Apple Just Broke a Tradition It Held for 12 Years

[MacRumors]

Apple has broken a tradition it maintained for 12 years, releasing no new iPads in 2023 – the first time that the company has chosen to not launch a new tablet in an entire calendar year since the introduction of the product line.

From its debut in 2010, the iPad has been an important product for Apple and the clear tablet market leader, releasing at least one new model every year. In recent times, the company has released as many as four new iPad models per year. Before 2023, 2009 was the last year with no new iPads, simply because the product line had not yet launched.

The most recent iPad launches took place in October 2022. The only iPad-adjacent hardware released in 2023 was the Apple Pencil with USB-C.

• 2010: iPad (1st generation)
• 2011: iPad 2
• 2012: iPad (3rd generation), iPad (4th generation), and iPad mini (1st generation)
• 2013: iPad Air (1st generation) and iPad mini 2
• 2014: iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3
• 2015: iPad mini 4 and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation)
• 2016: iPad Pro 9.7-inch
• 2017: iPad (5th generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation), and iPad Pro 10.5-inch
• 2018: iPad (6th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation), and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
• 2019: iPad (7th generation), iPad Air (3rd generation), and iPad mini (5th generation)
• 2020: iPad (8th generation), iPad Air (4th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation), and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation)
• 2021: iPad (9th generation), iPad mini (6th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation), and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation)
• 2022: iPad (10th generation), iPad Air (5th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation), and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation)
• 2023: None

This hiatus in new iPad releases is noteworthy considering the history of the product line and could signal a moment of reflection about the direction of the device. As the iPad has become more advanced and widely adopted, the urgency for frequent upgrades has diminished for many potential customers. This shift in consumer behavior could have prompted Apple to reevaluate its tablet strategy, focusing on more impactful and less frequent hardware updates.

Another aspect to consider is the criticism Apple has faced regarding the increasing complexity of the iPad lineup and questions around the direction of iPadOS. By taking a year off from new releases, Apple may be planning to reshape the lineup with a clearer sense of purpose going forward.

Rumors and analyst forecasts suggest that 2024 will be a much more significant year for the iPad lineup, with every model, encompassing the entry-level iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro, expected to receive a hardware refresh. With the rumored introduction of a 12.9-inch iPad Air model, 2024 could see Apple launch an unprecedented six iPad models in a single calendar year. The flagship iPad Pro is expected to introduce at least a dozen new features, including OLED display technology, the M3 chip, and a new, "laptop-like" keyboard accessory.

Article Link: Apple Just Broke a Tradition It Held for 12 Years

 

[grantishere]

They were probably focusing more on the Vision Pro

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

I don’t think anyone’s missing out. The lineup is messy, but the hardware is so good that there’s little incentive to get an Android tablet.

 

[SoldOnApple]

Confirmed: iPads with hologram displays for 2024.

 

[macduke]

Maybe Apple cancelled the iPad and is replacing it with the Vision Pro /s

 

[mongobongo]

Begs the question; will there be a year without an iPhone release?

 

[adib]

That's unfortunate. A simple processor update was due and missed.

 

[Abazigal]

Begs the question; will there be a year without an iPhone release?

I assume that Apple will move mountains to make annual iPhone and Apple Watch refreshes happen.

As for the iPad, all signs seem to point to the hardware simply not being ready. The M3 was announced only towards the end of the year, which I assume the next iPad Pro will be getting. Or maybe Apple is working on a more substantial upgrade?

 

[chineseguy38]

There is nothing special about iPad nowadays. There're so many models and not much different with them. Just pure confusion. And iPad Pro can't replace a MacBook.

 

[ric22]

The lineup needs simplifying, with just one pencil going forwards too.

 

[vaxes]

I still can’t forgive Apple for brining the iPad 4 out 7 months after the iPad 3.

-AE

 

[AlmightyKang]

Oh goody that means my 4th gen iPad Pro will still fetch loads of money when I dump it because I barely use it.

 

[hagar]

Begs the question; will there be a year without an iPhone release?

No.

 

[0423MAC]

The hardware is far too advanced for how limited iPadOS is.

The fact that Apple still assumes only 1 person will ever use the device, while also questioning “what’s a computer?” is one of the most asinine things I’ve ever seen them do.

I don’t think macOS is the answer either. Start with multi profile support and a better file system. Limit it to the pro if you need to justify it somehow.

 

[ric22]

I still can’t forgive Apple for brining the iPad 4 out 7 months after the iPad 3.

-AE

I bought the iPad 3 about five weeks before the iPad 4 came out.. wasn't happy!

Edit: I used that iPad absolutely loads for the first two years. For that period it was great. Then I did an iOS update (I can't recall which one), and the thing was junk after that- shockingly slower.

 

[Infodataset]

Hey siri, should we sell the ipad for 2023?

Siri: here is the search result for macrumors comment

 

[sunapple]

Probably the most effective way for Apple to "save the environment" would be to release less stuff. Good job!

 

[chineseguy38]

I still can’t forgive Apple for brining the iPad 4 out 7 months after the iPad 3.

-AE

I still remember that! They should've just released the 4G iPad from the start. Instead just release a 3G iPad then 7 months later adding 4G with everything the same.

 

[lm57400]

The hardware is so strong in general, that a yearly refresh is really not needed anymore for what iPads are meant for. The M1 and M2 processors have so much power for these devices, that M3 will just be a marketing move.

Of course it would be nice to jump on the OLED displays. I just bought an iPad Pro 11 a few weeks ago - not because I wouldn't be able to wait for the new machines in spring, but for the enormous price hikes they will have for sure.

I won't pay maybe +1.200 EUR or even more for an 11 inch base model.

 

[no_idea]

I still can’t forgive Apple for brining the iPad 4 out 7 months after the iPad 3.

-AE

I think I remember that. They were calling it "The New iPad" ?

 

[Apple_Robert]

With all the iPads currently avaiable, I don't think the lack of new iPads is a big deal. I believe we will see 1 or more m models in the Q1 of this year.

 

[Osxguy]

Let’s talk about the air for example vrs the pro.
11” iPad Pro 256gb is $899
iPad Air 256gb is $749

So there’s a big issue there why not sorent another $150 get a whole lot more power better camera Face ID etc.. maybe my math is wrong or you want all the pretty colors but buying an air wouldn’t be the best economical decision as Apple holds on to the Touch ID.

 

[Nimrad]

That’s great. The iPad Pro M2 was barely an update for most people. I’d rather wait for a bigger update.

 

[sunapple]

I think I remember that. They were calling it "The New iPad" ?

3rd gen was called "The new iPad" which remains one of the dumbest Apple product names (though I did buy one). The 4th gen came with the Lightning connector and new chip, they called this "iPad with Retina display" (3rd gen had the same display BTW).

 

[RickDEGH]

Oh goody that means my 4th gen iPad Pro will still fetch loads of money when I dump it because I barely use it.

Didn’t realise that until reading this article? 😄