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Does every update to a family need an event?

ejfontenot

ejfontenot

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Dec 6, 2008
598
366
Texas
With the buzz about updates to the iPad next week, the question I have is, do we need to have some media spectacle every time they release something new when the new isn't that new?

We have all become accustomed to these things, but are they necessary? And will next week mark the first time they update a major product line with no fanfare?
 
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gobikerider

gobikerider

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Apr 15, 2016
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ejfontenot said:
With the buzz about updates to the iPad next week, the question I have is, do we need to have some media spectacle every time they release something new when the new isn't that new?

We have all become accustomed to these things, but are they necessary? And will next week mark the first time they update a major product line with no fanfare?
Click to expand...
Nothing would happen next week. If it did we'd have a invitation a week ago because the invites are sent out 2 weeks ahead of the events. And yes there will be plenty o fan fare. This isn't like google that'll just update there website with the new products
 
Spink10

Spink10

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Nov 3, 2011
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gobikerider said:
Nothing would happen next week. If it did we'd have a invitation a week ago because the invites are sent out 2 weeks ahead of the events. And yes there will be plenty o fan fare. This isn't like google that'll just update there website with the new products
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Depends on the update. Apple doesn't always have an event for an updated product.
 
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uwdude

macrumors 6502a
Jul 16, 2014
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Yes we need an event! As is tradition, we live for the hype up until the event, livestream the event and squeal with nerdy glee, and anxiously await the website opening up for ordering. Then we all click together in the same second, bringing down the website for hours, and bitch about not being able to get one in a timely fashion. I see no reason to change this ritual.
 
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MacDarcy

macrumors 65816
Jul 21, 2011
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ejfontenot said:
With the buzz about updates to the iPad next week, the question I have is, do we need to have some media spectacle every time they release something new when the new isn't that new?

We have all become accustomed to these things, but are they necessary? And will next week mark the first time they update a major product line with no fanfare?
Click to expand...

Since macs have taken a back seat to iOS devices, it's no surprise that Apple has devoted "events" to iPhones & iPads since that's where Apple's bread & butter is. Otherwise, I agree. If it's not a major redesign, I don't think an event is needed for every update. Apple quietly updates lots of their products.
 
sonicrobby

sonicrobby

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Apr 24, 2013
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If the update is a processor bump, and not much else, then no special event is needed. Rumor is that this is what will happen with the 9.7" iPP next week. They've done this before with the macbook lines, releasing an early spring version with slight updates and no announcements anywhere. Honestly if its something like that, or even something from the iPad 3 to the iPad 4, then no, I think an event solely for that would be ridiculous. However, if they are having a special event anyway for one of their new products or major refreshes, then it would only make sense to just announce the minor updates there and not have a silent refresh.

The events help a lot with the hype though. They make it sound exciting and a big deal when there really isnt much to awe about. Thats what happened with me and the WWDC last year. iOS 10 brought a lot of changes to messages... changes that really werent any value to me. Even with me not having any smart devices for home automation, I recognized that the new home center app (or whatever its called) was probably the best feature the update had to offer. But my point is, I think special events help introduce hype for even a minor update because apple's fan base is so strong.
 
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MacDarcy

macrumors 65816
Jul 21, 2011
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sonicrobby said:
If the update is a processor bump, and not much else, then no special event is needed. Rumor is that this is what will happen with the 9.7" iPP next week. They've done this before with the macbook lines, releasing an early spring version with slight updates and no announcements anywhere. Honestly if its something like that, or even something from the iPad 3 to the iPad 4, then no, I think an event solely for that would be ridiculous. However, if they are having a special event anyway for one of their new products or major refreshes, then it would only make sense to just announce the minor updates there and not have a silent refresh.

The events help a lot with the hype though. They make it sound exciting and a big deal when there really isnt much to awe about. Thats what happened with me and the WWDC last year. iOS 10 brought a lot of changes to messages... changes that really werent any value to me. Even with me not having any smart devices for home automation, I recognized that the new home center app (or whatever its called) was probably the best feature the update had to offer. But my point is, I think special events help introduce hype for even a minor update because apple's fan base is so strong.
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I doubt Apple will quietly update the 9.7" iPad next week, and then a couple weeks later hold an event for the new 10.5" iPad Pro. Seems odd. Apple will wait and update the entire line together on April 4th as rumors now suggest.
 
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Brammy

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Sep 17, 2008
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They don't *need* one, but I also think Apple launching the iPad Pro ads indicate something coming bigger than a normal update.
 
ericwn

ericwn

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Apr 24, 2016
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It will be treated like as a sign of weakness if they don't hold a suitable media event. Why not have a nice event that you can hold when and where you like and later on you can get nice excerpts for the website, so that anybody who doesn't watch it live (aka normal people) can have a look. That's also why they only do a few events per year, they need to be rare enough to catch people's interest again.
 
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Brammy

macrumors 68000
Sep 17, 2008
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One of the things I'm curious about. Rarely, they have done these mini-events where they get some journalists together in New York and San Fran for a few one-on-one briefings a week or two before an announcement but embargo them. I know they did it for one of the OS X betas that came out in February and I'm almost positive Gruber mentioned running into Jim Dalyrmple at one.

I wonder if they could do this for the iPad annoucement.
 
N

nutriousmitten

macrumors 6502
Feb 7, 2017
281
348
Using the IPhone 7 processor and possibly upgrading ram from the Foxconn parts bin, and a few other minor bits, in the upgrade IPad Pro, as well as maybe giving the entry level IPad the old A9, and maybe similar treatment to the Iphone SE, doesn't require the logistics and organization of an in person event.

But a new size of IPad, and a new pencil, along with all the new ads popping up appealing to a wider audience, means they are trying to reinvigorate the tablet space, and thus an event would accomplish that better the a press release. So we will see.
 
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Defender2010

Cancelled
Jun 6, 2010
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ejfontenot said:
With the buzz about updates to the iPad next week, the question I have is, do we need to have some media spectacle every time they release something new when the new isn't that new?

We have all become accustomed to these things, but are they necessary? And will next week mark the first time they update a major product line with no fanfare?
Click to expand...

These threads wondering whether Apple will or will not have an event/do a low key update are getting annoying. Apart from minor updates to MacBooks in the past, Apple have never not had an event when a product changes physically, which according to rumours say it will.
Do we need the events or speculation? I don't get the question! If I created something I wanted millions of people to buy I would of course like to show it off to the world in grandiose style. The buzz equals free publicity and marketing to millions watching around the world. Sites like this might not exist if there were never large events to get members all worked up and desiring the latest "thing". When the richest tech company has something such as the rumoured bezel free iPad - you can bet your last dollar they will show it off at an event. If there is a physical change to a product it will be shown off. If it's only the chips/camera for example, then it may just be put on the website. What do you mean 'when new isn't that new'? Nobody knows what's coming yet. Best to settle down and watch the event when it finally comes. When you feel that excitement when the new iPad is revealed, yes, that is the reason for events...
 
DougFNJ

DougFNJ

macrumors 65816
Jan 22, 2008
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I am pretty intrigued by the lack of image leaks on the new iPad Pro and parts. Also the lack of accessory leaked photos that are projected for the next one. The only leaks I've seen have been analysts that have changed there speculations multiple times.

I am sure there is going to be a Spring Event. They have some Macs that have been long waiting refreshes including the Mac Pro, Mac mini, and desktop versions. Apple TV is due for some upgrades as well. The major release may be an Air 3 and iPad Pros may just get spec bumps? There are 2 ways we are going to find out, either updates to the website tomorrow, or an April Event.
 
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