Apple Event Tidbits: USB 2 Transfer Speeds for 9.7-inch iPad Pro, 256GB Storage Option for 12.9-inch iPad Pro

[kingtj]

I tend to agree, although some of the hardware discrepancies make more sense to me than others.
For example, when the 15" Macbook Pro retina didn't get the CPU architecture update that the 13" version received, that was nobody's fault but Intel for lagging behind in getting the quad-core version of the processor ready on time. Apple just updated using what was available to them.

The decision to keep USB 2.0 xfer speeds in the 9.7" iPad Pro is pretty dumb though, especially for people who want to buy a 256GB version of it! I have to wonder if that was purposely done to offset anger from people who just bought the 12" version, only to find out the new ambient light sensor functionality is only in the smaller one?

I think some of what we're seeing might be Apple trying too hard to get new products released in a timely manner, vs. holding back on some until others can have the exact same feature set? The "old" Apple was constantly criticized for taking forever to get products onto shelves -- so there are pros and cons with either approach.

They seem more focused on the short term profits now, where as they used to think long term.

Reading the comments here people aren't happy and in the long term that means less customer loyalty, less enthusiasm for their products, less sales etc. How ever on the plus side they'll make more money per product.

Such a shame that a once great company is on the decline already. They're still miles ahead of most other companies but if they keep up like this it's a slow downward slope.

Can't believe the discrepancies in product lines. No consistency. Come on apple, stop looking at the money as the driving factor. And before anyone says they're a business thats what they do. First that doesn't mean its what you have to do, second it's not what Steve cared about, he wanted to make something great, the money was a bonus. Third, the money comes from making great products and putting customers first, it's what builds the loyalty in the first place.

 

[techwhiz]

Disappointing the iPad Pro 9.7 does not support USB 3 transfer speeds.

Deal killer for me.
Do you know how long it takes to move 128GB or 256GB via USB2 speeds? It's painfully slow.
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I don't know what Apple is thinking, the hardware is NOT THE PROBLEM, it's the OS stupid. There's nothing "pro" about iOS, in fact it's horrible for getting things done, because it lacks fundamental features such as file manager, peripheral and real printer support. For god's sake you can't even set default apps, which is completely absurd for a supposed "productivity" device.

Just know iOS can support all that you say. Apple does not implement it.
iOS is a stripped down OSX. Different gui but it's still BSD.

 

[applehotdog]

Unfortunately this type of strategy is the reason I left iOS for Android a couple of years ago and from what I've seen the past few years I don't think I'll be going back. It's just shameless... it's like what they're doing w/ the storage capacities (16, 64, 128...?).

Not to mention the markup is simply ridiculous. No thanks.

 

[KPandian1]

Unfortunately this type of strategy is the reason I left iOS for Android a couple of years ago. ... it's like what they're doing w/ the storage capacities (16, 64, 128...?).

Not to mention the markup is simply ridiculous. No thanks.

You left an environment you (hopefully) loved over $100? When I pay more than reasonable amount for each upgrade on an automobile purchase, I know I am paying above cost ... in fact atrocious markup! It is ridiculous in a Toyota, but in a BMW, Mercedes or Jaguar the sticker shock and the add-on robbery is crazy-stupid! I still pay.

Apple will continue this exploit as long as people will pay - I bought an iPhone 6s 128GB, cash down, I know the pain! The product is worth it, the GB used is still below the base model level, to date.

The only solution, all Apple buyers collaborate and buy only the base 16GB model - anyone see that happening!

As far as Apple is concerned, it is a non-issue! They did listen to those who wanted the 4-inch model, after the iPhone 6s sales did not accelerate at the same pace as the previous releases, for the first time ever.

It was wrong of them to have taken away the 4 inch size in the first place.

Apple still sells the iPhone 5s outside the USA, we can wait and see the results!

 

[JKColo22]

256GB HDD? Does this suggest Apple might be moving towards fixing the filing system in iOS? The App-Centric restrictions are terrible for a so-called "Pro" device. Not only is it a mess to not have a true filing system on the device, the clunkiness of using the Pro in an office environment with a shared file system has made me resistant to purchasing. Apple's business department didn't offer any viable solutions. I want to replace my laptop with an iPad Pro, but this is a no-go until I can do something as simple as opening and editing a file that lives on a shared drive.

 

[Tycho24]

USB 2? So sad.

Oh man, for sure....
The like one time I fill up my new iPad from a fresh computer back up from my old iPad, then the time, a year later- when I have to back it up to prep it for my next iPad; it's going to be SUCH a pain.
*sigh*
Ugh.... thanks Obama, errr- Apple.

 

[oosamon]

Oh that Classroom app. Time for the LA Unified School District to upgrade to the latest iPad Pros....

 

[klky]

I was rather excited by the release of this iPad Pro (was planning to upgrade from the original air). Am still annoyed by Apple's decision to include a protruding camera (let's not kid ourselves. This was an intentional decision to sell covers), but figured I can at least work around that. But when I read that it comes with USB2.0, that just pisses me off. Intentionally handicapping a device when newer technology exists...seriously wtf. Just when potential buyers were excited by the introduction of a 256GB model (transferring files will be painful when it doesn't need to be). And you notice how this USB standard is conveniently omitted on the list of specs. Ugh Apple....
[doublepost=1458713664][/doublepost]On a positive note, (at least for those living in Hong Kong), the 256GB wifi+LTE model is almost US$200 cheaper than in the US. Nobody tell Donald Trump.

 

[poluvex999]

Is it just me or something else sneaked up under everyones radar? Apple appears to stopped offering iPad Air 2 128GB storage option - 64GB is the biggest you can get.

Does this possibly mean iPad Air is being discontinued (or sidelined to become a cheaper option) with the Pro now becoming the core iPad lineup?

 

[gimikinc]

Sad it is not USB 3. Good new release, then they hobble it with USB 2.

 

[alex2792]

Oh that Classroom app. Time for the LA Unified School District to upgrade to the latest iPad Pros....

Yeah I'm sure they'll get right on it seeing how the iPad pro is so affordable. Apple has long since lost that battle to more affordable and easier to manage Chromebooks and cheap Windows 2in1s.

 

[yaxomoxay]

Yeah I'm sure they'll get right on it seeing how the iPad pro is so affordable. Apple has long since lost that battle to more affordable and easier to manage Chromebooks and cheap Windows 2in1s.

I guess you haven't read about the LA-iPad scandal...

 

[Larry-K]

Oh that Classroom app. Time for the LA Unified School District to upgrade to the latest iPad Pros....

They're broke, but they always are, no matter how much money they get.

 

[Jeffernason]

Disappointing the iPad Pro 9.7 does not support USB 3 transfer speeds.

This is an understatement. The fact that no Apple device, with the exception of the 12.9" Pro, has adopted the USB 3.0 standard is a slap in the face to its customers. Transferring 256 Gb of data over the 2.0 Standard would take 1.8 hours. This is unacceptable in 2016. 3.0 is about to be replaced as the standard and Apple hasn't broadly integrated its predecessor. If they aren't on the cutting edge of technology, then they are releasing obsolete products. Why even have Thunderbolt, USB 3.0 and USB-C on their laptops if none of their portable products support it? I regularly back up to the cloud but weekly backup to my MBP (just to be safe). The process takes an inordinate amount of time and the restore time is even worse.