I was a skeptic on iPads until I found out using them during relaxing hours before bed or TV time to browse the web. My iPad mini 4 probably gets the most use out of all my devices.
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Apple Sold Fewer iPads Year Over Year for 13th Straight Quarter as Tablet Market Shrinks to Five-Year Low
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Update the 12.9" with what? Hardware isn't the problem with iPad, software is. One thing I wish Apple would do is require every iPad app to support split view. And find a way to make drag and drop work between apps when in split view mode. Also finally give us a file manager so we don't have to use itun3s on the desktop to load media or other files onto the device. There has to be a way they can do this and still protect people from messing anything up. I want to be able to load audio and video onto the device (and have access to it) without needing desktop iTunes. I want to be able to edit metadata without needing to use desktop iTunes. My guess is it's not a technical issue but management being stubborn in how locked down they want iOS to be.I'm not saying it's the main factor, but Apple's long refresh cycle for Ipads isn't helping. Update the 12.9 and you'll get my money Apple.
I predict the same thing is going to start happening with iPhones too. I'm still using an iPhone 6. I felt absolutely zero desire to get the 6s or iPhone 7. Those phones didn't offer me any feature that I felt I couldn't live without. More and more of my friends feel the same way.
And I doubt I'll be tempted by the iPhone 8 (or whatever the hell it is called) either.
Mark
And I doubt I'll be tempted by the iPhone 8 (or whatever the hell it is called) either.
Mark
I'm actually ready for a new pencil support iPad. I can't wait to see what the new ones offer. Having said that, the old ones are fine for what the OS allows. The Pencil is the only new thing worth upgrading for, and I'm doing so with blind faith that they will beef up the OS for more powerful software to go with it.
And having a wife and friends in education, yeah, the iPads are not a good fit for the education market. There are a lot better cheaper solutions for that segment.
An inexpensive iPad-sized clamshell with easy teacher administrative controls and multi-user support would be a better solution, but I don't know if Apple cares to go there with such a product.
And then Apple would have to create the education software themselves and have it preinstalled. Because then having to spend an arm and a leg for licensing fees for overpriced education rip-off software, just forget it.
And having a wife and friends in education, yeah, the iPads are not a good fit for the education market. There are a lot better cheaper solutions for that segment.
An inexpensive iPad-sized clamshell with easy teacher administrative controls and multi-user support would be a better solution, but I don't know if Apple cares to go there with such a product.
And then Apple would have to create the education software themselves and have it preinstalled. Because then having to spend an arm and a leg for licensing fees for overpriced education rip-off software, just forget it.
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Not surprising. I can't see buying another ipad anytime soon. I barely use the one i got.
It comes down to apps. Where are the really great apps for the iPad?
The iPad needs a more distinctive OS that separates it from the iPhone. It's ridiculous that it has been 7 years since the original iPad came out and the thing is still closer to an oversized iPod Touch than a MacBook in terms of getting work done. I mean, don't get me wrong—the iPad has come a long way and you can use it for certain tasks that you couldn't previously. But the OS is largely very similar to the iPhone. I had hoped for more innovation by now. If I had to choose between my Mac and my iPad, it would be Mac all day every day. The iPad is too tedious for most work tasks. And yet I love my iPad for more casual tasks.
I'm hoping the long delay between iPads this year is because they're rethinking the whole thing top to bottom. I'd rather them put things on hold to get it right than continually pumping out useless updates like four speakers and four microphones year after year. With the recent release of the regular "iPad" I feel like Apple is going to segment things. That cheaper 9.7" device is going to be the baseline iPad with the limited OS that is for casual use. The new Pro models will be more distinctive, both in design and functionality.
I'm hoping the long delay between iPads this year is because they're rethinking the whole thing top to bottom. I'd rather them put things on hold to get it right than continually pumping out useless updates like four speakers and four microphones year after year. With the recent release of the regular "iPad" I feel like Apple is going to segment things. That cheaper 9.7" device is going to be the baseline iPad with the limited OS that is for casual use. The new Pro models will be more distinctive, both in design and functionality.
I have a 4th-gen iPad that Apple "upgraded" to iOS 10 when I wasn't looking (yes, it can happen if you don't pay attention to what's on the screen). I was very unhappy that it happened, but I left it alone since I just didn't want to take the time to restore it to 9.3.5. Anyways, after the iOS 10.3 update, I have been pleasantly surprised at how much more responsive it is, which is a first since iOS 6. Versions 7 and 8 were horrible and 9.3.5 finally seemed to be tolerable, even if it was still a little sluggish. That being said, you might want to take a chance on iOS 10. After all, none of us with a 4th generation iPad are going to be running iOS 11 after all.
This is true. It's hard for professional software developers to make money on the App Store when they have to compete with $0.99 garbage. That coupled with the fact that there are so few true Pro users on iPads makes it even harder to justify development. Apple has a chicken-egg scenario brewing, and even if they work it out, they still need something like a "Premium" or "Pro" section of the App Store that is vetted for quality and has a minimum price floor. It would do Apple well to develop their own Pro apps for the iPad once it is powerful enough. It's too bad they nixed Aperture, but in reality Lightroom on the iPad is probably one of the best pieces of professional software on the device anyway.
Breaking news: $500 product outsells $2000 product.
Maybe if Apple updated the entry-level & much-loved MacBook Air (instead of introducing the 12" MacBook at a higher price point)?
This. I was hoping for a real iPad update in April (instead of a rebranded iPad Air 2). As soon as they release a new top-of-the-line iPad, I'll buy it.
Very few people will bother building pro applications for iOS because Apples App Store rules make it difficult to make any real money from them. They can do what they like with the hardware and the OS the iPad will never be a credible alternative to an actual computer for anybody with anything above basic computing needs for that reason.
I have two iPads. I have a Mini 2 that I got refurbished for my kids. It still gets heavy use and we're not left wanting for performance. Videos and toddler/kindergartener type games are plenty and all run just fine. Even the battery is still just fine.
I recently got myself a used 9.7 Pro as well. My phone does most of the work but I've recently had to do a lot of research for an upcoming project. Checking news and other bits is fine on my phone but reading a 30 page document is just plain easier on my iPad. As nice as it is, used was the only option. I was not paying New for my use case. (I only wanted a Pro for pencil support.)
I'm using the pencil less than I thought but I think I just haven't found a note taking app that I like much yet.
They're great machines but seriously, how many people are gaming or doing intensive professional work on them? I'm not saying no one but that's a niche market. The Mini 2 is pretty old now and it still runs just fine and is doing the same things it's done since we got it.
I don't think it's so much about upgrade cycles as it is about most consumers going, "What do I need a new one for?" Unlike your phone, which is always with you, it's harder to justify upgrading what for most people is an accessory device to the new hotness every cycle.
I always want a better camera on my phone. I don't even care about the rear camera on the iPad.
I recently got myself a used 9.7 Pro as well. My phone does most of the work but I've recently had to do a lot of research for an upcoming project. Checking news and other bits is fine on my phone but reading a 30 page document is just plain easier on my iPad. As nice as it is, used was the only option. I was not paying New for my use case. (I only wanted a Pro for pencil support.)
I'm using the pencil less than I thought but I think I just haven't found a note taking app that I like much yet.
They're great machines but seriously, how many people are gaming or doing intensive professional work on them? I'm not saying no one but that's a niche market. The Mini 2 is pretty old now and it still runs just fine and is doing the same things it's done since we got it.
I don't think it's so much about upgrade cycles as it is about most consumers going, "What do I need a new one for?" Unlike your phone, which is always with you, it's harder to justify upgrading what for most people is an accessory device to the new hotness every cycle.
I always want a better camera on my phone. I don't even care about the rear camera on the iPad.
Well when you essentially ignore a product what other result could one expect? I'm an iPad fan -- I have 3, two minis and a Pro 9.7. But they are too expensive for not really being a laptop replacement. Apple keeps making 1/2 assed PR attempts to make people think it is without making concrete updates. A "meal replacement" bar is not a meal. One can't sustain themselves long term just eating those. At some point you need a full balanced meal. I can't do any real work on my iPad. It's just too painful.
It's not that iPads are too good to need frequent replacing -- so are Macs and iPhones. It's that Apple doesn't make a case why anyone should do that. When Mac was suffering in the early 2000s because MS and Adobe were slow to update software Apple designed it's own suites of office, video, and photo applications. Apple does nothing of the sort for iPad with game changing software or hardware. iWork for iOS is an antique toy not even useful enough for a high school term paper. Every iPad update since the Air has essentially become a speed bump, save the niche 12" model -- which Apple has also let languish.
It's not that iPads are too good to need frequent replacing -- so are Macs and iPhones. It's that Apple doesn't make a case why anyone should do that. When Mac was suffering in the early 2000s because MS and Adobe were slow to update software Apple designed it's own suites of office, video, and photo applications. Apple does nothing of the sort for iPad with game changing software or hardware. iWork for iOS is an antique toy not even useful enough for a high school term paper. Every iPad update since the Air has essentially become a speed bump, save the niche 12" model -- which Apple has also let languish.
Got an iPad Air and iPad Pro 12"
The iPad Air is plenty fast for entertainment and my iPad Pro is an amazing secondary display plus portable device to do a bit of work outside or study. I am definitely ready to buy a new iPad but only when a) the iPad Air is not being supported or b) the iPad Pro 12" is getting a significant update.
phones will soon get to the same point I guess. Right now I don't feel like upgrading my phone every year. I only switched to 7plus because I had a 6 non plus. Times change, and the better a computer no matter the size, the longer it lasts. I am currently waiting mostly for the Apple Watch series 3, so I can use my series 0 simply as dev device
The iPad Air is plenty fast for entertainment and my iPad Pro is an amazing secondary display plus portable device to do a bit of work outside or study. I am definitely ready to buy a new iPad but only when a) the iPad Air is not being supported or b) the iPad Pro 12" is getting a significant update.
phones will soon get to the same point I guess. Right now I don't feel like upgrading my phone every year. I only switched to 7plus because I had a 6 non plus. Times change, and the better a computer no matter the size, the longer it lasts. I am currently waiting mostly for the Apple Watch series 3, so I can use my series 0 simply as dev device
This is probably why Apple are moving towards updating the iPad Pro every 2 years because they know people are not upgrading them as often, yet people are moaning that Apple haven't updated the iPad Pro since it was announced in September 2015 this is the reason why!
I'm one of those who still has a solid use for an iPad. I rarely need the full power of a computer, so when I replaced my Mac I got a lower cost PC which I only pull out if I have to work from home. All of the leisure browsing, games and Youtube is on my iPad and I use it daily. That being said, it's not something I'm terribly excited about.
However, if Apple releases a thin bezeled iPad with a 10.5 inch screen in jet black--I may pull the trigger yet again.
However, if Apple releases a thin bezeled iPad with a 10.5 inch screen in jet black--I may pull the trigger yet again.
Apple iPads are so good in terms of performance, longevity, and support that I can see the sales decline because there aren't many real reasons to upgrade. I was thinking that they could move to an upgrade program for the iPads as well to increase sales.
I'd buy a new iPad mini today.
They are not offering me what I want to buy.
They are not offering me what I want to buy.
Not really if it is true. We don't know the install base and use rate for iPads. If those continue to grow then that would show "People don't upgrade tablets like the used to". However if they are finding that people who bought iPad's 3+ years ago just aren't using them (and aren't replacing them), then that is a problem.
I find that web browsing, viewing and editing documents, and watching videos is not ideal on a pocket-sized display. Yeah, my phone does just about everything my tablet does, but a lot of things are better on a larger display, and I say this as an iPad Mini user. In my opinion, even the difference between a large phone and a small tablet is still quite pronounced.
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iPads are primarily consumption devices. They don't need to be upgraded anywhere near as much as a productivity device like a PC or a Mac. As long as the users can get a current browser and a Facebook/Instagram/Twitter/ect. app. Throw in Candy Crush, Angry Birds, Solitare, Words with Friends, and a few other games then their needs are met. My wife has my old iPad 3 and it is still working fine. Sure, it can't be upgraded to iOS 10 but nobody cares.
Cheap Android tablets are hurting sales too. My coworker was recently upset her Android tablet she got from Wal-Mart for $50 on Black Friday two years ago stopped working. I did a factory refresh and it is now working good. Most users don't need a $500 tablet when a decent one that will last at least a couple of years can be had for $100 or less.
The market is saturated, both with iPads and also with Android and Windows tablets. Sales will eventually level out as we move to a market where sales are pretty much just replacement units to existing users.
Cheap Android tablets are hurting sales too. My coworker was recently upset her Android tablet she got from Wal-Mart for $50 on Black Friday two years ago stopped working. I did a factory refresh and it is now working good. Most users don't need a $500 tablet when a decent one that will last at least a couple of years can be had for $100 or less.
The market is saturated, both with iPads and also with Android and Windows tablets. Sales will eventually level out as we move to a market where sales are pretty much just replacement units to existing users.
I'll buy an iPad once they update the iPad mini.