Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Apple's 'iPad Air 3' to Be Branded as an iPad Pro With Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil Support

I KNEW IT!!! The specs were too good to be true for the price. All along I said either the iPad Pro would get a price cut, or the iPad Air 3 would cost more than $499.
 
I like the idea that it will support the Apple Pencil, but ********* Apple, these devices aren't flexible enough to justify the "Pro" moniker.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Foremastjack
I think they need to focus more on the software, at this point. Just keep the hardware unchanged for a year, and put everything into reworking iOS so that it takes proper advantage of tablet technology, because hardware has outstripped software development for the past 3-4 years.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Schubbiii and campyguy
I primarily use my Air 2 for TV/Movies, web surfing, emails, etc. Purchased a Pro and keyboard for my 14 year old stepdaughter and she loves it for school assignments along with her usual web surfing, etc. - she is also into art and uses the pencil regularly. As I am retired and no longer need the "power" of OS X, this approach by Apple, if true, is right up my alley. My 13" MBP typically sits in my laptop case and rarely gets taken out anymore. The only decision left is whether I want to downgrade(?) to a big or little Pro. As with others here, will be curious about pricing.
 
Hmmmmmm all of a sudden I see this as nothing more than an excuse for Apple to slap on an extra $300 to the new iPad's price. So will that mean no new iPad Air then?
Adding the Pencil support is just providing some bluetooth support right? And no doubt they will start the storage from 16B.

I was interested in this product, but if they increase the price by more than £50 just to add 'Pro' on it's back then no thanks.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bob24 and Benjamin Frost
If the price point remains the same, this would represent a tremendous value.

I expect iOS 10 to bring even more power user features, making this a complete computing solution for the masses.
 
Mr. Donahue said:
Bringing keyboard to tablets makes me feel like we're going backwards rather than forward. Why not have a laptop then?!
[doublepost=1456442560][/doublepost]What's next? RMBP to feature touchscreen.
Click to expand...
Exactly! I never could understand why turning a tablet into a laptop by adding a keyboard has any advantage. IN fact, I think it's a disadvantage. It's just more stuff to carry, including dongles, to make it as functional as a laptop.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Benjamin Frost and Mr. Donahue
Apple's product line-up becomes more and more confusing days after days. iPhone 5SE ( or iPhone 6s 4' ) is coming this iPad thing is coming, MacBook is already come to the market what are you trying to do Apple? Customers should easily choose product on your market. How you're tell the difference between MacBook and MacBook Air? Which customer buy MacBook after learn a single USB port and price? I missed good, old times...
 
AbSoluTc said:
You forget that iPad comes in 3 colors. Along with MacBook and iPhone. I would love to see that list.
Click to expand...
So the iPad should only come in one size, one color and maybe two storage options? I have a feeling many would complain about that. The reason all these choices exist are to meet specific price points.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Apple Human
Ludatyk said:
I'm somewhat surprised. Not the branding... but of the Apple Pencil & Smart Keyboard Support.

Reason being... price tag of the iPad Pro is justified by the Apple Pencil & Smart Keyboard Support. What is the justification of the 12.9" iPad Pro price tag in comparison of the supposedly 9.7" iPad Pro? A $300 price hike just for the bigger screen? Granted the 9.7" starts out at 16gb and the 12.9" starts out at 32gb...

I just don't understand the logic behind it. People aren't looking for better hardware... they are looking for an iOS geared to take better advantage of the iPad screen real estate And perhaps support for USB-C.
Click to expand...
The iPad Pro's screen has twice the surface area of the Air.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Apple Human
Ludatyk said:
The price tag of the 21.5" in comparison to the 27" iMac is justified by the 5k screen.. As well with the option of dedicated graphics. The 21.5 inch doesn't offer that.

I understand the 12.9" has bigger screen. I get that. But for $300 bucks. Normally Apple market their products where the larger screen has better features. Apple tend to differentiate it to the point that get customers to gravitate toward the larger screen.

If anything... I saw the 9.7" having 3D touch support, but Apple Pencil & Smart Keyboard support. At this point... I'm starting to think that they will perhaps give up on the 12.9" in favor of the 9.7" if they go this route.
Click to expand...
Twice the screen.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Apple Human
apolloa said:
Hmmmmmm all of a sudden I see this as nothing more than an excuse for Apple to slap on an extra $300 to the new iPad's price. So will that mean no new iPad Air then?
Adding the Pencil support is just providing some bluetooth support right? And no doubt they will start the storage from 16B.

I was interested in this product, but if they increase the price by more than £50 just to add 'Pro' on it's back then no thanks.
Click to expand...

Well, it's always a conspiracy with Apple, right?.
 
ValO said:
I guess Apple was ready to drop the air name earlier. I read somewhere that the iPad Pro was originally planned at the same time as the air 2 was introduced.
The AX8 was originally intended to be used by the iPad Pro.

I wonder if the pro was released at that time , if they would have called the current air 2 , the air 2 or also pro...
Click to expand...
Discussed in last week's Business Week article.
 
Robnsn2015 said:
The iPad Pro's screen has twice the surface area of the Air.
Click to expand...

I understand the screen area difference.. As I've stated on this thread a couple of times. But my point is... if a potential customer goes in deciding between the 9.7" & 12.9" iPad and the only difference between them is the screen difference.. I doubt that customer would go for the 12.9" iPad given the 300 price difference. That's my only point.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Benjamin Frost
I have an iPad 2 and am really looking forward to this upgrade but not above the $499 price tag maybe I'll just settle for the Air 2 and save a couple bucks too
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mr. Donahue
Rogifan said:
Hmm...so I wonder if this means mini will be the only cheaper iPad. Or maybe Apple is saying screw it iPad will never get back to 2011-2012 sales levels plus there's nothing we can really do with the current Air other than make it like the Pro so that's what we're going to do.
Click to expand...

Yes Mr Rogifan, agree with you. I guess lets hope if they go down this route that they do update the iPad Air too.
 
users must be exited over this...

The Air with pencil support.... I like it Tim.... Now, go for the jugulars.

I'm guessing this model would be be more for the users who just don't want a 12-inch version only as the compelling feature..

Is there anything left?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back