Didn't see mention of pen compatibility, or does the "pro" moniker automatically means pen support for all 4 models? The mini might be a nice tablet to throw in a back pocket if it has pen support.
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Apple to Launch Trio of iPad Pros in Spring 2017, Including 7.9-Inch Mini Model
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I love my Mini 4 , and I've had the 9.7 at one point and they are great consumption devices, but I just can;t see moving up to the 12.9 that is too large for a consumption device, and not fliexible enough to use as a laptop replacement, plus it's close to the pricepoint of a Macbook Pro or Air which would fit the bill better
I believe you can use the 12"MB charger for quick charging, and Apple will love to sell it to you for 50 bucks.
Apple will ship three new iPad Pro models around Spring 2017, including 7.9-inch, 9.7-inch, and 10.1-inch models, according to Japanese blog Mac Otakara.
The report, citing "reliable sources," said the 12.9-inch model will feature a True Tone display like its current 9.7-inch counterpart, using advanced four-channel ambient light sensors to automatically adapt the color and intensity of the display to match the light in the surrounding environment.
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is also said to gain the 9.7-inch model's same 12-megapixel rear-facing iSight camera and True Tone flash.
The smaller 7.9-inch model, which will succeed the iPad mini 4, will likewise include a Smart Connector, True Tone display, four speakers, and a 12-megapixel rear-facing iSight camera with True Tone flash, as Apple works to standardize features across its tablet lineup, according to the report.
All three new iPad Pro models will reportedly gain quad microphones, compared to the current dual setup, and retain 3.5mm headphone jacks.
Today's report mostly corroborates KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who in August said Apple is planning to release three new iPads in 2017. However, his research note claimed the trio of models would include a 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2, 10.5-inch iPad Pro, and a low-cost 9.7-inch iPad.
Kuo made no mention of a refreshed 7.9-inch model. It has been speculated the iPad mini could be nearing the end of its line due to Apple's focus on its larger tablet lineup, and the belief that recent 5.5-inch iPhone "Plus" models have helped lessen demand for Apple's smallest tablet, but today's report suggests otherwise.
Mac Otakara does not have a perfect track record with Apple rumors, but its sources have proven accurate on multiple occasions in the past. The blog was the first to report about Apple's controversial plans to remove the 3.5mm headphone jack and add new Black and Jet Black colors on iPhone 7 models.
The website also accurately leaked the iPhone 7's naming scheme, pressure-sensitive Home button, and larger earpiece cutout. It also said the new models would ship with a Lightning-to-3.5mm audio adapter, although 3.5mm EarPods proved wrong, and quashed rumors about the inclusion of a Smart Connector.
On the flip side, the timing proved to be wrong on its report claiming new MacBook Air models with USB-C ports would be unveiled by the end of June. The latest word is a MacBook Air refresh will occur "as early as October."
Article Link: Apple to Launch Trio of iPad Pros in Spring 2017, Including 7.9-Inch Mini Model
Here is how I see things playing out
iPad Mini = Apple Kindle
iPad Air/9.7 = actual tablet
iPad Pro 12.9 = eventual Macbook replacement
By replacement I mean they update the hardware and OS to be feature equivalent to the current Macbook.
I'm hoping it happens next spring, because that is why I took the iPad pro I was testing back to the store. I think the next iteration of ipad pro will replace the Macbook.
iPad Mini = Apple Kindle
iPad Air/9.7 = actual tablet
iPad Pro 12.9 = eventual Macbook replacement
By replacement I mean they update the hardware and OS to be feature equivalent to the current Macbook.
I'm hoping it happens next spring, because that is why I took the iPad pro I was testing back to the store. I think the next iteration of ipad pro will replace the Macbook.
I'm just curious as to how Apple intends to implement the Smart Keyboard concept for the iPad mini. It seems extremely cramped and I can't imagine that it will offer a decent typing experience.
I'd say you can largely blame the exchange rate changes for that. The U.S. Dollar is about 20% more expensive now than it was in 2012 (when the iPad 3rd gen came out).Try UK prices
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Yes, but having older models (in reality, for a given screen size and storage size: it is currently one older model) gives people two price points for a given screen size and storage. You might never consider buying last year's model but plenty of people do, otherwise Apple wouldn't offer them. Other manufacturers have a much wider spread of price points and devices. It has been a constant chorus asking Apple to offer a cheaper iPhone. But releasing a lower-end phone has its own problems. For once it damages the status of iPhones and might be rejected by the market as not-a-real iPhone. The iPhone 5c partly fell into that trap. If you only looked at its specs, it was a pretty good mid-range phone. It was only $100 cheaper than the most current iPhone (for the same storage) which might have been too much for a good mid-range phone. But overall it was clear that keeping the previous year phone around was a better move for Apple because that is what they returned to after one year straying from that model
That partly was because the Apple Watch Series 0 was simply too slow to be useable with third-party apps. The also upped the storage on the iPhone 6s and 6s+ they keep selling after the iPhone 7 release. Basically fixing the most egregious shortcoming (watch slowness, 6s small 16 GB storage).
That makes about as much sense as saying, "Why should I have a laptop and a desktop computer ... when they both run the same OS".
It makes plenty of sense sillypants. The reality is that iPads do not contain any additional necessary functionality to what I already possess in an iphone. For other users, I'm sure the story is different, as their needs are far different from mine. For this user, it just doesn't make sense when my 6s plus already functions as a mini tablet with complete adequacy.That makes about as much sense as saying, "Why should I have a laptop and a desktop computer ... when they both run the same OS".
They all need to be iPad with the core features of the Pro. Add the memory, pen, keyboard, and size you want. Having an iPad and a iPad Pro in the same size is ridiculous.
It doesn't really make sense to introduce a 10.1" iPad Pro model if they continue the 12.9", 9.7", AND introduce a 7.9" Pro. This moves the entire lineup from 2 Pro's and 2 regular iPads to 4 Pro models.. which is stupid. I think it makes sense to keep the Mini where it is, maybe boost internals, and to focus on introducing a new 10.1" Pro model in the same footprint as the current 9.7" model. I've done the maths and this will essentially make the bezel 3mm narrower on each side (from 10.7mm to 7.7mm). I think 9.7 inches is just too small to be sold as a 'Pro' option, also no one associates the 9.7" Pro as a 'Pro' because it has the same screen size/design as the iPad Air, which has been around since 2013. Sure portability is crucial, but so is screen real estate. Keep the form factor they have stuck to for years and invested accessories around, and squeeze in a bigger screen.
Current iPad Lineup:
$269 iPad Mini 2
$399 iPad Mini 4
$399 iPad Air 2
$599 iPad Pro 9.7"
$799 iPad Pro 12.9"
2017 iPad Lineup:
$349 iPad Mini (4)
- Updated chip, A9X, price drop $50
- No new speakers or true tone display, just a spec boost
$499 iPad Pro 9.7"
- No update on specs, A9X, price drop $100
- Still considered a Pro due to support for both Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil
$699 iPad Pro 10.1"
- Same footprint as 9.7inch model, can use the same smart keyboard
- Updated specs, A10X, new storage (128GB, 256GB)
- iOS 11 should focus on more pro features/tasks, taking advantage of new A10X to further compete with Surface/PCs
$799 iPad Pro 12.9"
- Updated cameras and true tone display to bring in line with 9.7" and 10.1"
- Updated specs, A10X, new storage (128GB, 256GB, 512GB)
- iOS 11 should focus on more pro features/tasks, taking advantage of new A10X to further compete with Surface/PCs
For the next refresh, I expect the Mini to be be axed, or kept around without an update and made cheaper - market for kids and light gaming, similar to the iPod touch. Rebrand the 9.7" iPad Pro back to just 'iPad Air', and have the 'Pro' name for those larger iPads with the better chips and exclusive features in iOS.
2018 iPad Lineup:
$299 iPad Mini (4)
- Same as previous year, price drop $50
$399 iPad Air
- Same as the 9.7" iPad Pro, price drop $100
$599 iPad Pro 10.1"
- Updated specs, A11X, price drop $100
$699 iPad Pro 12.9"
- Updated specs, A11X, price drop $100
After that the Pro models are due for a redesign, potentially OLED with new build material (ceramic?) in 2019/2020, drop the price of the Air and drop the Mini completely. By this point in time the Pro tablets alongside iOS (12) should be functional enough to replace a laptop for many people, and the 'Air' is marketed as the entry level/household tablet.
Current iPad Lineup:
$269 iPad Mini 2
$399 iPad Mini 4
$399 iPad Air 2
$599 iPad Pro 9.7"
$799 iPad Pro 12.9"
2017 iPad Lineup:
$349 iPad Mini (4)
- Updated chip, A9X, price drop $50
- No new speakers or true tone display, just a spec boost
$499 iPad Pro 9.7"
- No update on specs, A9X, price drop $100
- Still considered a Pro due to support for both Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil
$699 iPad Pro 10.1"
- Same footprint as 9.7inch model, can use the same smart keyboard
- Updated specs, A10X, new storage (128GB, 256GB)
- iOS 11 should focus on more pro features/tasks, taking advantage of new A10X to further compete with Surface/PCs
$799 iPad Pro 12.9"
- Updated cameras and true tone display to bring in line with 9.7" and 10.1"
- Updated specs, A10X, new storage (128GB, 256GB, 512GB)
- iOS 11 should focus on more pro features/tasks, taking advantage of new A10X to further compete with Surface/PCs
For the next refresh, I expect the Mini to be be axed, or kept around without an update and made cheaper - market for kids and light gaming, similar to the iPod touch. Rebrand the 9.7" iPad Pro back to just 'iPad Air', and have the 'Pro' name for those larger iPads with the better chips and exclusive features in iOS.
2018 iPad Lineup:
$299 iPad Mini (4)
- Same as previous year, price drop $50
$399 iPad Air
- Same as the 9.7" iPad Pro, price drop $100
$599 iPad Pro 10.1"
- Updated specs, A11X, price drop $100
$699 iPad Pro 12.9"
- Updated specs, A11X, price drop $100
After that the Pro models are due for a redesign, potentially OLED with new build material (ceramic?) in 2019/2020, drop the price of the Air and drop the Mini completely. By this point in time the Pro tablets alongside iOS (12) should be functional enough to replace a laptop for many people, and the 'Air' is marketed as the entry level/household tablet.
I agree if the Pro series is going to incorporate anything, it needs to run a Mac OS desktop. IOS is not sufficient enough to run programs or various suites for editing.
I hope they continue making the Mini sized Ipad, I love mine it's the perfect size for that type of device imo. Any bigger and I'd rather use a laptop or Surface pro.
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"It makes plenty of sense..." ... to you. However, to many other people it doesn't. The iPad does offer functionality that the iPhone does not.
So let's just agree to disagree, and leave it there.
Ps. "Sillypants"? Really?
I'm afraid so. Ideally, Apple Pro should have come with the 12"MB charger to begin with.+another $35 for the USB-C to Lightning cable..
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Same amount of upgrades from any other iPad to the next gen, which then came out at the same price as the last. The 'Pro' moniker is redundant and just means more expensive.
"It makes plenty of sense..." ... to you. However, to many other people it doesn't. The iPad does offer functionality that the iPhone does not.
So let's just agree to disagree, and leave it there.
Ps. "Sillypants"? Really?
Ummm. I don't disagree with you at all. It doesn't make sense for me, and that was all I was saying...I never said it doesn't make sense for you or other iPad users, because I know nothing of your habits/needs, nor would I pretend to.
That kind of thinking is exactly what got them in trouble back when Scully took over and the line up became a confusing hodge-podge of machines. History repeats itself.
Yup, charges faster than any iPad when on the rMB charger. For an expensive "pro" device it should've the one included in the box.