Apple's New iPad Lineup Causes Potential Confusion With Inconsistent Features

[anshuvorty]

The launch of a new iPad Pro and entry-level iPad means that Apple's iPad lineup is the largest it has been in recent memory. The wide range of choices, inconsistent features, and confusing compatibility with accessories may be a source of confusion for customers looking for a new iPad.

One of the newest additions to the iPad lineup is the 10th-generation entry-level iPad. Compared to the ninth-generation model, which remains in the lineup at a lower starting price, it's a major update featuring a new design and a USB-C port. The new iPad, however, is eerily similar to the fifth-generation iPad Air.

Both the latest iPad Air and entry-level iPad have the same full-screen design with no Home Button, a Touch ID sensor embedded in the Power button, a 10.9-inch display, a single camera system, and support for 5G. The two iPads are extremely similar, with the only difference being the lack of support for the second-generation Apple Pencil on the entry-level iPad, minor changes in the displays, and the chip.

The latest iPad Air has the M1 Apple silicon chip, while the new entry-level iPad is powered by the A14 Bionic chip. While the M1 chip is more powerful than the A14 Bionic, customers are unlikely to see major differences in day-to-day use. With iPadOS 16, however, there are some ways the M1 chip will enable newer experiences not available on the entry-level iPad, most notably Stage Manager.

The 10th-generation iPad does not support the second-generation Apple Pencil, meaning it only works with the original stylus. The first-generation Apple Pencil requires a Lightning port in order to charge, unlike the newer model which charges magnetically. Since the new iPad has a USB-C port, customers will have to purchase an adapter to charge their first-generation Apple Pencil on their iPad. Design-wise, the new iPad is the first to feature a landscape FaceTime camera.

Other than the iPad Air and entry-level iPad, customers can still choose the ninth-generation baseline iPad as an option. The ninth-generation iPad features a Home Button, a smaller 10.2-inch display, the A13 Bionic chip, and a Lightning connector. Between the three iPad models, customers are left to choose between differences in performance, design, and compatibility for Apple Pencil.

At the higher end of the lineup, customers can choose the new iPad Pro, now powered by the M2 Apple silicon chip. The iPad Pro is offered in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes and is the only iPad model with advanced features like ProMotion, a LiDAR scanner, a USB‑C connector with support for Thunderbolt, and Face ID. The iPad mini is also an option for customers who solely want the smallest and most portable iPad possible.

Article Link: Apple's New iPad Lineup Causes Potential Confusion With Inconsistent Features

Like with Stage Manager, even Apple themselves don't know what to do with this product...hence the mess of features and confusing compatibility choices...

If you need to get real work done, get a Mac. If you need a mobile device, get an iPhone, or if you need a bigger screen, the iPhone Pro Max will help you out. Skip the iPad until Apple figures out this device's actual use case. At the moment, it seems like this product line is in a transitional state, much like the MacBooks were when they introduced the butterfly keyboard and TouchBar...

 

[Ankaa]

There really should be just two tiers of iPads. I’d say get rid of the mini too. Or price it accordingly to the size and features. The mini is just really expensive.

No, it's not. Price isn't a function of screen size like that.

 

[anshuvorty]

Yeah this lineup is ridiculous. I'm actually considering a new iPad in the near future, haven't followed the lineup for a while and wow there are so many models that it's confusing even for someone who follows tech. I can only imagine how the average consumer feels about this lineup.

Apple needs to trim it down to 3: The Pro, A Regular iPad, and an iPad Mini.

I didn't follow Apple in the 90s and from the accounts I have read, their computer lineup was a mess until Jobs came back in and cleaned it all up.

Is the current iPad lineup as confusing and as messy as the computer lineup was under John Scully's reign in the 90s?

 

[telecine]

Seriously….apple is reverting to the 90s style product lineups that landed them weeks away from shutting the doors before Steve SIMPLIFIED EVERYTHING

Don’t forget all the clones that he killed also !!

 

[curnalpanic]

Oh no, choice! 😱 Run away!

 

[CEmajr]

I didn't follow Apple in the 90s and from the accounts I have read, their computer lineup was a mess until Jobs came back in and cleaned it all up.

Is the current iPad lineup as confusing and as messy as the computer lineup was under John Scully's reign in the 90s?

Not sure exactly how the lineup was in the 90s. I didn't follow them back then either. I got on with the iPod in the mid-2000s

 

[Menel]

In the U.K. the M1 iPad Air is now much more attractive if you want that desktop grade performance for less than £700. The Pro models at £899 starting price have now entered Mac territory.

IMO noone should be buying the air.
The Pro M1 256 dropped in price last week to 699usd. The Air M1 256 is at 749usd.
Pro has promotion, quad speakers, and more.

 

[noone]

No, it's not. Price isn't a function of screen size like that.

The iPad Mini, when introduced, had the same internals as the regular iPad at the time (iPad 2). It was just shrunk down. And cheaper.

 

[telecine]

I didn't follow Apple in the 90s and from the accounts I have read, their computer lineup was a mess until Jobs came back in and cleaned it all up.

Is the current iPad lineup as confusing and as messy as the computer lineup was under John Scully's reign in the 90s?

It was an unholy mess ... with licenced third party clones that could run MacOS as well as a mess of various machines...

 

[UsernameAlreadyInUse]

Can someone explain what exactly is ‘Air’ about the iPad Air?

 

[jcshas]

If I were a first time iPad buyer I’d probably pick the iPad Air. Best combination of features between the low-end iPad and the iPad Pro.

 

[Ankaa]

Here's the important point:

The iPad Mini, when introduced, had the same internals as the regular iPad at the time (iPad 2). It was just shrunk down. And cheaper.

Of course there is price difference for different screen sizes of essentially the same product, as we see all across the board, whether it be iPhones, iPads, Macs, ... I mean, obviously!

But people routinely want to make the Mini the "budget iPad" because for some reason that I still haven't understood people think there is a linear relationship between price and screen size and screen size alone. And that's just not how it works (or at least: shouldn't).

So no, the current iPad Mini is not too expensive (as the post I replied to claimed), considering the internals. People just want to pay nothing and get everything.

 

[groove-agent]

As successful as Apple is, they just cannot market their products clearly. I miss the days when there was (more) simply the consumer model (ex. the Mac) and the Pro model (ex. Mac Pro).

For example the naming convention should be like this:

[Year] + [Screen Size] + [Format] + [Pro or not]

Ex.

2022 22" iMac Pro
2021 6.7" iPhone
2023 16" Macbook
2022 12.6" iPad Pro

 

[AFDoc]

What's so confusing? You want an iPad.... look at each model... pick out the one you want.

Are some people really having a hard time? How do they get through life if they can't make a simple decision? Some of you really crack me up... will totally whine about ANYTHING lol. Apple having multiple iPad models has ZERO effect on one's life yet many of you are here complaining about all the options... do you folks really think the general consumer is that dumb they couldn't figure out the models?

 

[TracerAnalog]

Love love LOVE the new prices in Europe. They’ll sell like courageous hot cakes. WORD

Inflation hitting hard. I will not be surprised if this (finally) will have a negative impact on Apple’s revenues. Buckle up fellow shareholders, winter’s a coming…

 

[transpo1]

Confusing because the lineup is a complete mess.

I agree— this is a complete and total mess. Get rid of the base model and sell the previous year’s Air. Just Pro, Air, and mini iPads. Let them all use the same 2nd gen Apple Pencil and cannibalize each other.

 

[LeadingHeat]

This sounds like a Verge article to me. Clickbait title. Very opinionated wording with facts to back it up. Sounds like an individual wrote it with their narrative vs factual like MR usually is.

Sure there are differences but that’s what the compare page is for if you really want to dive into these differences. It’s not hard people.

 

[ProfessionalFan]

Inflation hitting hard. I will not be surprised if this (finally) will have a negative impact on Apple’s revenues. Buckle up fellow shareholders, winter’s a coming…

In before Apple has record quarterly earnings again

 

[ProfessionalFan]

I wish they'd do more with the mini, it is my favorite form factor for the iPad but it just seems overpriced currently

 

[Ankaa]

I agree— this is a complete and total mess. Get rid of the base model and sell the previous year’s Air. Just Pro, Air, and mini iPads. Let them all use the same 2nd gen Apple Pencil and cannibalize each other.

I'd say it should be like this:

iPad Pro in 'standard size' and large
iPad (previously Air) in 'standard size' and mini
Budget/Entry-level iPad in one screen size

iPad Pros and iPads should all support Apple Pencil 2.

That gives plenty of choice for everyone and is clean and straight forward.

 

[gpat]

I agree— this is a complete and total mess. Get rid of the base model and sell the previous year’s Air. Just Pro, Air, and mini iPads. Let them all use the same 2nd gen Apple Pencil and cannibalize each other.

A14 64GB Air $399
M1 128GB Air $599
M2 128GB Pro $799

Would've been so much better.
No crippled products, just a good diversified lineup.

 

[Ankaa]

Sure there are differences but that’s what the compare page is for if you really want to dive into these differences. It’s not hard people.

It actually is for the majority of people. Maybe go through the exercise choosing an iPad for your grandma or explain all the nuances to her so she can make an informed decision.

The differences are so nuanced and sometimes in the tiniest details, the vast majority of buyers (the average consumer!) will not understand them. Try to explain to them why this NEW iPad they just bought and that was advertised doesn't work with the Apple Pencil 2 ("Two" as in newer as in better, right?). Now do that again with the various different processors. With iPad and iPad (because 10th en vs. 9th gen).

People will end up opting for the cheapest version or the Pro (in an attempt to get the best possible).

 

[lostPod]

Love love LOVE the new prices in Europe. They’ll sell like courageous hot cakes. WORD

Word.

 

[Mrkevinfinnerty]

Same as the iPhone too many models

 

[boak]

The mini strangely has a chip worse than the Air but better than the base. It’s not just about screen size now.