9.7-inch iPad Pro and iPhone SE Both Have 2GB RAM

[alfonsog]

It's not really a price increase, they just started at the 32GB price point. I bet iPhone 7 will be the same and start at 32GB but at $100 more than the base. I'm perfectly happy with my giant iPad Pro, I never had a use for any of the other iPads before this one. I use it for doing handwritten math problems, music composition, sheet-music displayer, and its the first iDevice I can bare to watch video on.

 

[jamesrick80]

It doesn't sound like you use Android much. Because in the last few years Android is actually pretty awesome.

Speaking as someone who has been primarily using Apple devices for years, even owned the first gen iPhone back in 2007...Apple has been hijacked by a bunch of greedy unimaginative MBA types whose sole concern is getting people to pay more and expect less.

To those who think 2GB is fine on an iPad....give me a break. In a year or two if will be sluggish and slow just like the 6 Plus is today. Absolutely disgusting move by Apple. They aren't even competitive with cheap Android tablets from a year ago. Wow.

And speaking as an iOS software engineer....YES RAM DOES MATTER! Having a wimpy 2GB of RAM DOES limit our options on such a high resolution device.

The iPad pro 9.7 resolution never changed...I'm sure 2 gb of ram is fine with it ...so I don't get why you said such a high resolution, it's been the same since the iPad 3 .....

 

[odedia]

I'm seriously considering selling my 6s plus 128gb and getting this phone.

 

[macduke]

To the people saying that nobody cares about 4GB of RAM because most people don't need that…

THIS IS A PRO!

I guess that word has completely lost it's meaning. Imagine Apple shipping a Mac Mini with the same RAM as the Mac Pro. That's what is happening here with the iPad Pro 9.7" and the iPhone SE.

Does 2GB of RAM work for most tasks? Absolutely! I have no issues with my 6s or iPad Air 2. But what in the world is making this thing a "Pro" machine then? It's slightly faster? It has the same camera I already have in my pocket? It has way too many speakers? The Pencil is cool and I'd love to have one someday for drawing, but that's about it and it's an extra cost. But this thing isn't a "Pro" in the traditional sense.

You see, "Pro" machines have more RAM because they run more intensive apps. Traditionally on the Mac this has been creative software. If this 9.7" is the mainstream model, then developers aren't going to put in the effort to design an app any more advanced than the iPad Air 2. The Pro machines were going to stay ahead of the mainstream (it was early for a switch to 4GB) and push the envelope and demand quality "Pro" software at higher price points. Now it's all a sham and the "Pro" will never get enough sales in the 12.9" size to justify developers to take the time to put out amazing software just for it. If anything, 4GB was already pretty low for a "Pro" level machine to begin with. So 2GB just plain sucks. I know iOS is lighter than desktop operating systems of the world, but still. You have to do better than this if you want professional apps to take off and do advanced things!

This has just really ruined my hopes for what an iPad Pro could end up being. Smart devs will stay away from this trainwreck as they won't make their money back. At least the iPhone SE will sell well.

 

[Toltepeceno]

They are not "throttling the processor" just to gimp it. It is 80MHz slower and the GeekBench scores are only slightly lower than the larger iPad Pro.

Multitaskers might have a beef with the RAM being lower than the 12.9" but I'm guessing the majority of buyers won't notice.

Most users probably wouldn't notice it if they put the internals of the ipad air 2 in it and sold it at the same price as now. Does that mean they should? If they call it a pro and up the price it should at least have the ram of the pro ipad and not the cheapest iphone.

 

[Max(IT)]

Should I pull up all the times you said 1 gig of RAM was perfect, and not a problem? You were wrong then, and even more so now, as more iOS versions have come out.

You will be proven wrong, yet again. Sadly, I will not be the one to show you, as I will hold on to what I have, and vote my displeasure, with my wallet.

I was all ready to pull the trigger, remember that Max(Tim). But Apple pulled the ole Rope-a-dope again with the RAM.

Proven wrong ? Lol ... By you ?
I was right and still I am, since my iPad Air with "only" 1 Gb of RAM is working great with iOS 9.3
Actually it's never been so good.

 

[Toltepeceno]

I guess that word has completely lost it's meaning. Imagine Apple shipping a Mac Mini with the same RAM as the Mac Pro. That's what is happening here with the iPad Pro 9.7" and the iPhone SE.

You just don't get it. If apple says it's fine as is and wants to up the price without upping memory then we need to accept what they say is best. So what if they call it pro and give it the ram of the cheapest iphone. They are apple and when you question them it's like you attack a family member.

[/sarcasm]

 

[AxoNeuron]

The iPad pro 9.7 resolution never changed...I'm sure 2 gb of ram is fine with it ...so I don't get why you said such a high resolution, it's been the same since the iPad 3 .....

Yes, and as you can see with the iPad 3, RAM matters.

The new iPad has ONLY double the RAM of the iPad 3. In an age where even $350 tablets are coming with 3GB RAM and much better looking displays, that's simply inexcusable.

 

[marty1980]

I don't like that the new 9.7" device was named "iPad Pro." They have 2 devices sitting on store shelves using the same name, but offering enough difference in experience that it's not just the same product in 2 different screen sizes. The 12.9" iPad Pro can do more and do it faster.

This is similar to the problem I had with Windows RT. Microsoft designed WinRT to look and run like Windows 8, but it couldn't run Desktop (Win32) apps. This caused confusion among buyers because they didn't understand the difference because it's too technical to explain to the majority of people just buying a PC to buy one.

The majority of people won't know that Apple just sold them a smaller iPad Pro with less powerful hardware. They'll enjoy the features and use it like they have all iPads that have come before.

The 12MP camera is nice, but not a feature most tablet users get excited about and those who do get excited... well most people don't like those people LMAO

A 5MP FaceTime camera is a logical upgrade for any iPad because FaceTime is a perfect fit on iPads.

True Tone is cool, but it's not a "Pro" feature.

The 2GB RAM limit opposed to 4GB is a real bummer for a "Pro" tablet. Especially following the precedent set by the 12.9" iPad Pro. Developers everywhere are going to be upset about not being able to rely on those resources for tablet apps that target Pro devices. It's understandable because it matches the latest phone configurations (and assuming the iPhone 7 lineup will retain 2GB), but it doesn't make it the right decision. I fear that this is going to be a huge reason to skip the 9.7" iPad Pro. If you wait, Apple may introduce a 4GB version in 2017 or repeat the "new iPad" (3rd generation) by introducing a 4GB version of the 9.7" iPad Pro in the fall of this year (2016).

The iPhone SE is expected, but beats expectations in the hardware included. It's an iPhone 6S minus 3D Touch and that's impressive considering Apple's history. The only down side is the release cycle and Apple's future plans for 4" phones may not be as sweet as the SE.

Lastly.... 16GB!?!?!?!?!?!?! Why? Just WHY!!!?? Why are we still getting 16GB phones and tablets that have no way of expanding memory!?!?!?! 😱

 

[Max(IT)]

It doesn't sound like you use Android much. Because in the last few years Android is actually pretty awesome.

Speaking as someone who has been primarily using Apple devices for years, even owned the first gen iPhone back in 2007...Apple has been hijacked by a bunch of greedy unimaginative MBA types whose sole concern is getting people to pay more and expect less.

To those who think 2GB is fine on an iPad....give me a break. In a year or two if will be sluggish and slow just like the 6 Plus is today. Absolutely disgusting move by Apple. They aren't even competitive with cheap Android tablets from a year ago. Wow.

And speaking as an iOS software engineer....YES RAM DOES MATTER! Having a wimpy 2GB of RAM DOES limit our options on such a high resolution device.

You probably aren't a so good iOS software engineer then (just an assumption based on your post)...
I have a nexus 7, a galaxy S5 and a galaxy S6 in my house: is it enough to be entitled to say that android is just a poor operative system ? Whatever you think my answer as a software engineer is YES.
and again YES, 2 Gb are absolutely fine on an iDevice.

 

[jamesrick80]

Seriously...? My $350 Tab S2 comes with 3GB RAM and an amazing AMOLED display that looks goegeous.

Seriously Apple these are just basic things. And it's as if Apple is stuck in the year 2011 with this disgusting 16GB base model.

I wanted to like the SE and the new pro so badly...but of course Apple had to go overboard and cheat people with awful specs that wouldn't have been competitive a year ago.

Buy a logitech type s keyboard and the s mouse and your device may seem more pro than the iPad pro 9.7 inch

 

[Wowereit]

Budget iPhone - 2 GB RAM
iPad (which has had more RAM than iPhone in general) getting a PRO! version with 2 GB RAM, what a joke.

And don't even start about the Mac...

If Apple doesn't care about the Pro market anymore and likes to sell toy watches (watchband just 200$, get it now) fine, just tell me so I can prepare to switch.

 

[Max(IT)]

Yes, and as you can see with the iPad 3, RAM matters.

The new iPad has ONLY double the RAM of the iPad 3. In an age where even $350 tablets are coming with 3GB RAM and much better looking displays, that's simply inexcusable.

Again for an "iOS software engineer " you seem to have a poor knowledge about hardware. The problem with the iPad 3 was anything but the ram .... 🙄

Not to speak about the "better looking displays "... Apple's screens are top notch.

 

[blackcrayon]

Yes, and as you can see with the iPad 3, RAM matters.

The new iPad has ONLY double the RAM of the iPad 3. In an age where even $350 tablets are coming with 3GB RAM and much better looking displays, that's simply inexcusable.

How do you know for a fact they have "much better looking displays"? If you want "inexcusable" due simply to price concerns you should probably not expect anything else from Apple. I can't see how anything they sell would be "excusable" by that standard. Now, if the device runs like crap and it's due to low RAM, we have a problem. Since the Air 2 has RAM to burn so to speak, I think we're still in pretty good shape.

Budget iPhone - 2 GB RAM
iPad (which has had more RAM than iPhone in general) getting a PRO! version with 2 GB RAM, what a joke.
.

LOL. Imagine if the iPhone 7 comes with 3 GB of RAM, people will be whining their iPad Pro 9.7" is a waste (because somehow RAM is the only spec that matters to them and is the total sum of all of the capabilities of a computer).

 

[macduke]

You just don't get it. If apple says it's fine as is and wants to up the price without upping memory then we need to accept what they say is best. So what if they call it pro and give it the ram of the cheapest iphone. They are apple and when you question them it's like you attack a family member.

[/sarcasm]

I almost had an aneurysm until I saw your sarcasm tag. Although my sarcasm radar was starting to go off towards the end of your hilarious "rant", lol.

Apple is so inconsistent. This is the thing that bothers me most about them lately. Ship an amazing deal in the iPhone SE and then screw over the iPad Pro. I mean what? Why??

Maybe they're going to pull an iPad 3/4 and release a new iPad Pro 9.7" with an A10X and 4GB of RAM in the autumn. Maybe it will also have 12 speakers and two cameras and no headphone jack!

 

[Toltepeceno]

If Apple doesn't care about the Pro market anymore and likes to sell toy watches (watchband just 200$, get it now) fine, just tell me so I can prepare to switch.

Pro is a marketing name to market to the masses so they think they are getting "professional" stuff. Apple is going more and more in this direction.

 

[jamesrick80]

How do you know for a fact they have "much better looking displays"? If you want "inexcusable" due simply to price concerns you should probably not expect anything else from Apple. I can't see how anything they sell would be "excusable" by that standard. Now, if the device runs like crap and it's due to low RAM, we have a problem. Since the Air 2 has RAM to burn so to speak, I think we're still in pretty good shape.

Air 2 probably uses less ram than the iPad pro 9.7...it will be interesting to see if thats true plus that third core gives you guys some leverage as well. If it wasn't for the two additional speakers and the improved camera, the ipad pro 9.7 is just a revamped ipad air 2.

 

[Ludatyk]

The name is the reason they tacked on more money, so I do not believe it is reading too much into it.

They tacked on more money due to the fact... accessories can be added along with it.

I kind of expected the price hike... reason being is due to the 12.9" iPad Pro. The 12.9" iPad Pro starts at $799... let's say they introduced the 9.7" iPad Pro or even the iPad "Air 3" with a price of $499. It wouldn't be a smart play for previous 12.9" iPad Pro buyers and potential 12.9" iPad Pro buyers.

I have the 12.9" iPad Pro... and I can tell you that if Apple introduced a 9.7" iPad Pro with a price of $499 I'll be disappointed. Granted, I'm happy with the screen size on my iPad Pro... but a decrease of $300 for the 9.7" iPad Pro with the same aspects of the 12.9" wouldn't go so well for previous iPad Pro buyers. Some are already disappointed with the 256 GB model. And for potential 12.9" iPad Pro buyers... going up $200 to buy one is not bad to swallow compared to going up $300.

 

[oldmacs]

Maybe they're going to pull an iPad 3/4 and release a new iPad Pro 9.7" with an A10X and 4GB of RAM in the autumn

I'd be down for the A10X and 4GB of ram part... But if this is the last iPad with a 3.5mm connector, I'll be pissed. I love how Apple had to go and ruin what would have been a great upgrade 🙁

 

[Toltepeceno]

I almost had an aneurysm until I saw your sarcasm tag. Although my sarcasm radar was starting to go off towards the end of your hilarious "rant", lol.

Apple is so inconsistent. This is the thing that bothers me most about them lately. Ship an amazing deal in the iPhone SE and then screw over the iPad Pro. I mean what? Why??

I agree. It's hard to figure them out.

 

[Smeaton1724]

Yes, and as you can see with the iPad 3, RAM matters.

The new iPad has ONLY double the RAM of the iPad 3. In an age where even $350 tablets are coming with 3GB RAM and much better looking displays, that's simply inexcusable.

At least quote something reasonable, the reason some manufacturers are throwing in 3GB RAM in to cheap tablets are the same ones bundling them with poor batteries, poor processors and running unoptimised skinned and older versions of Android. The same manufacturers don't support the device for 5+ years either, if anything they pump out tablets to the rate of a dozen or more a year.

The iPad is the quality of the device, it is the usability of the OS, it is the long level of support, it is the volume of apps, it is more than the sum of its specs. Apple has always been more than spec sheets and always will be. Go try the $350 tablet and be happy.....

 

[jamesrick80]

The SE is a hell of a phone. If only the iOS team were doing such good work.

In a world where the iphone SE ram = Ipad pro 9.7 ram, nothing pro about it

 

[TroyBoy30]

I'm starting to believe they really are doomed

 

[Toltepeceno]

They tacked on more money due to the fact... accessories can be added along with it.

Wait. They raised the price because you can spend even more money on accessories? Not because it's own use was raised to professional level, which would require more memory, etc? There should be a reason to raise the price of the item, not base it on selling you more stuff. Now if the pen came with it then I would agree that the increase made sense. Still would think 2gb memory in a "pro" device is crazy.

Makes no sense whatsoever, I see no point in debating it. Apple really loves you!

 

[Michael Goff]

Semantics aside - at $599 it's not far off a real laptop/ultrabook - wouldn't have thought loading 20 tabs is such a challenge; without the 3-4GB RAM - I just have hesitation to think of the 9.7 Pro as anything more than a consumption device that's all. 🙂

If you're talking about doing "real work", a browser tab test isn't the thing to go about it with. Try rendering 4K video with multiple streams and see if the RAM has a huge effect on that sort of thing.