Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Apple Debuts New 9.7-Inch iPad With A9 Chip to Replace iPad Air 2, Starting at $329
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Yes, you had better read the article before commenting. The new model has a faster processor and a better display than the old Air. It says this right in the article.
They're calling it "iPad." Just like the MacBook / MacBook Pro. They're literally simplifying the lineup. But that comes with transition (like how the MacBook Air is still on sale until the MB can meet its price point).
So the mini is around until they can replace it. They'll likely create a smaller and cheaper version of this new "iPad" so you have two sizes of iPad and two sizes of iPad Pro.
I'd rethink which side of the curve you're on if this lineup confuses you.
I agree. This is a small move to rationalize the product line in readiness for a bigger announcement.
At lest the new iPad will fixes issue the iPad Air 2 had with the sound vibration issue the Air 2 had
Go look at the iPad Compare models page.
This is not messy and fragmented, nor is it the end of the world.
Here's the positive: Apple is defining the iPad into two categories. iPad Pro and iPad. I am assuming that the Mini will go away and be replaced by a ~8 inch iPad with no "mini" moniker.
The new price point is awesome. I will by a 9.7 next week to replace my wife's aging iPad 2.
Here's the negative: Looks like Apple once again miss production dates and targets. Clearly they wanted to do a spring event to announce the full new lineups of iPads but this was the only one that could ship within the next month or two.
The one thing that does scare me about Apple is just how many times they miss production release dates and do not meet demand. The impact on revenue has been significant. If Apple could have met demand early enough for the iPhone 7 and the Airpods, their last quarter would have been even better.
This is not messy and fragmented, nor is it the end of the world.
Here's the positive: Apple is defining the iPad into two categories. iPad Pro and iPad. I am assuming that the Mini will go away and be replaced by a ~8 inch iPad with no "mini" moniker.
The new price point is awesome. I will by a 9.7 next week to replace my wife's aging iPad 2.
Here's the negative: Looks like Apple once again miss production dates and targets. Clearly they wanted to do a spring event to announce the full new lineups of iPads but this was the only one that could ship within the next month or two.
The one thing that does scare me about Apple is just how many times they miss production release dates and do not meet demand. The impact on revenue has been significant. If Apple could have met demand early enough for the iPhone 7 and the Airpods, their last quarter would have been even better.
Those awaiting Mac updates should view today as a positive sign, not a negative one. When Apple releases products via press release rather than event, it's because the updates are very minor. Imagine, for example, the reaction if Apple had hyped today's releases in advance. The fact that they held their fire on hype means they are going to use it elsewhere. This increases the likelihood that the next big event will have Mac updates and that they will be significant.
I think Apple is just Frankensteining spare parts again.
Let's be real. If they were planning an event to update the Pros, they would have held these updates for that time as well.
That really is a decent price point compared to the other current Apple devices. I'm still using an iPad Air (not 2) and other than some laginess, especially regarding notifications, it runs great. I didn't get nearly the life out of my original iPad. I won't be buying this product but I think it will do well considering Apple needs to reach new customers and not just those replacing older iPads with the latest and greatest.
True, but the exchange rate has collapsed since the referendum.
June 2016 - 1.4 (to 1.5)
July 2016 - 1.2ish
There was a peak in 2014 - over 1.7! Austerity politics slowed our recovery down hence the slide into the 1.4s.
Even taking Apple's conversion gouging into account, in 2014 this $329 iPad would have been £249, including VAT. That's why he's raising the issue that the price is higher in pounds than it is in dollars.
I was waiting for the updates just to see what would happen. My kids have an iPad Air 1 and an iPad Air 2. Thinking about upgrading the Air 1 to either a refurb Air 2 or one of these new ones (128 GB version with Wifi). Wonder what the differences are, to be honest.
The Air 2 is still going really strong, from what I can tell.
The Air 2 is still going really strong, from what I can tell.
That's not really the point. Look at the revenue.
iPad sales have been collapsing for 3 years, And Macs have held steady DESPITE Tim Cook telling everyone that the Mac is the future.
Nope.
Try to get rid of old stock parts as soon as possible before introducing a brand new product.
Last edited by a moderator:
I agree. Silent updates make sense, but taking the store offline for so long plays against that. My guess is that they actually needed to do that for maintenance reasons, which to me suggests they should work on the technical underpinnings of apple.com. Of course, there could be other reasons, including jumbled messaging.
This announcement isn't very splashy but
1. The regular iPad has just become an incredible value, 128GB for 429 and A9!
2. Has removed any remaining oxygen for the "high-end" read-profitable Android market.
1. The regular iPad has just become an incredible value, 128GB for 429 and A9!
2. Has removed any remaining oxygen for the "high-end" read-profitable Android market.
Nice upgrade for those who like the iPad.
I see Apple haven't had the courage to remove the headphone jack...
I see Apple haven't had the courage to remove the headphone jack...