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When it comes to iPads, I don't know about the jacked up pricing part. I updated my iPad recently because the base model was a lot more iPad than the iPad 4 it was replacing and cost much less than what I paid for that old iPad 4.
Used to be the best iPad was $499. Now it's $799. The one I bought was $1149. Apple sells older iPad hardware at a lower price point now. That is what you bought.
 
I don't think the iPad Pros were ever $499, were they?
No. The top of the line iPad was always $499. Then Apple started selling old hardware as the iPad and new hardware as the iPad Pro. Which part of what I’m saying is confusing you?
 
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