iPad Pro iPad Pro will be a failure...

[rowspaxe]

Second, Microsoft isn't going to build an iPad Pro or anything like it. That is, Microsoft isn't going to build a customized operating system that's not just touch-first, but touch-only, because they have too much invested in the whole Windows ecosystem. .
...
Bottom line: MS wouldn't build an iPad-like device that didn't run stock Windows (dilutes the brand)...!

Its not about brand dilution--its that the most efficient environment for complicated apps is NOT touch, but pointer (mouse/trackpad). Remember, MS was very aggressive in pushing "modern/touch" ui and apps and the user base rebelled. The desktop was "legacy" in windows 8. Now in windows 10, the modern tile interface is "legacy"--subordinate as part of the start menu on the desktop

 

[deze]

The thing that's really selling it for me is the pencil and larger screen. (+procreate 3)

Yes I'm an artist, and i think the iPad pro has great potential for artists who want a slim, light, portable, no hassle, Wacom Cintiq companion replacement with 10 hrs battery life.

Ok so you cant run full blow desktop apps such as PS and the likes, But interacting with creative desktop apps on a small touch form factor is a laugh to say the least...

I think that some of us just want a transparent experience of something that just works and doesn't get in the way of our creative process.

As for the surface pro 4 and book, well... The stylus experience looks pretty laggy in photoshop judging by the latest Youtube vids. (Its probably great for taking notes though) ;-P

 

[Iamshazamm]

Long time Apple user here...

The iPad Pro will be a big failure for Tim Cook. Really, he just doesn't have a long term vision for the tablet line. Bigger iPad with stylus, but same OS is honestly the dumbest thing Apple has come up with since the Apple Watch.

The iPad Pro needs to be able to run OSX or have some sort of file system as a lite replacement for a MacBook, otherwise it's just a glorified and expensive version of an iPad Air (which I sold to get a MBP)

Now I read Apple is investing resources to building a car. (Slaps forehead) Laughable Tim.

I have the equivalent to $25,000 dollars worth of studio gear in my iPad that's in the palm of my hands. I'm a music producer and from working on commercials to video games to movies scores my iPad Air 2 has made it so my workflow is amazing I have my entire studio in a bag and I make money from my iPad. I don't use it for media consumption. The iPad Pro would leapfrog my capabilities portably. So your comment makes no sense to someone who feeds his family off his iPad. This picture shows what I have in my studio

 

[engineerben]

Its not about brand dilution--its that the most efficient environment for complicated apps is NOT touch, but pointer (mouse/trackpad). Remember, MS was very aggressive in pushing "modern/touch" ui and apps and the user base rebelled. The desktop was "legacy" in windows 8. Now in windows 10, the modern tile interface is "legacy"--subordinate as part of the start menu on the desktop

First, I agree about complicated apps - I just opened Pixelmator on my rMBP and there are lots of tool boxes with tiny click targets. Of course, Pixelmator Team also has a well-featured IOS version, and it'll be interesting to see how it compares on the IPP versus OS X. But I couldn't imagine using my fat fingers to navigate the OS X version of Pixelmator, or any relatively complex piece of software. Mouse and pointer are where it's at.

But don't diminish how much Microsoft worries about the Windows brand. When Apple released a music player, it wasn't the Apple Music Player or Mac Music Player, it was iPod - completely new branding. When Microsoft released a phone OS, it was Windows Phone, even though there was very little "Windows-ish" about it. Everything Microsoft does with OS branding is Windows-something.

Windows 8 was Microsoft's attempt to play in Apple's end of the pool. It was, "Developers, come write apps that are touch-first, and we'll help promote 'em, sell 'em in the Windows Store, and limit side loaded apps, just like Apple." Developers said, "Nah, we'll stick to desktop apps, thanks." Users were confounded - and the Windows brand was damaged, probably more than by Windows Vista (and actually, I wasn't that put off by Vista...)

So they retreated to their side of the pool and regrouped. And Windows 10 is an excellent OS, fun to use, and as you point out, pointer-centric. But that leaves Microsoft without a real, touch-first platform. Does anybody use full-up Photoshop in touch mode?

So MS best option was to leverage the depth of the Windows app infrastructure and release a device that works best as a laptop replacement but can perform tablet functions. Apple, without the depth of the app infrastructure, elected to create a new OS, not leverage the Mac name, and depend on the developer community to fill the app store with beautiful, complex apps. Full-up Adobe Creative Suite? Nope, and if your workflow depends on them, look elsewhere - OS X or Windows, probably. But I am interested to see what app developers do with the Apple Pencil - now you have a touch device that's as accurate as a mouse...

 

[Yourbigpalal83]

I can't speak for others, only myself but I've been using apple products since the first iPad, and I've tried to use Android and Windows (i was brought up on windows machines and the commodore 64 and in my household the very mention of apple computers was met with distaste and outright scorn) but ever since i got my first iPod, then iPhone after that, I've never really looked back.

Sure i wanted more options like android and windows have, but not at the cost of usability and stability. I bought surfaces, nexus devices, all flagship products for there respected brands, and none have match the reliability and stability IOS offers me.

The one thing i wanted apple to do (an official stylus for there iPad line) they are finally doing and I'm fully onboard because for years I've loved to draw and always wanted to do digital artwork like concept art, storyboarding, etc.

Now i tried both the Surface Line of products and the galaxy note tablets, and they both felt sub par to me. Yes it was great they both offered stylus, but i couldn't tilt them to shade with and having training from high school how to draw and hold a pencil, that lack of ability made me return them.

I know wacom offers industrial grade drawing tablets like the cintiq line, but the problem with that is, the larger ones range in the 2-4 thousand dollar range, there touch screen interface with pinching and zooming isn't nowhere near as smooth or functional as the iPads, and the majority of them require the units to be constantly plugged into a computer just in order to function, AND the programs to do digital artwork on them are ridiculously expensive and insanely complex.

So for someone on a limited budget, who's an amateur at best when it comes to digital art, who just wants something reliable, affordable, well built and using an OS i know inside and out and that isn't too complex or complicated, the iPad pro is perfect for me!

Do i think it will be a massive seller? No. Unless your going to use the pencil, i see absolutely no reason for the average consumer who just wants to use there iPad to watch media and play games, to purchase at all.

Infact if i was working for apple, id push the iPad 2 line more on average consumers.

As for this being a laptop macbook replacement? It was never meant to be that. Yes you can type and create on it, but not in depth. You want to do high end content creating and programming, buy yourself a iMac or macbook pro! A tablet is not the ideal platform to write a novel on or do complex coding and programming, and it doesn't necessary need a touch screen interface! Its nice to have don't get me wrong, but the majority of programs written for a Desktop/Laptop type of computer aren't going to be designed for a touch screen mobile interface to begin with.

No ones forcing you to buy an iPad pro and theres plenty of alternative platforms out there if this doesn't fit your needs. if your a hardcore career artist who makes house payments based on your digital artwork and you can afford a wacom cintiq, get a wacom cintiq.

Your working in enterprise and need machines that can function as both tablet and laptop and run all sorts of programs, By all means buy yourself a surface!

If your like me who wants a little bit of everything, a drawing tablet, a media consumption device, all for a reasonable price...get the iPad pro or the air 2 if you don't need to create anything on it!

I don't see the need for all the hatred and ill wishes and bashing of the product. In no way shape or form is apple forcing you to do anything!

 

[Fthree]

I dunno. I really wanted an iPad when it came out because it was a natural evolution after the iPod touch.

iPads get upgraded every 3 - 4 years but I just don't see the iPad Pro being a success for Apple. This is Tim Cook's failure to anticipate bringing the iOS interface to the next level. Bad vision and overall management of the software team.

Just look at them bungling the ATV rollout with nonexistent deals with media companies.

Please define EXACTLY what you deem to be a failure. Under X units sold? Under X $$$$??? if what they bring in is > cost then it is not a failure. Only your unrealistic expectations are what I feel could constitute as a failure.

It will be nice to be able to come back to this post in a year or so and know that either
A. You are Right
B. You me or anyone else for that matter can predict the future.

 

[charlituna]

Long time Apple user here...

The iPad Pro will be a big failure for Tim Cook. Really, he just doesn't have a long term vision for the tablet line. Bigger iPad with stylus, but same OS is honestly the dumbest thing Apple has come up with since the Apple Watch.

or it won't be because you are incorrect that a tablet, any tablet, needs a full on desktop level OS

Just look at them bungling the ATV rollout with nonexistent deals with media companies.

A rumor by a site looking to increase its page hits that turns out to be false is not bungling. It's a rumor that turned out to be false

 

[Yourbigpalal83]

Please define EXACTLY what you deem to be a failure. Under X units sold? Under X $$$$??? if what they bring in is > cost then it is not a failure. Only your unrealistic expectations are what I feel could constitute as a failure.

It will be nice to be able to come back to this post in a year or so and know that either
A. You are Right
B. You me or anyone else for that matter can predict the future.

well i think for that person, a failure is anything that doesn't exactly meet there loan expectations. Thats the thing about technology in general. As vast as it is, its not completely encompassing and anytime someones expectations aren't fully met, in there mind its automatically a failure!

 

[charlituna]

well i think for that person, a failure is anything that doesn't exactly meet there loan expectations.

so then the headline should be more like "why i'm not impressed with the iPad pro and I won't buy one"

 

[Yourbigpalal83]

so then the headline should be more like "why i'm not impressed with the iPad pro and I won't buy one"

I totally agree.

 

[rowspaxe]

Please define EXACTLY what you deem to be a failure. Under X units sold? Under X $$$$??? if what they bring in is > cost then it is not a failure. Only your unrealistic expectations are what I feel could constitute as a failure.

I don't think the ipad pro has to sell in large volumes to be a success. Its success is more about brand impact: having a product that can do something exciting--like making art with the pencil. Right now--the "wow" factor in the Apple line up is pretty low. So the ipad pro may create some buzz

 

[Robnsn2015]

I agree. Any device with OS X and a touchscreen would essentially be branded a Mac, not an i-Device.

By the way, Microsoft did try to build a touch-first/touch-only version of Windows: RT. Like you said, it was a true failure. I think it was a failure mainly because Microsoft's enterprise customers had too much invested in the Windows (and Intel) ecosystem.

There are a lot of counterfactuals here. First, if Apple released a hybrid running OS X and they had threaded the needle of getting OS X applications to run really well in a touch-first environment, then yes, Apple fans would be cheering and lining up to buy it on the first day, guaranteed.

But it wouldn't be an iPad. It would be a Macbook something-or-other.

Second, Microsoft isn't going to build an iPad Pro or anything like it. That is, Microsoft isn't going to build a customized operating system that's not just touch-first, but touch-only, because they have too much invested in the whole Windows ecosystem. That's not a knock on Microsoft - I happily use Windows 10 on a PC at home, Windows 7 on a PC at work and Office 365 all around. Windows is a hugely valuable brand, and they're absolutely right to protect it. Windows RT was a mistake, and one they quickly rectified.

Third, don't imagine that Apple fans are quite so narrow that, "everything Apple makes is wonderful and everything Microsoft makes is garbage." For many Apple fans, slamming Apple's latest design zig or zag is just their way of saying 'Hi'. Need evidence? The iPhone 3G was a plastic piece of junk compared to the original iPhone, the 3GS didn't change anything. iPhone 4? Ugly, squared off, and don't hold it wrong or it won't work! iPhone 5? Let's just keep stretching this thing vertically until I can use it to clean ceiling fans! iPhone 6? Boring, nothing new, meh. All criticisms I heard from Apple fans!

And now, what about the iPad Pro? Over on the "which one will you buy" forum, lots of folks are saying they'll buy an iPad Pro but pass on the Apple keyboard cover and get a keyboard from another vendor. In their mind, Apple got the keyboard flat wrong. Hardly slavish devotion!

Bottom line: MS wouldn't build an iPad-like device that didn't run stock Windows (dilutes the brand), Apple won't build a hybrid, at least not now (not until in their thinking the extra complexity and cost is justified by a better user experience) and Apple fans aren't quite as slavish as you might think!

 

[Kal-037]

The thing that's really selling it for me is the pencil and larger screen. (+procreate 3)

Yes I'm an artist, and i think the iPad pro has great potential for artists who want a slim, light, portable, no hassle, Wacom Cintiq companion replacement with 10 hrs battery life.

Ok so you cant run full blow desktop apps such as PS and the likes, But interacting with creative desktop apps on a small touch form factor is a laugh to say the least...

I think that some of us just want a transparent experience of something that just works and doesn't get in the way of our creative process.

As for the surface pro 4 and book, well... The stylus experience looks pretty laggy in photoshop judging by the latest Youtube vids. (Its probably great for taking notes though) ;-P

I'm in the same boat/category, though I did try out the Surface's newest stylus and it worked pretty darn well. No issues with latency (virtually no lag.) I expect the Apple Pencil will be even better though, so I'll pick that guy up day one.


Kal.

 

[AppleRobert]

FYI:

http://www.phonearena.com/news/Surv...e-Apple-iPad-Pro-and-the-Apple-Pencil_id75416

 

[Sharkey311]

Agreed completely, couldn't have said it better.

Well, I would spell things correctly and use proper grammar...

 

[Royksöpp]

It won't fail but it won't be a blockbuster launch either. It's a niche product and it will have a limited market. Apple won't take a loss for it, especially at it's price point.

 

[Tom G.]

On March 8, 2015 d4rkc4sm started a thread titled "Apple Watch is Tim Cook's Demise" in it he wrote:

"you just watch and see

its only a matter of time after the watch is released and the sales numbers come in, you'll see tim cook stepping down as ceo of apple.

the watch is hardly innovative, and does things nobody needs, ie. scribbling on the face or sending your heart beat. lol. those are such dumb features. did the people at apple just sit around coming up with this great stuff like these to add 'value' to the watch?"

Looking at Apples just released 4th quarter results it looks like he is not that great of a prognosticator.

 

[rowspaxe]

Looking at Apples just released 4th quarter results it looks like he is not that great of a prognosticator.

Thats all chinise iphone money. The watch does appear to be a bit of a bomb--but there are only estimates

 

[oneshotpro]

the only thing Tim cares about is pleasing shareholders and the "diversity" agenda crowd for PC points. Liberals like Tim like to play it safe and pull more money out of current users.

 

[tillsbury]

Thats all chinise iphone money. The watch does appear to be a bit of a bomb--but there are only estimates

The estimates are showing sales of the Apple watch approaching an order of magnitude more sales than the second placed product. I wish the products I sell would bomb like that.

 

[cynics]

I have the equivalent to $25,000 dollars worth of studio gear in my iPad that's in the palm of my hands. I'm a music producer and from working on commercials to video games to movies scores my iPad Air 2 has made it so my workflow is amazing I have my entire studio in a bag and I make money from my iPad. I don't use it for media consumption. The iPad Pro would leapfrog my capabilities portably. So your comment makes no sense to someone who feeds his family off his iPad. This picture shows what I have in my studio

Is that an iPad 2 or 3? Is there a lightning cable option for your gear? Are there latency issues with those lightning options if they exist?

 

[daniel1948]

All that [my assertion that Apple makes quality products] would be true if Apple was still making great Hardware with an OS that "just works". A few years ago what you said was true but these days Apple are not as far ahead of the competition as you may think. Ive been an Apple guy for a long time, i use them everyday in my industry and i own several Apple products personally (im actually typing this on my beloved 2011 MBA) However when you take all the branding away, the Surface it so far ahead of the iPad Pro it isn't even funny.

In fact, if the Surface had an Apple logo it would be the messiah on these forums. Imagine if Apple released a product identical to the Surface but with OSX running of course and Microsoft released a product identical to the IPP. I just know Apple fans would be putting the Microsoft device down. Its Apples branding that allow it to release half baked products in the past few years. Im starting to see a trend of hardcore Apple users moving away from Apple products in the past 6 months including me. I believe Apple need to start innovating again, When the iPhone was first released it was incredible imo, i want that same feeling when Apple release a new product, not the feeling that "it will do"

I cannot speak for "Apple fans," only for myself. I would not buy an Apple laptop-tablet hybrid. I have an iMac in my office room, and I have an iPad Air. The iMac is for when I want a full OS. The Air is my portable device. It has to be lightweight, and it has to be easy to hold. I use it in bed. I use it in the living room. I use it for media consumption. And when I travel I don't want the weight of a laptop. I don't want to carry a keyboard and mouse and heavy case. When I'm traveling I don't do productivity work. I answer emails, keep a travel journal, check the weather, and maybe spend ten minutes a day browsing the internet for specific information. A pure tablet does all this perfectly, at a weight I can carry.

I will buy an iPad pro IF it turns out that it does not feel too heavy or too awkward to hold. If its bulk or weight make it uncomfortable, then I won't buy it. Obviously, I won't pre-order. I'll go to the store when it come out and heft it, and fiddle with it. If I decide it's light enough to carry, and comfortable enough to hold, then I'll get it.

I have had laptops. They are awkward. To be comfortable, they need to sit on a desk. If you need to travel with a full computer, a laptop is the right choice, and the awkwardness is acceptable. But I don't, so for me it isn't.

the only thing Tim cares about is pleasing shareholders and the "diversity" agenda crowd for PC points. Liberals like Tim like to play it safe and pull more money out of current users.

The only thing ANY corporate executive cares about is pleasing shareholders, because he'll be fired if he doesn't. In fact, corporate executives have a legal fiduciary duty to maximize profits. They can be sued if they don't. So the above statement is true but trivial, because it applies to all executives of all corporations.

 

[Macalway]

But there's corporate culture, and at Apple it's 'Make cool stuff'.

Of course, one needs money and a job to do this

 

[mgs315]

I am just curious how up to speed you are with macro trends in the pc/laptop industry? You do realize that for most (and the readers of MacRumors are not representative of the sample), the iPad format is all that is needed? No more PC, no more laptop. Many never had a PC or Laptop, phones and tablets are bringing them. Not too mention special purpose uses in the arts, education, transportation, restaurants and governments (I can go on).

Apple is creating a whole new wave of technology customers and the iPad Pro fills a hole in their product line. Clearly they learned from the iPhone it is best to have multiple alternatives to satisfy all types. In addition the more alternatives they have on offer, the less likely a competitor can be heard or seen.

The benchmark will be total Apple tablet sales. I think you will find the iPad Pro will be a major contributor to the overall tablet revenue growth.

Aye, I can attest to this. Work provide me with a laptop for anything a bit more confidential or requiring major work, however I still find myself using my personal iPhone or iPad to modify the odd document on the go. I certainly would not consider buying a laptop or PC in future for myself, instead I would go for something like an iPad Pro as a consumption device. Most of my work colleagues, friends and girlfriend are the same.

If work supported a secure iPad profile I would probably use an iPad for 99% of my work, let alone my personal time.

 

[penniless]

The iPad Pro is a letdown in many ways, not groundbreaking like the original iPad (hard to beat) and it definitely should've been more feature packed.

However, it will likely "sell more than expected" and I want one eventually. I will probably wait until the second generation... not for the kinks to get ironed out, but for the apps to get optimized.