Has Apple priced the new iPad out of affordable Tablet range?

[hasanahmad]

I see the deals with 2018 iPads 9.7 inches (the ones before the new design) for $349 for 128 GB

then I see the price for the 2018 iPads 11 inches and above(new design) from $799 for 64 GB

for most folks the 9.7 inch was more than enough and now it does not make sense to pay $500 MORE for LESS storage and a CPU/GPU which is great but the 9.7 inch iPad CPU/GPU is already so good the incentive is not there and won't be for years.

I see a family of 4 would go for the 9.7 inch older model rather than forking $800 for less storage

 

[1rottenapple]

Yup but that’s the usual pricing strategy apple employs. I remember back then trying to convince my cousin and his wife to buy a Mac back in the day but the idea of spending close to $1k on a laptop was crazy when you can buy a windows laptop for q$300

 

[Greenmeenie]

You could say the same thing about smartphones. But their sales are starting to lag, so I am sure there is a point where Apple will realize there is a ceiling to how much they can charge. Then again, people can do payment plans on iPhones that allows them to swap out for a new one every year without cost...while iPads don’t have that luxury...so people tend to keep them longer. Maxed out iPad Pros are now pushing $2k without accessories. For the average person tho this is overkill. Fortunately Apple offers the regular iPad which is much cheaper, and will be updated in a few months alongside a new iPad mini possibly. So as long as Apple keeps both consumers & prosumers happy, I don’t think it’s an issue.

 

[azbronco]

I’m happy with the cheaper iPad. I use mine more like a coffee table book that people can pick up, surf, play, etc. then put it down and walk away. For $800+ it’s in full priced computer territory so it doesn’t make sense for how I use a tablet.

 

[1rottenapple]

You could say the same thing about smartphones. But their sales are starting to lag, so I am sure there is a point where Apple will realize there is a ceiling to how much they can charge. Then again, people can do payment plans on iPhones that allows them to swap out for a new one every year without cost...while iPads don’t have that luxury...so people tend to keep them longer. Maxed out iPad Pros are now pushing $2k without accessories. For the average person tho this is overkill. Fortunately Apple offers the regular iPad which is much cheaper, and will be updated in a few months alongside a new iPad mini possibly. So as long as Apple keeps both consumers & prosumers happy, I don’t think it’s an issue.

If anything it’s good the people keep these iPads much longer. Less e-waste. And that’s another particular benefit for these iPads to be fast compared to other products. It will better keep up with updates through the years

 

[Greenmeenie]

If anything it’s good the people keep these iPads much longer. Less e-waste. And that’s another particular benefit for these iPads to be fast compared to other products. It will better keep up with updates through the years

True. I tend to keep my iPads for awhile. I am upgrading from an iPad mini 2 which is 5 yrs old! So it was time. Plus I needed more power for video/photo editing & drawing. So I got the 11” iPad Pro. Love it so far.

 

[44267547]

If anything it’s good the people keep these iPads much longer. Less e-waste. And that’s another particular benefit for these iPads to be fast compared to other products. It will better keep up with updates through the years

The only downside for those who care, the resale on the iPad Plummets compared to the iPhone for example.

But overall, this has been Apple’s forte with charging more for the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. Partially due to technology advancements, but Apple adds its own inflation. The question is, at what point does the ‘Average’ consumer say “It’s too expensive, I’m not upgrading.’ This is what Apple does not want, and in some ways, could be detrimental if the tech price hikes keep increasing.

 

[Newtons Apple]

I am glad that Apple offers such a wide array. I know I splurged by buying the 11” but it is a bargain for me considering how much I use it. I will keep it a few years before considering updating. Likely hold of on replacing my phone and iPad till 5G.

 

[AlexiTQ]

You could say the same thing about smartphones. But their sales are starting to lag, so I am sure there is a point where Apple will realize there is a ceiling to how much they can charge. Then again, people can do payment plans on iPhones that allows them to swap out for a new one every year without cost...while iPads don’t have that luxury...so people tend to keep them longer. Maxed out iPad Pros are now pushing $2k without accessories. For the average person tho this is overkill. Fortunately Apple offers the regular iPad which is much cheaper, and will be updated in a few months alongside a new iPad mini possibly. So as long as Apple keeps both consumers & prosumers happy, I don’t think it’s an issue.

You can basically do the same thing with the iPads, it’s just that you won’t get the credit from your carrier. Not saying this is the best idea, but you certainly can.

I personally sell my old iPad Pro when a new one comes out. That covers 60% of the new IPP, unless Apple decides to raise the prices.
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The only downside for those who care, the resale on the iPad Plummets compared to the iPhone for example.

But overall, this has been Apple’s forte with charging more for the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. Partially due to technology advancements, but Apple adds its own inflation. The question is, at what point does the ‘Average’ consumer say “It’s too expensive, I’m not upgrading.’ This is what Apple does not want, and in some ways, could be detrimental if the tech price hikes keep increasing.

A lot of consumers are already saying no. Question is rather when fanboys will have had enough.

For me personally I’ll switch to Android if they don’t lower the prices on iPhones. I can stick to the IPP at it’s current price, but not a penny more, if they can offer good improvements to iOS and get their **** together in terms of quality control. Otherwise I’ll have to find a replacement.

My iPhone and iPad are both 1300 USD where I live, for the 64Gb models, and it’s not like Apple is offering more despite their 20% price hike. If Apple wants to keep digging in my pockets, then I’m out.

 

[Heat_Fan89]

You could say the same thing about smartphones. But their sales are starting to lag, so I am sure there is a point where Apple will realize there is a ceiling to how much they can charge. Then again, people can do payment plans on iPhones that allows them to swap out for a new one every year without cost...while iPads don’t have that luxury...so people tend to keep them longer. Maxed out iPad Pros are now pushing $2k without accessories. For the average person tho this is overkill. Fortunately Apple offers the regular iPad which is much cheaper, and will be updated in a few months alongside a new iPad mini possibly. So as long as Apple keeps both consumers & prosumers happy, I don’t think it’s an issue.

Umm, I just bought a 2018 32GB iPad from Amazon for $249 using their Store Card I was able to finance it for 6 months with zero interest and applying for a Store Card at the time of purchase gets you a further discount.

 

[Greenmeenie]

I wasn’t saying people can’t pay for their iPad with a credit card. Just that Apple and the carriers have plans for iPhones they don’t have for the iPads where you can upgrade every year if you want.

 

[AlexiTQ]

I wasn’t saying people can’t pay for their iPad with a credit card. Just that Apple and the carriers have plans for iPhones they don’t have for the iPads where you can upgrade every year if you want.

Right, but the difference is more an emotional one if anything. For example:

I pay whatever it is each month for my iPhone. After a year, when I've paid half of the cost, I can return the phone and get a new one.

What if I paid for the phone with my credit card, and sold if after a year to get a new one? Same thing, basically. Yet, people would be more inclined to choose the first option. I guess part of it is convenience, but t's also emotional in that it feels better. After all, Apple products are not difficult to sell second hand.

 

[DNichter]

Right, but the difference is more an emotional one if anything. For example:

I pay whatever it is each month for my iPhone. After a year, when I've paid half of the cost, I can return the phone and get a new one.

What if I paid for the phone with my credit card, and sold if after a year to get a new one? Same thing, basically. Yet, people would be more inclined to choose the first option. I guess part of it is convenience, but t's also emotional in that it feels better. After all, Apple products are not difficult to sell second hand.

True. I buy and sell my iPad Pro yearly and it costs me about $200-$300 per year. Resell two weeks before the event and I usually get good value.

 

[1rottenapple]

The only downside for those who care, the resale on the iPad Plummets compared to the iPhone for example.

But overall, this has been Apple’s forte with charging more for the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. Partially due to technology advancements, but Apple adds its own inflation. The question is, at what point does the ‘Average’ consumer say “It’s too expensive, I’m not upgrading.’ This is what Apple does not want, and in some ways, could be detrimental if the tech price hikes keep increasing.

I think the time is now. People don’t upgrade their iPads generally for yrs at a time. For us on Macrumors, we are a 0.001% of the population. But the majority keep ipads for yrs. this iPad is my first since 2013-2014 mini. And I plan to keep this for yrs.

 

[Thomas Davie]

I had a 3rd generation iPad (64 gb/LTE) that I just gave to my next door neighbor; and he’s happy with it. I bought that in March 2012 (?). neighbor will use it for email, news, weather. And that’s all he’ll use it for. So even after 6 1/2nyears it’s still going to get plenty of use. I put Netflix on it for him and he’s thrilled. It can still control his echo smart home devices. Got a Roku control app and something for Sirius xm.

Tom

 

[flur]

The iPad is affordable and still the current model. The iPad Pro is the more expensive device. While they’re both iPads, it’s like comparing the MacBook Air pricing to the MacBook Pro pricing - they’re different devices.

 

[The Game 161]

I see the point but apple do offer different price points and for many the 9.7 option would be enough for many people which is very cheap.

 

[Zimmy68]

I have a bigger issue.
They offer a premium Pro model, which is fine.
But they do very little to differentiate between the normal model.
There aren't any real "Pro" apps. It uses the same exact ios.
What good is "the power of an Xbox One S" when you don't have any apps that take advantage of it?

 

[ssledoux]

Comparing the 2018 iPad 9.7 to the new iPads is a bit like apples to oranges since the new ones are “pros” and the 2018 is just a basic iPad.

That said, it’s apples to apples in the sense that for MOST iPad users, they’re both iPads that do almost everything the same. Sure the pros have smart keyboards (which, honestly, I LOVE), and they have nicer displays, better speakers, and now Face ID (and I’m sure a couple more things I’m missing), but for most people everything they need to do can be done with the 9.7 inch iPad for 1/3 of the price.

I had the 1st and 2nd gen 12.9 pros, and when the 2018 iPad came out with pencil support, I sold my 2nd gen 12.9 and got a 2018 iPad. My plan was to keep it until the new pros were released then get the updated 10.5 (now 11”). I just didn’t wind up ever taking my bigger one anywhere with me because it wasn’t as portable as I needed it to be.

At this point, I’m using my 9.7 with a stand and Bluetooth keyboard at home, but able to easily flip the cover and throw it in my purse when I leave, and I’m honestly not positive I’m going back pro. Of course I’ve avoided the Apple store at all costs because I know if I see one I’ll want it, even though what I have does all I need it to do.

Anyway, the bottom line when comparing the prices is that they are different machines. The new ones have a lot of features the regular iPad doesn’t. Only the buyer can decide if those features are worth the cost.

 

[Shanghaichica]

I don’t think it matters because they have the budget iPad which is within most people’s price range. Even as a budget iPad it’s still the second best tablet on the market after the iPad Pro.

 

[bluespark]

We're talking about the iPad Pro, right? If so, I agree. It's an amazing device, but it's hard to justify the spend over the prior iPad Pro or the current iPad. All of those do what many (most) of us need from our iPads and the price difference is enough to defeat the "upsell" motivation for many of us. For me, that means holding onto my older iPad longer than I planned and using the money I had set aside for a new iPad on something else entirely. Maybe next year.

 

[Greenmeenie]

I have a bigger issue.
They offer a premium Pro model, which is fine.
But they do very little to differentiate between the normal model.
There aren't any real "Pro" apps. It uses the same exact ios.
What good is "the power of an Xbox One S" when you don't have any apps that take advantage of it?

Procreate and other creative apps do take advantage of the power of the new iPads. More layers etc. But more apps that truly take advantage are coming. Like Photoshop next year. And More on the way. Wouldn’t be surprised if Apple releases Final Cut for the iPad Pro soon too. I think changes to iOS 13 will open up usb-c to more Pro like functioning next year too.

 

[redman042]

Now more than ever, people in the market for an iPad need to take a close look at what they truly need before selecting a model.

The iPad Pro is just that - a pro-level or very high-end device (iOS limitations aside). Most people with an iPad just do email, watch videos, read books, and things like that. Those folks do not need an iPad Pro. It's overkill. If you have the cash to burn, go for it, but otherwise don't complain about the cost of the 2018 Pros if you don't need anywhere near that level of power. You can get a great iPad for a whole lot less money.

But for some, the newest Pros are well worth it, and it's great to have the option.

 

[1BadManVan]

Apple didn’t design the pro to be an affordable tablet, they designed the 6th gen to be that and it fits that bill very well. They have two levels of iPads to fit a wide margin of consumers. I still think the pro is overpriced considering it doesn’t have the software to back up that hardware. But it’s still a beautiful machine

But I’m in the same boat as many, as much as I love the pro, my 2018 does everything I need it to and does it perfectly.

 

[Mr Kram]

just upgraded my air 2 and my daughter's 10.5 pro for the 11 pro and 12.9 pro respectively.