Apple Debuts New 9.7-Inch iPad With A9 Chip to Replace iPad Air 2, Starting at $329

[coolfactor]

DISAPPOINTMENT! pure and utter disappointment today, do like the red iphones though, but expected so much more. Hopefully next month will come with A LOT more releases, which Apple desperately needs.

Well, that's debatable. Apple seems to be doing just fine with the current product lineup, at least their management thinks so. More iterative releases, nothing spectacular or show-stopping. Rather boring for us tech-heads that miss the days of Apple surprising the world.

About our need for "innovation", I think people are overlooking just how much tech is packed into these little devices, which Apple is mastering at keeping running smoothly. A tremendous amount of functionality, a platform for developers. We're all looking for a new design, while the current design seems to be working well enough to keep around for a while longer. They seem to be playing it safe.

 

[crsh1976]

**** I went to buy the new iPad for my mom and it says 'currently unavailable'. Way to go apple!!!!

I understand when it's a big press event that you might want to include various products some of which aren't ready yet.

But this is a silent update.

Thanks for wasting my time!

It's Apple, they almost never put anything right up for sale anymore; you can place your order starting this coming Friday to get it sometime between then and the end of the world.

 

[coolfactor]

If there is, it will be st a special event. A "press release" launch is typical for minor launches. This is actually a pretty decent launch since $329 for the entry-level iPad is aggressive pricing. Apple must be looking to boost sales volumes.

They are definitely looking to boost sales volume, and revenue. Their new headquarters is costing them billions, and they keep opening new stores, each of which likely costs a million dollars.

Boring, iterative releases for us, but a good release for the market as a whole. They will sell because (1) they are familiar, and (2) more price attractive.

 

[galacticalien]

ipad still at 4:3 ratio! No thanks.

 

[edwurtle]

I have no idea which iPad is which any more, and I'm 99% more informed than most consumers. Every one in a while I feel like buying one, but don't feel like spending three hours trying to figure out which to get. Then I just "whatever" out, move on, and don't spend the money.

Huh? The naming scheme is finally clear and simple. "air" was a confusing/meaningless name to me.

1. iPad Mini (small)
2. iPad (normal)
3. iPad Pro (large with more features)

 

[639051]

You misunderstand me - I haven't got an iPad pro 9.7. I'm talking about the model that's in the shops, currently available to buy.

I haven't got an iPad at all right now, I'm considering if I should buy the Air 2 and risk the current 9.7 being a cheaper and better option when the updated versions come out.

Ah I see now. It's hard to say what Apple will do, right now there are simply rumors of updates without any confirmation so it's all a crap shoot. Personally, the 9.7 Pro is still a great device (my wife has one) as is the 12.9 iPad pro. The price is going to drop when a new one comes out, so I would just decide if you can be happy with having an "older" device or not. I would try to find a gently used one, personally, or a good deal on a site like slickdeals.

 

[pendragon1984]

It's Apple, they almost never put anything right up for sale anymore; you can place your order starting this coming Friday to get it sometime between then and the end of the world.

I'm just going to order an air 2 from ebay or something. Not playing their stupid games.

Apple is pissing me off lately.

Update the bloody ******* iMac and the bloody ******* Mac pro.

Aren't you the biggest company or earth or one of them? Do something!!!!!

 

[Charliebird]

ipad still at 4:3 ratio! No thanks.

That's seriously the best feature of iPad.

 

[Baddcow]

My God, this is the biggest disappointment since finding out santa wasn't real

WHAT?? Santa isn't real??!!

 

[RealMonster]

This is great. I was already thinking of buying a new iPad to replace my iPad 3, and this is exactly what I wanted.

 

[marty11]

If Apple was going to go this route and just re-issue current products with minor spec upgrades and lower prices then I wish they'd do it with the iMac as well. In all honesty this is great for iPads. They are hard devices to love enough to spend over $400 on on.

 

[639051]

Nope. I will enter October 2017 with my iPad Air 2 for 3 years and counting with no reason to upgrade unless we get a launch by then with a product that would be worth it. My iPad has been running like a champ and I've tried the Pros before returning them, simply put no reason to upgrade.

This is what I like about the iPad, it's good for years without feeling old. I have the 12.9 Pro only because the size. I cannot see upgrading it for another few years.

 

[enrincon89]

So they renamed iPad to iPad Air and then renamed iPad Air back to iPad. That is so innovative!

They can't call it air because this new iPad is thicker and heavier. I have a feeling the MacBook Air is next.

 

[Dave245]

This is great for anyone who just wants an iPad and not an iPad Pro, the price is also very good as well

 

[Jsameds]

No it's not. 2015 iPhone technology powering a much bigger display and software that does mor is not extremely good. This is subpar cost cutting.

iPads have been powering the same res display since iPad 3.

Granted, that particular model was underpowered so let's say iPad 4 was the first real iPad to be capable of powering that display. Ever since then that resolution has been easily handled by the A-Series.

You keep saying 2015 which is making it sound older than it is. Let's be more accurate than that. The A9 is 18 months old.

 

[Unami]

So this cheap iPad and a red iPhone7 and that's all, right?

haven't they also released new watch bands? not sure...

 

[joegod]

This 'new iPad' is just recycled hardware, so finally I will follow with my iPad 3 and I'll be expecting to see if we have in the typical september's keynote the rumored new 10.5 iPad, among the new iPhones and buy it in Black Friday deals.

 

[Jsameds]

This is great. I was already thinking of buying a new iPad to replace my iPad 3, and this is exactly what I wanted.

You'll love it

 

[Chase R]

I just want a new Mac mini for a home server.

 

[mr.bee]

Cleaning out the stock for the new deal in april/may...
That's what they did with the Apple TV too

 

[PBG4 Dude]

WHAT?? Santa isn't real??!!

If only it was this easy with the mythical invisible man watching over us story.

 

[Asclepio]

so... i ordered my new mac today

 

[damacus]

I think this is a step in the right direction! Reducing the price is much needed if they want to support their market share, especially for EDU. I'm glad they were willing to allow it to be slightly heavier / thicker. Home users might want something more, but they need more PRICE innovation.

This will probably provide a lot of people a really nice incentive to upgrade from an older generation of iPad.

(I do agree with some others though - I'd love to see some updates on the Mac Mini and Mac Pro..)

 

[CaTOAGU]

I know what you mean. I can't see it improving much in the short term.

No, me neither.

 

[Steve121178]

ipad still at 4:3 ratio! No thanks.

Which is ideal. 3:2 even better.