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Buy lowest model can result in more problems: Either help somebody who don’t understand or sales representative if you’re buying at the store. Otherwise you’re in trouble
 
It wouldn’t make sense for Apple to upgrade the iPad mini to the A16 Bionic. I think the seventh generation iPad mini will get the A18 like the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. The 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max will get the A18 Pro. Maybe console gaming will be possible on the mini like the iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max currently.
 
A three year old, an artist, a pilot and a teacher can all use an iPad Air.
Sure, but is it the best choice for each? Do not think so. Its like saying everyone can use an MBP.

I would not give a three year old a iPad Air, I would buy the cheapest.
Artists ranges from on the go video/photo editing to those who draw and do graphics designs that likely need SSD, RAM and screen real estate.
A pilot would likely do well with an 11 inch Air.
Teachers, depends on. If used for drawing in class, the larger displays will be useful (and 12.9 inch Air will be very competitive). An 11 inch might be better for walking around the class room.
 
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Very confusing lineup. The new Apple Pencil with USB C seems unnecessary. Happy to see that there will be a cheaper option to get 12.9" display once the larger iPad Air launches.
 
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With no new iPad models launched this year, Apple ostensibly has some significant changes in store for its tablet lineup and accessories in 2024.


ipad-fall-2022-lineup-details.jpg


Apple's entire iPad lineup as of December 2023.

The entry-level iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro models are all reportedly due a hardware update in 2024. Here's how the lineup of 2024 could compare to today based on rumors:

20232024
iPad (10.2-inch, A13 Bionic, 9th generation)
iPad (10.9-inch, A14 Bionic, 10th generation)iPad (10.9-inch, A15 Bionic, 11th generation)
iPad mini (8.3-inch, A15 Bionic, 6th generation)iPad mini (8.3-inch, A16 Bionic, 7th generation)
iPad Air (10.9-inch, M1, 5th generation)iPad Air (10.9-inch, M2, 6th generation)
iPad Air (12.9-inch, M2)
iPad Pro (11-inch, M2, 6th generation)iPad Pro (11.1-inch, M3, 7th generation)
iPad Pro (12.9-inch, M2, 6th generation)iPad Pro (13-inch, M3, 7th generation)


Apple is also reportedly working on a new Apple Pencil and a redesigned Magic Keyboard accessory for the iPad Pro with an aluminum top case and a larger trackpad. The iPad accessory lineup could look as follows by the end of next year:

20232024
Apple Pencil (1st generation)
Apple Pencil (2nd generation)Apple Pencil (3rd generation)
Apple Pencil (USB-C)Apple Pencil (USB-C)
Magic Keyboard Folio for entry-level iPadMagic Keyboard Folio for entry-level iPad
Magic Keyboard for iPad Air and iPad ProMagic Keyboard for iPad Air and iPad Pro
High-end Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro


In his latest "Power On" newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that Apple is seeking to reduce confusion between the iPad Air and iPad Pro next year by introducing OLED displays, an updated design, the M3 chip, and a revamped Magic Keyboard accessory on the high-end models. This "will make it unmistakably the highest-end model," Gurman says.

He also highlighted that the iPad Air and iPad Pro will feature slightly different display sizes, just like the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, where the high-end models have larger screens. The ninth-generation iPad will reportedly be discontinued upon the release of the 11th-generation version, allowing the company to ultimately phase out the first-generation Apple Pencil.

Apple also plans to use the Magic Keyboard as a differentiator for the iPad Pro in 2024. The redesigned version of the accessory will not be compatible with the iPad Air, being exclusive to the iPad Pro. The 10.9- and 12.9-inch iPad Air models will only be able to use the current Magic Keyboard accessories.

Gurman said that the new iPad Air and iPad Pro models are due to launch around March 2024, with the updated entry-level iPad and iPad mini set to arrive later in the year.

Article Link: Here's What the iPad Lineup Could Look Like in 2024
iPad was the product that introduced me to the Apple ecosystem so I love it but wtf with the product line, confusing even for those who love the iPad like me...
 
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They should really get rid of the whole “Air” concept at this point. Back when the MacBook Air came out. We were all lugging MacBooks with CD drives, 6 USB ports, VGA ports, etc, and the Air was a massive change. That’s not the case anymore and essentially all of the devices are the same size…

Should be:

iPad (mini, 11”, 13”)
iPad Pro (11”, 13”)

MacBook (14”, 16”)
MacBook Pro (14”, 16”)
Among all the non-sensical chatter that starts with “Apple should”, here comes your intelligent comment. Thank you.
 
I don't hate it but I certainly am not impressed with it. I purchased the larger Pro hoping for a light computing device to travel with, and it turned out to be a large iPod. It has gotten better over the years but it is still a severely limited use device that costs almost the same as my MacBook Pro and more than my PC.
I am extremely grateful for my iPad Pro. I travel extensively for work and spend a fair amount of time on a “computer” every day. The iPad pro is the best device yet for my needs. My ONLY complaint is portrait camera instead of landscape.
 
It wouldn’t make sense for Apple to upgrade the iPad mini to the A16 Bionic. I think the seventh generation iPad mini will get the A18 like the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. The 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max will get the A18 Pro. Maybe console gaming will be possible on the mini like the iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max currently.
Is there any indication that the iPhone 16 / 16 Plus will get an A18 instead of an A17 (non-pro)?
The A-chips debut on iPhone, so it wouldn’t make sense for an A18 to show up on iPad mini before the iPhone.
 
You'd think they wouldn't release any iPad in 2023 to try and clean up the line up. Yet it seems that the line up will be more inconsistent and confusing than ever.

Not that I ever plan on buying another iPad, but what’s so confusing about it? iPad Pro, air and budget one. Wow. That’s so confusing. lol.
 
Not that I ever plan on buying another iPad, but what’s so confusing about it? iPad Pro, air and budget one. Wow. That’s so confusing. lol.
Maybe you should look at the specs sheet. It's not the name of each model that is confusing, but the features and the price points are overlapping a lot. iPad Pro 11 inch is basically an iPad Air with Promotion.
 
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Maybe you should look at the specs sheet. It's not the name of each model that is confusing, but the features and the price points are overlapping a lot. iPad Pro 11 inch is basically an iPad Air with Promotion.
Yep, it is. Along with another camera, 4 speakers, faster chip, etc. But a quick google reveals that. What's so confusing to you here?
 
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Yep, it is. Along with another camera, 4 speakers, faster chip, etc. But a quick google reveals that. What's so confusing to you here?
The price point between the two devices is huge, but they have almost the same features. This is true for other devices in the iPad lineup. I'm not the only one to have noticed that, read the full thread and you'll understand. And this is not even factoring in the accessories, with the latest USB-C Apple Pencil that is adding another layer of inconsistency
 
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from the Make Something Wonderful book of Steve Job's archiveView attachment 2324137

I feel like Jobs kinda screwed this up himself when he unveiled the Mac mini and the MacBook Air. That kinda set everything else on a collision course for more product divisions along lines of weight and dimension.

If we can get another small bezel reduction, kinda like the iPhone 15 Pro, I think we should have:
  • iPad
    • 9" - $399
    • 11" - $499
  • iPad Pro
    • 11" - $799
    • 13" - $1099
That's all they need to do to clean up this mess. Maybe sell year old models of the iPad to have a $100-$150 cheaper option. At least as a consumer, it's easier to "get" that you're buying an older model at a discount, especially when the entire lineup is that simple.
 
Is there any indication that the iPhone 16 / 16 Plus will get an A18 instead of an A17 (non-pro)?
The A-chips debut on iPhone, so it wouldn’t make sense for an A18 to show up on iPad mini before the iPhone.
The A17 Pro is manufactured using the N3B node process which will be phased out by TSMC next year once 15 Pro/Pro Max production ends. There won’t be a regular A17. The N3E process will be used for the A18 and A18 Pro.
 
The A17 Pro is manufactured using the N3B node process which will be phased out by TSMC next year once 15 Pro/Pro Max production ends. There won’t be a regular A17. The N3E process will be used for the A18 and A18 Pro.

Yeah, this seems like the best bet; but it is always possible Apple will brand them the A17 and A18 Pro
 
honestly... this. my dream version would be just a 12" version of my existing 12.9", with a center-top webcam and a lighter/sleaker Magic Keyboard replacement. then keep improving iPadOS.

something like this makes sense to me...
standard: 9, 11, 13
pro : 12, 14

I imagine that Apple would like the "standard" and "pro" ~11 and ~13 inch iPads to be generally chassis compatible for cases? Why add differences cases and more manufacturing and more waste for little value?
 
honestly... this. my dream version would be just a 12" version of my existing 12.9", with a center-top webcam and a lighter/sleaker Magic Keyboard replacement. then keep improving iPadOS.

something like this makes sense to me...
standard: 9, 11, 13
pro : 12, 14
FWIW if they make the MK lighter it will be more likely to topple over due to the weight of the iPad.
 
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