iPad Is Apple phasing out the 9.7 budget iPad?

[bballers29]

I find the current iPad lineup to be awkward with the entry level iPad being larger than the Mini. I know there were rumors of an updated budget iPad which would have a 10.2-inch screen and updated specs, but that never materialized.

It just seems to make more sense for Apple to phase out the 9.7-inch and have the mini be the new entry level iPad with the new 10.5-inch Air replacing the 9.7-inch at a more expensive price point.

I know there is a market for the current 9.7-inch, specifically for education, but it just seems like the signs are pointing to its discontinuation.

 

[Shirasaki]

If the iPod sign is any indication, the 9.7” iPad line would probably fall into the same category. Now both “budget” iOS devices (iPod 7th gen and 2018 iPad) has the A10 processor, maybe Apple wants to target both towards budget users? With that being said, the cheapest iPhone next year would be iPhone 8/8 Plus with A11.

 

[sracer]

I find the current iPad lineup to be awkward with the entry level iPad being larger than the Mini. I know there were rumors of an updated budget iPad which would have a 10.2-inch screen and updated specs, but that never materialized.

It just seems to make more sense for Apple to phase out the 9.7-inch and have the mini be the new entry level iPad with the new 10.5-inch Air replacing the 9.7-inch at a more expensive price point.

I know there is a market for the current 9.7-inch, specifically for education, but it just seems like the signs are pointing to its discontinuation.

Apple's current lineup is not awkward IMO. What is happening is that Apple is producing some iPad models that are not intended for the general consumer.... yes, they're available for the general consumer but not the target, but people have a mindset that thinks that every model should appeal to them.

The iPad Mini is primarily targeted toward vertical markets like airlines, warehouses, medical professionals, Point-of-Sales, etc. The 9.7 iPad is primarily targeted toward education. Two drastically different markets with significantly different needs and priorities.

The 9.7 iPad form-factor is going to be around for quite a while longer.

 

[rui no onna]

Apple's current lineup is not awkward IMO. What is happening is that Apple is producing some iPad models that are not intended for the general consumer.... yes, they're available for the general consumer but not the target, but people have a mindset that thinks that every model should appeal to them.

The iPad Mini is primarily targeted toward vertical markets like airlines, warehouses, medical professionals, Point-of-Sales, etc. The 9.7 iPad is primarily targeted toward education. Two drastically different markets with significantly different needs and priorities.

The 9.7 iPad form-factor is going to be around for quite a while longer.

In fairness, MacRumors is fairly upscale.

I'm sure there are plenty of non-techies who would opt for the cheapest "big" iPad instead of spending $500+ for iPad Air 3 (or better). Compared to Kindle Fires, etc, even the 9.7" iPad is already pretty pricey.

 

[sracer]

In fairness, MacRumors is fairly upscale.

I'm sure there are plenty of non-techies who would opt for the cheapest "big" iPad instead of spending $500+ for iPad Air 3 (or better). Compared to Kindle Fires, etc, even the 9.7" iPad is already pretty pricey.

All the models are available to the general consumer. There are 4 different iPad sizes, which one is the "big" one?

 

[rui no onna]

All the models are available to the general consumer. There are 4 different iPad sizes, which one is the "big" one?

Pretty much anything that's not the 7.9" mini. Really 10-11" class primarily (9.7, 10.5, 11).

 

[Digitalguy]

I don't see why the smallest one should be the cheapest... Remember that there is only one small ipad, while there are 3 mid-sized (at 3 different price points, budget, mid-tier, high end). So it's only normal that the smallest is not the cheapest but it's a sort of mid-tier in price, since Apple is not making a budget mini, nor a mini pro (even if some people would like both)

 

[*~Kim~*]

I don’t think anyone has said that the smallest one should be cheapest, at least not since where the options were Mini or 9.7” and the specs of the Mini were often behind the 9.7” model that came out at the same time. The iPad is always going to be cheapest while it is 2 chip generations behind, without the laminated display and with half the base storage of the Mini.

I think it’s fair that the Mini 5 is cheaper than the Air 3 though (as the latter has a bigger screen and the smart connector.)

 

[Digitalguy]

I don’t think anyone has said that the smallest one should be cheapest, at least not since where the options were Mini or 9.7” and the specs of the Mini were often behind the 9.7” model that came out at the same time. The iPad is always going to be cheapest while it is 2 chip generations behind, without the laminated display and with half the base storage of the Mini.

I think it’s fair that the Mini 5 is cheaper than the Air 3 though (as the latter has a bigger screen and the smart connector.)

The topic starter did "It just seems to make more sense for Apple to phase out the 9.7-inch and have the mini be the new entry level iPad with the new 10.5-inch Air replacing the 9.7-inch at a more expensive price point."
That's what I was replying to, maybe you missed that part of the message

 

[AutomaticApple]

I find the current iPad lineup to be awkward with the entry level iPad being larger than the Mini. I know there were rumors of an updated budget iPad which would have a 10.2-inch screen and updated specs, but that never materialized.

It just seems to make more sense for Apple to phase out the 9.7-inch and have the mini be the new entry level iPad with the new 10.5-inch Air replacing the 9.7-inch at a more expensive price point.

I know there is a market for the current 9.7-inch, specifically for education, but it just seems like the signs are pointing to its discontinuation.

I doubt they are.

 

[sharkync]

Whether they are or aren't, I am very happy with my '18 9.7 and Apple Pencil - remarkable devices.

 

[masotime]

It just seems to make more sense for Apple to phase out the 9.7-inch and have the mini be the new entry level iPad with the new 10.5-inch Air replacing the 9.7-inch at a more expensive price point.

• The iPad mini's utility is determined by its small size while still retaining a laminated Retina display and Apple's most powerful mobile processor to date.

• The 9.7" iPad's utility is determined by its relatively low cost while still sporting a processor that is powerful enough for most casual use cases.

Both iPads serve market demands that aren't determined solely by form factor. Do you have some other reason to declare that it "makes more sense for Apple" to replace the 9.7" with the iPad mini?

 

[aakshey]

If the iPod sign is any indication, the 9.7” iPad line would probably fall into the same category. Now both “budget” iOS devices (iPod 7th gen and 2018 iPad) has the A10 processor, maybe Apple wants to target both towards budget users? With that being said, the cheapest iPhone next year would be iPhone 8/8 Plus with A11.

A11? Nope. It won't. Probably A13, and in a rare shot A12.

 

[rui no onna]

A11? Nope. It won't. Probably A13, and in a rare shot A12.

I think what @Shirasaki was saying is that Apple's gonna drop the A10 iPhone 7/7+ August/September this year so the least expensive model sold would be the A11 iPhone 8 (after corresponding price drops). Maybe they'll keep the XR as well (with price drop).

 

[Shirasaki]

A11? Nope. It won't. Probably A13, and in a rare shot A12.

iPhone 8/8 Plus will be the bottom tier of iPhone next year just like iPhone 7 this year. And iPhone 8/8 Plus has A11.
[doublepost=1560585773][/doublepost]

I think what @Shirasaki was saying is that Apple's gonna drop the A10 iPhone 7/7+ August/September this year so the least expensive model sold would be the A11 iPhone 8 (after corresponding price drops). Maybe they'll keep the XR as well (with price drop).

Yes, that’s what I want to say. Btw, XR is not considered “budget iPhone” by any stretch. It is just a cheaper A12 device, that is all.

 

[aakshey]

iPhone 8/8 Plus will be the bottom tier of iPhone next year just like iPhone 7 this year. And iPhone 8/8 Plus has A11.
[doublepost=1560585773][/doublepost]

Yes, that’s what I want to say. Btw, XR is not considered “budget iPhone” by any stretch. It is just a cheaper A12 device, that is all.

I mean if a new SE 2 comes in it will have A12/13. Not A11.
[doublepost=1560586660][/doublepost]IMO Apple should only have 4 iPhones. That’s it.

iPhone 5” - $499 and up

iPhone 6” - $649 and up

iPhone Pro 5” - $849 and up

iPhone Pro 6.5” - $999 and up

All new iPhones every year. All with the latest chip. This is what Steve would have done too.

iPhone/Pro
Size jump +150

iPhone
Base - 64 GB
128 GB +50
256 GB +100 over 128 GB

AC+ 99

iPhone Pro
Base 128 GB
256 GB +100
512 GB +200 over 256 GB
1 TB (6 GB RAM) +300 over 512 GB

AC+ 149

 

[Wokis]

I believe the base ipad exists because it broadens the userbase of iPad a lot (wouldn’t surprise me if it almost is outselling all other models combined) so that third party developers feel compelled to put effort into their iPad ports.

Have the 2017 base. Might miss a bell and whistle or two but it is still a very high quality tablet that is pleasant to use.

 

[aakshey]

I believe the base ipad exists because it broadens the userbase of iPad a lot (wouldn’t surprise me if it almost is outselling all other models combined) so that third party developers feel compelled to put effort into their iPad ports.

Have the 2017 base. Might miss a bell and whistle or two but it is still a very high quality tablet that is pleasant to use.

Maybe. But then if the Mini 5 is 399 and up, the iPad 2018 should ideally be 299ish with deals everywhere so people can really get it for like 249ish.

 

[Shirasaki]

I mean if a new SE 2 comes in it will have A12/13. Not A11.

SE hasn’t been sold for quite a while by Apple now, and SE 2 is still not a thing just yet. Unlike iPod, which is a separate product line anyway, SE kinda overlaps with the XS screen size. I have no idea what Apple will do next, but I feel Apple will just maintain current lineup and ditch iPhone 7.
With that being said, I would not be surprised if Apple actually have an SE 2.

 

[rui no onna]

the iPad 2018 should ideally be 299ish with deals everywhere so people can really get it for like 249ish.

There are already plenty of deals dropping it down to $249.

I expect the iPad 2018 already has slimmer margins compared to Apple's other products. I don't think we're gonna appreciate any further cuts to hardware Apple is likely to make to drop it down to $299 MSRP.

 

[aakshey]

There are already plenty of deals dropping it down to $249.

I expect the iPad 2018 already has slimmer margins compared to Apple's other products. I don't think we're gonna appreciate any further cuts to hardware Apple is likely to make to drop it down to $299 MSRP.

Then make it 329 but ensure people can find deals where 128 Cellular can be had under 450ish.
[doublepost=1560591549][/doublepost]

SE hasn’t been sold for quite a while by Apple now, and SE 2 is still not a thing just yet. Unlike iPod, which is a separate product line anyway, SE kinda overlaps with the XS screen size. I have no idea what Apple will do next, but I feel Apple will just maintain current lineup and ditch iPhone 7.
With that being said, I would not be surprised if Apple actually have an SE 2.

SE 2 has been rumoured for 2020 Spring. Not 2019 Fall.

If it does have A12/13 + at least 64 GB base + 3 GB RAM and a bezeless screen under 5” then it is easily worth at least 599 or more. More so if they couple along an OLED as planned.

 

[Shirasaki]

SE 2 has been rumoured for 2020 Spring. Not 2019 Fall.

If it does have A12/13 + at least 64 GB base + 3 GB RAM and a bezeless screen under 5” then it is easily worth at least 599 or more. More so if they couple along an OLED as planned.

There is no “plan” for this and Apple can easily drop the rumoured release of SE 2. Even if they do release SE 2 just like they revive iPod, then this SE 2 won’t be a budget device by any means based on your assumption, especially OLED is included. I think using A12/A13 is also unlikely, since Apple has just bumped iPod with A10 processor. When SE was released back in 2016, Apple included A9 processor instead of A10 processor, and reused lots of old parts to build this SE phone. Therefore, I highly doubt OLED will be included in this rumoured SE as well as receiving a new form factor.

 

[ValO]

Apple's current lineup is not awkward IMO. What is happening is that Apple is producing some iPad models that are not intended for the general consumer.... yes, they're available for the general consumer but not the target, but people have a mindset that thinks that every model should appeal to them.

The iPad Mini is primarily targeted toward vertical markets like airlines, warehouses, medical professionals, Point-of-Sales, etc. The 9.7 iPad is primarily targeted toward education. Two drastically different markets with significantly different needs and priorities.

The 9.7 iPad form-factor is going to be around for quite a while longer.

Yeah, but I wouldn’ t mind a 9.7 inch iPad Pro with the new design. But my guess is that the new 10.5 inch iPad Air Apple already filled that price range.

 

[rui no onna]

Yeah, but I wouldn’ t mind a 9.7 inch iPad Pro with the new design. But my guess is that the new 10.5 inch iPad Air Apple already filled that price range.

A 9.7" iPad Pro with the new FaceID design likely would've cost the same as the 11" iPad Pro anyway.

 

[ValO]

A 9.7" iPad Pro with the new FaceID design likely would've cost the same as the 11" iPad Pro anyway.

Why?
It is all about profit margin, not about real costs. Could go for $100-149 cheaper than the 11 inch iPad Pro, since the 12.9 inch is $200 more than the 11 inch.