mac Pro?

If iPad is dead, then computing is dead and we'll all be doing something else. iPad is without doubt the future of computing and Macs and Windows PC's as we know them will cease to exist soon.

So Nostradamus, can you tell us when you will be able to develop software for the iPad, ON the iPad? I'll hang up and listen to your answer.

 

[imola.zhp]

I want a 7.9" pro with apple pencil capabilities. Until that exists I see no reason to upgrade from our LTE Mini Retina (Mini2). I pulled it out of the drawer to use the other day randomly because my 7+ was dead and it hadn't been used in so long that it was dead.

 

[Rob_2811]

That's all fine but I'm still waiting for a new mac mini for my wife.

Think you might be waiting longer than June..

 

[WRChris]

Google trucks and cars, Steve jobs.

You sir just need a car, does not mean others do not need trucks. Steve knew this very well, This is beyond Tim...so he just "tries" to simplify the situation, though is very wrong. Macs and PCs are going nowhere.

Haha, macs and pcs have been going nowhere for the last several years. <----JOKING(kinda)

 

[Act3]

iPad is dead

what replaced it?

 

[Rob_2811]

what replaced it?

Bigger smartphones

 

[dampfnudel]

I want 8.5 inch iPad in 7.9 inch iPad mini form factor.

That will probably happen when the 7.9" iPad Pro gets the same design as this year's iPhone 8, along with OLED, integrated home button in the display, increase in screen size, etc. This year's model (if it exists) will most likely look like the current iPad Pro. In other words, in 2018.

 

[satchmo]

I still think it's a great size to use in bed to watch movies. The regular iPads are too big to hold comfortable for extended periods of time.

I know, you can hold the iPad mini in one hand and still have a free hand!

 

[44267547]

Cant see a March event happening. Maybe they will announce them on WWDC and release a week later.

WWDC is primarily software/Developer based. I still believe a March Keynote is coming next month. Especially with the current constraints with iPads and Apple Watch accessories being limited on Apple's sites and in stores. The Apple Watch will likely be in September, if there is one launching.