iPad Has lack of iPadOS innovation changed your future iPad buying decisions…

[James Godfrey]

Don’t know if it’s just me, but I have had a Pro 12.9” but being too big I am now rocking a Pro 11”… now I am contemplating selling it again and just going for the new mini, my reasoning is just how limiting iPadOS currently is and how Apple just never seem to give it much love every time WWDC comes round…

Personally I feel that the PRO iPads just don’t seem to be cutting it as a Pro device, and likely won’t in the foreseeable future mainly down to the OS and apples lack of innovation with it, let’s be honest the Pro iPad has barely changed at all since 2018 (both in hardware and software), and likely is not going to get any better until late 2022 (that’s if it does at all), that’s 4 years minimum of stagnation for the Pro line of iPads.

Does anyone else feel like it really makes no sense to go for the higher end iPad line up anymore?

 

[sparksd]

No, I like the 12.9 size and display (had the 2018, now have the 2021) so I'll stay with the Pro.

 

[Arkku]

I really like the iPad Pro 12.9” as a device (and I’m writing this message on it), but TBH I think I may switch to a lower-end iPad the next time around unless there are some changes to iPadOS and/or available apps to justify the Pro. For example, porting the pro apps (or allowing the iPad Pro to run macOS apps, like macOS can now run iPad apps)…

 

[Xand&Roby]

Until Apple could sells well Macs iPads will be a hybrid step between iPhone and Macs. We need to kill iPhones (much more than Macs) if we want MacPads.
Wearables will be the next iPhone (as Ive pretended for watch, but stocks owners and Apple management won’t), Apple ecosystem could free himself from the iPhones sells financial dictatorial drug, and others Apple devices could reach the dignity them needs, and we with them.
iPhone could be a trap in Apple development and future.

 

[James Godfrey]

I really like the iPad Pro 12.9” as a device (and I’m writing this message on it), but TBH I think I may switch to a lower-end iPad the next time around unless there are some changes to iPadOS and/or available apps to justify the Pro. For example, porting the pro apps (or allowing the iPad Pro to run macOS apps, like macOS can now run iPad apps)…

Yeah that’s exactly how I am feeling about the iPad line up as essentially they all do the same thing just with different form factors, and the premium prices of the pro line up I just feel simply isn’t worth it anymore.

That could quite easily change in an upcoming iPadOS update, but I just don’t feel like the iPadOS is anything but an extension of iOS, and apple seems to constantly keep it that way unfortunately.

This year for example we saw the M series chip added, plus advertised RAM options, then came the big announcements of ‘Widgets’ and ‘App Library’ coming to the iPad, features which should be just extra quality of life improvements not the main feature set… it was a serious WTF! moment and probably the biggest let down ever in apple software updates.

In no way am I saying the iPad Pro’s are bad devices, they’re amazing but their implementation is extremely poor.

 

[MisterSavage]

It irritates me to no end how we often have to wait a year for iPadOS to get features that iOS already has. I use my iPad so much more than my iPhone.

 

[ejin222]

I don't think it's iPadOS innovation that's really the issue here. It's the app developers not making use of iPadOS.

The other day, I was on Google Doc and realized how gimped it is compared to, say, Notability (not a direct comparison, I know). But Notability takes fuller use of what iPadOS has to offer while Google is generations of updates behind catching up.

It's not Apple. Apple has given us a Ferrari and app developers are putting lawnmower engines inside. I'm way past being upset at Apple because I think they realize what they want to do, and I'm all for it. I just cater my app usage depending on which device I'm using at the moment.

 

[sparksd]

I don't think it's iPadOS innovation that's really the issue here. It's the app developers not making use of iPadOS.

The other day, I was on Google Doc and realized how gimped it is compared to, say, Notability (not a direct comparison, I know). But Notability takes fuller use of what iPadOS has to offer while Google is generations of updates behind catching up.

It's not Apple. Apple has given us a Ferrari and app developers are putting lawnmower engines inside. I'm way past being upset at Apple because I think they realize what they want to do, and I'm all for it. I just cater my app usage depending on which device I'm using at the moment.

Is the problem that there just isn't enough money to be made by developers to make iOS development worthwhile? Notability is moving to a subscription now and a lot of users say they won't buy in. People complain about $2 for an app; you have to sell a lot of those to make it worthwhile to develop and then maintain.

 

[Ludatyk]

This year for example we saw the M series chip added, plus advertised RAM options, then came the big announcements of ‘Widgets’ and ‘App Library’ coming to the iPad, features which should be just extra quality of life improvements not the main feature set… it was a serious WTF! moment and probably the biggest let down ever in apple software updates.

I agree last WWDC was a let down when it came to our expectation of the M1 iPPs… we were hoping for huge announcements, but was given tweaks. You might not think that the tweaks don’t provide any extra quality of life, but as time has passed… I’ve grown to like my iPP even more.

I enjoy the ”shelf“ feature and as more developers implement it… it will make it all the better. But I think at that point in time during WWDC, we were caught up in the hype… but we were fooling ourselves to think Apple would give us some crazy window management support, extended display support or whatever that we are clamoring for with iPadOS.

However, the iPad is my favorite Apple device. I will be an iPad user until Apple decides to discontinue the product, but I won’t upgrade to the next iPP… unless something happens to this M1 iPP.

 

[cupcakes2000]

Yeah that’s exactly how I am feeling about the iPad line up as essentially they all do the same thing just with different form factors, and the premium prices of the pro line up I just feel simply isn’t worth it anymore.

Well that’s the same with any computer system surely. You can do the same things with the same OS but you pay for more power and better features in the hardware. It’s absolutely no different with the iPad.

 

[LeeW]

Don’t know if it’s just me, but I have had a Pro 12.9” but being too big I am now rocking a Pro 11”…

Same, I was expecting more from the Ipad Pro but it's not there. Sticking with my 11" until it is no use anymore and after that will just buy cheaper entry-level models for media consumption.

 

[akash.nu]

Is the problem that there just isn't enough money to be made by developers to make iOS development worthwhile? Notability is moving to a subscription now and a lot of users say they won't buy in. People complain about $2 for an app; you have to sell a lot of those to make it worthwhile to develop and then maintain.

You’ve nailed it on the head. People aren’t just willing to pay for apps in general. Apps that mostly cost less than a cup of coffee on the high street.

 

[rui no onna]

The limitations of iPadOS don't bother me too much. I've been using iPads since 2011 and for my usage, the pros outweigh the cons. I'm perfectly OK switching to my old Windows laptop or desktop for the rare (personal) task that the iPad doesn't handle. Work is pretty much 100% Windows.

That said, hardware has gotten quite good (and prices have gotten very high) that my buying habits have already changed quite a while ago. I used to upgrade iPads every year (~$1K per year for top storage + LTE + tax). However, I kept the 2017 12.9 512GB LTE (~$1500 with AC+ and tax) for 4 years and only replaced it recently with the 2021 12.9 1TB 5G (~$2400 with AC+ and tax). To be honest, I can't think of anything Apple can add or improve at this point that would get me to upgrade from the M1 iPad Pros.

 

[cupcakes2000]

I think the biggest problem with the iPad is a lack of imagination.

1- A lack of imagination from app devs, which is starkly highlighted when you compare apps from devs who barely change anything between the phone and iPad version with devs who release iPad only professional level software which is on par or in some respects can surpass many similar desktop implementations.

2- A lack of imagination with the people that use them. So many think they can’t do something because they’re stuck in the traditional computer mindset. They can only use it for media consumption. Add a sprinkle of imagination with this machine and you can set yourself up with a beautiful modular type system. Mine works wonderfully and consists of a mac mini, synology server, iPad 12.9. Cost about 3k in total, and what I have is macos as an app when coupled with Remote Desktop software or sidecar and tied together with handoff, continuity, iCloud and airdrop. A Massive external storage pool and personal cloud.
I have my iPad to control it all, via touch or mouse or keyboard or stylus or voice, using graphical interfaces or screen sharing or ssh, which can be used as a more powerful than most laptop, or can be used as a best in class tablet and all of the benefits that entails. It’s a note taking machine, a scanner, a Graphics tablet, a portable media center.


The future of the iPad is ridiculously bright, regardless of the few things that are yet to be fully up to spec with the very young iPadOS.

 

[Devvy]

If there would have been a bigger distinction between the iPad Pros and the base iPad, I might have opted for the Pro. Now, since my apps run as happily on the base iPad, I don't see why I should pay more than twice the price. The iPad does not necessarily need more speed. I was hoping features that would make it more versatile (so that I could get rid of the desktop). Major letdown for me is the lack of proper external monitor support. I still dream of a phone or iPad that I could transform into a desktop by just connecting a 4K monitor, mouse and keyboard.

That said, I think the iPad is an amazing device, the ease of use is unparallelled. I use it far more than my desktop.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I enjoy using my iPad Pro 11” with the Magic Keyboard. I wouldn’t spend this kind of money again, though. I would be more inclined if I could enter DFU mode connecting my phone to the iPad etc. The iPad continues to be gimped by the OS.

 

[rappr]

"Lack of innovation" == "Didn't turn iPad into a touchscreen Mac"

 

[Stridr69]

iPad needs a full OS. It's evolution is at a dead end using a modified iOS. Microsoft does it with their Surface Pro8. Great way to kill off most laptops. Only need an iPad with a detachable keyboard. Keyboard attached, full OS; detached, iPad OS.
Simple, eh?

 

[James Godfrey]

iPad needs a full OS. It's evolution is at a dead end using a modified iOS. Microsoft does it with their Surface Pro8. Great way to kill off most laptops. Only need an iPad with a detachable keyboard. Keyboard attached, full OS; detached, iPad OS.
Simple, eh?

Yeah, that’s my point, I don’t even think iPadOS should really even have its own name… it should just be iOS+ but even that doesn’t always ring true as generally new feature sets come to the iPad a year after iOS, making the features of iPadOS dated in comparison to the iPhone.

For example it would have made far more sense to bring widgets to the iPad first taking advantage of the screen real estate then bring that down to the iPhone later, Apple just seem to have it the wrong way round as of late.

 

[rui no onna]

For example it would have made far more sense to bring widgets to the iPad first taking advantage of the screen real estate then bring that down to the iPhone later, Apple just seem to have it the wrong way round as of late.

Honestly, I hate the implementation of the new Home screen + widgets so I'm keeping my iPads on iPadOS 14. The new iPadOS 15 home screen feels much less space efficient compared to 14.

 

[sracer]

Don’t know if it’s just me, but I have had a Pro 12.9” but being too big I am now rocking a Pro 11”… now I am contemplating selling it again and just going for the new mini, my reasoning is just how limiting iPadOS currently is and how Apple just never seem to give it much love every time WWDC comes round…

Personally I feel that the PRO iPads just don’t seem to be cutting it as a Pro device, and likely won’t in the foreseeable future mainly down to the OS and apples lack of innovation with it, let’s be honest the Pro iPad has barely changed at all since 2018 (both in hardware and software), and likely is not going to get any better until late 2022 (that’s if it does at all), that’s 4 years minimum of stagnation for the Pro line of iPads.

Does anyone else feel like it really makes no sense to go for the higher end iPad line up anymore?

Q. Has lack of iPadOS innovation changed your future iPad buying decisions?
A. Yes. But I made that decision long ago... around the time when the first version of iPadOS was released and saw nothing in it that was optimized for tablets. Soon after that, I traded in my 12.9 Pro and downsized to the iPad 6 and then Mini 5.

The iPad Pro hardware is amazing and so beyond where iPadOS is, that IMO, the extra expense of the Pro is not warranted. If Apple were to update iPadOS to be functionally on par with Android+DeX, I could overlook the restrictive nature of the ecosystem and the higher expense of the device and accessories and get back full-in on the iPad Pro.

But that won't happen so I'm thoroughly enjoying my Galaxy Tab S6 as my primary media and productivity tablet while the Mini 5 continues to be my digital notebook/planner and e-reader... and thanks to @sparksd recommending Pocketbook Reader to me, the Mini 5 continues to be my ultimate e-reader.

But I can appreciate that others are in love with the combo of hardware and iPadOS and my comments are NOT intended to invalidate the enjoyment and usefulness that they experience.

 

[Pakaku]

A 12.9" is perfect for my needs, but Pros are normally too expensive for what I intend to do, so I went with a compromise and just bought a refurb. I also bought it knowing iPad OS will likely never be a true computer OS alternative, but that doesn't bother me since it's not intended to be my computer replacement.

 

[Hunter5117]

I just wrote a response in the "iPad advertisement as a computer" thread where I argued that iPad acceptance as an "only" computer will continue slowly as the iPhone & touchscreen generation grows up and makes their choices.

Now, having said that, I think Apples hands are somewhat tied in what they can do. If we look at the broader PC market, Apple has to live and compete in a market that is still dominated by conventional laptops and desktop computers. There are companies who exist just to continue the supply of these devices at a very low cost and people keep buying them. As long as this exists, Apple has to keep making conventional devices and if they did try and really push the iPad as a proper laptop replacement, they would chance losing very important market share.

 

[ofarlig]

Not really no, it is rather the lack of innovation in MacOS that made me not buy a M1 Mac. I was hoping they’d nail running iPad apps on the Mac but that didn’t pan out that nicely. As for iPadOS I of course have a few things I’d love to see them add but I think it has progressed at a decent pace.

 

[ElectronGuru]

I see this as an expectation problem. Apple seemed to be boosting iPads profile by including a desktop class processor. So it naturally followed that we’d get desktop class software. Or at least a few bones in that direction.

But they didn’t do it for sw or any kind of vision we could latch onto. They did it so they could keep chip models limited.

Old way
iPhone chip (Apple)
iPad chip (Apple)
Computer chip (intel)

New way
iPhone chip (Apple)
Computer chip (Apple)
Use one or the other for iPad

This was an economy of scale decision with an economy of scale result. iPadOS will continue improving but evolution not revolution.

The other expectation is price. A $1500 setup should do everything and these can’t. But I see them as iPad Luxury models. I’m not willing to pay 1500 for pro that isn’t pro but I’m happy to pay half that for luxury.

And have. Twice this year, used. An 11 2021 and a 12.9 2020, chosen not for their processor but for their price vs battery age and cycle count. Both work great under 15.1 with their included magic keyboards and deliver luxury just fine.