Apple Introduces Redesigned 10.9-Inch iPad Air With A14 Chip, All-Screen Design, Touch ID in Power Button, and USB-C

[Mainsail]

I don’t think your comparison makes sense. If someone is buying an iPad to make it them main computer, it’s because they need iPad features (note taking, drawing, etc).

A 256gb iPad Air+ Logitech keyboard is $900. It’s cheaper than buying a MacBook Air+ iPad ($1300).

You maybe right but I was comparing Apples to Apples in terms of acessories. So, I was looking at the Magic Keyboard, which is a lot more expensive. Also, there are lots of deals for the MBA at $900, and I suspect for the standard iPad soon. They just make more of the standard iPad so big box stores are frequently discounting them down to $250.

It all depends on what you want. Like I said, “for my purposes”, so YMMV.

 

[Marlon DLTH :)]

It all depends on what you want.

Yes, it all depends on that.

 

[tshepp84]

I’ll stick with my 11” 1st Gen Pro. No need to up/downgrade to the new Air. Other than getting 2 New Years of AppleCare coverage, I don’t see any benefit’s. Loss of ProMo is a no no for me as an artist.

Totally agree. Loss of ProMotion and Quad speakers would a noticeable downgrade during my daily use. It sure is a device for some non-pro owners to consider but these two features were big impacts on my decision to get my 2020 Pro

 

[zenotds]

Can't wait for an iPad mini with these features.

 

[MacBH928]

A12z is 8 core vs. 6 core for A14 so multi-core performance is better. The GPU on the A12z is also faster.

I am confused...isn't the the GPU built within the chip? a SoC? Isn't 5nm faster than 7nm?

Based on what you said can we say the A12z iPad Pro of last year is faster than the A14 iPad Air?

 

[zhenya]

I am confused...isn't the the GPU built within the chip? a SoC? Isn't 5nm faster than 7nm?

Based on what you said can we say the A12z iPad Pro of last year is faster than the A14 iPad Air?

The GPU is integrated, but Apple can decide how many cores to add to each variant. The A14 will be faster in single-threaded tasks, the A12z faster in multi-threaded tasks where it can make use of the additional cores, or in GPU-bound tasks.

 

[pdoherty]

Here’s a crazy idea - include both touchID and faceID so you’ve covered both types of authentication and the user can use whichever makes sense or is most convenient.

 

[tshepp84]

Here’s a crazy idea - include both touchID and faceID so you’ve covered both types of authentication and the user can use whichever makes sense or is most convenient.

MIND = BLOWN!

 

[GuruZac]

Here’s a crazy idea - include both touchID and faceID so you’ve covered both types of authentication and the user can use whichever makes sense or is most convenient.

I bet that ends up being Apple’s solution on the iPhones. integration in to the power button, plus a continued reduction in the size of the FaceID hardware. if I had to choose one or the other, however, I go with FaceID every time. Much more convenient.

 

[smulji]

but will Apple’s revenue and profits increase? Probably

Depends on how well the new iPad Air sells. With the iPad 8 now gaining an A12 SoC, I think sales of it will increase and eat into some potential iPad Air sales (iPad 7th generation was already Apple's most popular iPad model per keynote).

 

[PickUrPoison]

Depends on how well the new iPad Air sells. With the iPad 8 now gaining an A12 SoC, I think sales of it will increase and eat into some potential iPad Air sales (iPad 7th generation was already Apple's most popular iPad model per keynote).

No doubt! iPad 8th gen now has the same SoC the Air had up until a week ago, and the Air starts at $600 instead of $500. That will keep even more from moving up to the Air; they’ll just buy the 8th, as you say 👍

Balanced against that: I’m pretty sure the cost is lower on the 8th gen than the 7th, so some profit is recovered there. More units sold overall (pandemic) help profit and revenue. The extra $100 in revenue on those who do buy the Air helps there. Of course, you also have a similar change in the Air to Pro mix 🤣 They’re all interrelated.

In any case, Apple plays the price/feature/value differentiation game like a fine fiddle. If they miscalculate it’s not by much. If they’re below target they’ll eat it until the next update. (I can’t remember the last time I saw a price increase between updates, except for foreign exchange rates.) Just my 2¢ 🙂

 

[petercoffin80]

WoW! That's great innovative by Apple.

 

[Grolubao]

When will these be available to test drive at the store?

 

[Black.Infinity]

Is there a difference in using the pen on a 120Hz screen vs. 60Hz? That’s all I care about as I’ll be using the iPad for work.

I think it jumps to 120Hz when it detects apple pencil.

 

[meteoreos]

I think it jumps to 120Hz when it detects apple pencil.

yeah, perhaps the iPP is worth it if you’re primarily using the pen.