Limited iPad Pro Availability May Suggest Imminent Launch of New Models

[MacRumors]

iPad Pro models are currently showing limited availability at stores in major cities in the U.S., Australia and across Europe, Boomberg's Mark Gurman reported today.

According to a review of Apple's website that was conducted on Monday, the non-cellular 12.9-inch iPad Pro with 512GB storage is sold out at all Apple stores in the Los Angeles area, while the same model and other versions are also sold out at many stores in New York City.

Some Apple store employees said they started noticing reduced iPad Pro inventory in the last week. They asked not to be identified discussing private product information.

Gurman's report leads by speculating that the supply constraints may be a possible sign of the coronavirus outbreak's impact on Apple's manufacturing supply chain, but he also concedes that the shortages could be due to new incoming iPad Pro models. Apple sometimes slows the flow of product units coming into its various sales channels as the next-generation models approach launch.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects Apple to launch an upgraded iPad Pro during the first half of 2020, perhaps as early as this month, with Apple planning to release a next-generation model with a rear-facing time-of-flight (ToF) camera system supporting 3D sensing for immersive augmented reality experiences.

Recent rumors suggest Apple is planning to hold an event on Tuesday, March 31, so if new iPad Pros are in the works for the first half of 2020, they could well be announced at this event.

However, even if an announcement is imminent, it's still possible the new iPad Pro model supplies could be constrained or delayed due to a slowdown in production caused by the coronavirus outbreak in China. A DigiTimes report last month claimed the new ?iPad Pro? models have been slow to ramp up following the extended Lunar New Year holiday, although the Taiwan-based website maintained that launch of the new devices is expected "around March."

Gurman notes that AirPods Pro and built-to-order Macs are also continuing to show shipping delays, and some Apple Watch Series 3 and Series 5 models are listed as unavailable to buy online, although the Series 3 watch and Airpods Pro were constrained before the viral outbreak was reported.

Apple's latest iPhones and other iPads remain widely available in the U.S., although the iPhone 11 is listed as unavailable in some European countries and Australia.

In addition to the new iPad Pro?, rumors suggest Apple is planning to release a new low-cost iPhone and an updated 13-inch MacBook Pro, while more outlying launch possibilities for the first half of 2020 include a MacBook Air update, Apple's Tile-like "AirTags" item trackers, and perhaps a wireless charging mat.

Apple recently said it wouldn't meet its guidance for the March quarter due to the impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus, citing both constrained iPhone supplies worldwide and lower customer demand for Apple products in China as the main impacts on performance for the quarter.

Article Link: Limited iPad Pro Availability May Suggest Imminent Launch of New Models

 

[alphaswift]

I'm inclined to believe that the short supply is more COVID-19 related than a new release is coming. It wouldn't surprise me if new products are delayed because they just can't build enough of them to meet demand. Also, Tim Cook is not the kind of guy to gather large crowds in a theatre and possibly spread germs. I expect any new product announcement will be delayed.

 

[DHagan4755]

Kinda crazy how the coronavirus has thrown a monkey wrench into being able to tell when Apple is planning to launch new products.

 

[Hexley]

It can’t possibly be covid-19 at work, can it?

 

[R2FX]

if it's true, they can't come fast enough... my iPad 4 running iOS 6 is getting bit long in the tooth

 

[MoreRumors?]

We'll know more and have a better idea at the end of the month. However, whether the COVID19 affected production or not, it's beyond our control anyway and just have to ride the waves.

 

[Nimrad]

if it's true, they can't come fast enough... my iPad 4 running iOS 6 is getting bit long in the tooth

In my opinion, updating the iPad Pro now won't really bring much from the current model. The next "big" thing would have to be OLED/microLED/miniLED display and triple cameras, and the former is probably not ready yet. The current model is still plenty fast to keep as is for a few months until the new display technology is ready. A refreshed Smart Keyboard Folio would be nice, but I don't see how it would necessitate a new iPad.

 

[one more]

if it's true, they can't come fast enough... my iPad 4 running iOS 6 is getting bit long in the tooth

And what is wrong with the current ones on the market?

 

[Smeaton1724]

In the UK the 256GB 11'' model has been significantly discounted at some retailers over the last few weeks - Normally £860 in resale channels (£919 from Apple) it's been £720. To me that appears an imminent refresh on the cards, clearing out ''old'' inventory. I still bought the 11'' though.... it's a great device at a solid discount, regardless of new model, there's always a new model on the horizon....

Current models are plenty fast, so I really doubt we'll see anything ground breakingly massive. The usual A Series X variant so a spec bump, that will bring a battery life bump, new camera system. For me to get value from paying full retail of a 2020 model I'd want OLED, 16GB RAM and more importantly a fleshed out iPadOS to take advantage of the power.

 

[ridgero]

I ordered a iPad Pro 12.9 in february and canceled it today due to this news, thanks

 

[adamw]

Always good to see new models of iPad Pros!

 

[Apple Mac Daz]

I ordered a iPad Pro 12.9 in february and canceled it today due to this news, thanks

could of still had it delivered and used the 14 day return if an event was announced

 

[johannnn]

Normally, reduced inventory might suggest a new model.
But given that Foxconn was more or less closed down for a month or two, and still not running for full capacity, who on earth thinks a reduced inventory now suggest a new model?

 

[maflynn]

But given that Foxconn was more or less closed down for a month or two,

Not just FoxConn but their subcontractors. True they're ramping back up, but that doesn't mean the suppliers of components they rely on are back up and running and that's been the problem for many of the manufacturers. Even if they're up and running getting the parts delivered has been problematic.

This video explains how the entire supply chain is impacted by the virus.

 

[itsmilo]

And what is wrong with the current ones on the market?

Nothing but it’s from 2018 and would be silly to buy it now after holding it off for so long

 

[Justanotherfanboy]

In my opinion, updating the iPad Pro now won't really bring much from the current model. The next "big" thing would have to be OLED/microLED/miniLED display and triple cameras, and the former is probably not ready yet. The current model is still plenty fast to keep as is for a few months until the new display technology is ready. A refreshed Smart Keyboard Folio would be nice, but I don't see how it would necessitate a new iPad.

So, all the stories about Apple ramping up mini led screen production is then for what?
So they can store them for a few years to use in a distant future iPad? Lol.

 

[alexanderkilts]

If they bring back TouchID and keep USB-C, I'd buy tomorrow. I don't even care if I can afford it.

 

[EugW]

This seems like quite a reach, a speculation piece on Gurman’s part.

That said, there is still a strong chance the new iPad Pros are coming, regardless of this speculation based on inventories.

And yes, it will pay to wait, regardless of how powerful the 2018 model is. As mentioned in other threads, I suspect a new updated keyboard is coming, and that it will NOT be backward compatible with the 2018 models. That, and the likelihood that the 2020 models will get a 50% RAM boost, are pretty good reasons to wait.

 

[Justanotherfanboy]

Normally, reduced inventory might suggest a new model.
But given that Foxconn was more or less closed down for a month or two, and still not running for full capacity, who on earth thinks a reduced inventory now suggest a new model?

Probably any of us aware that the iPad Pro is one of the lowest volume niche products Apple manufactures & that a year and a half into production, the demand is likely VERY low... thus, highly unlikely that inability to manufacture in great quantity because of closures would manifest itself there first.

I suppose it’s possible, since they may only produce them in one small area of one plant that is currently closed, or something... but certainly neither reason is clearly correct or clearly discountable. Definitely not a “who on earth would think that” situation.

 

[meboy]

Make them less easy to bend!

Then OLED!
Justify that price hike of this generation.

Then make text editing not freaking torture!

 

[yegon]

Nothing but it’s from 2018 and would be silly to buy it now after holding it off for so long

Definitely.

Short of a bigger iPad (16”), or an immensely improved ASK (I’d be more interested in the unlikely appearance of a function row than a trackpad personally), I’ll be skipping the new gen. The current ones are still fantastic, mine is 1TB/6gb ram.

BUT, in your shoes it’d be silly to buy now, especially if you hold onto them for years, as it appears you do.

If I buy Apple stuff, I always buy it within the first month or two, I’ve never suffered buyers remorse* or OMG-they’ve-just-updated!

*Except for the iPad Air 1, 1gb ram + 64bit =/= a good idea. Worst iPad ever, yes, worse than the iPad 3 imo, which was slow but stable. Returned the Air 1 and just used my MBP more that year lol

 

[newyorksole]

So, all the stories about Apple ramping up mini led screen production is then for what?
So they can store them for a few years to use in a distant future iPad? Lol.

I’m very curious to see what they’ll do with these new iPad Pros. I have the 2018 model and love it. Mini LED would be great since they’ve been ramping up production.

I just can’t imagine what else would entice me to upgrade, but we’ll see.
[automerge]1583242012[/automerge]

Definitely.

Short of a bigger iPad (16”), or an immensely improved ASK (I’d be more interested in the unlikely appearance of a function row than a trackpad personally), I’ll be skipping the new gen. The current ones are still fantastic, mine is 1TB/6gb ram.

BUT, in your shoes it’d be silly to buy now, especially if you hold onto them for years, as it appears you do.

If I buy Apple stuff, I always buy it within the first month or two, I’ve never suffered buyers remorse* or OMG-they’ve-just-updated!

*Except for the iPad Air 1, 1gb ram + 64bit =/= a good idea. Worst iPad ever, yes, worse than the iPad 3 imo, which was slow but stable. Returned the Air 1 and just used my MBP more that year lol

My strategy (with iPhone and Watch) has been to buy the latest, keep them in pristine condition and sell them before or when the new models come out. I end up covering the cost of the new or having to pay a little extra. It’s worth it.

I’m gonna try that with this new iPad.

 

[Keniutek]

MicroLED/MiniLED please. That, will make me get a new iPad

 

[wib]

Disclaimer: I'm in Japan and we're seeing a lot of restrictions due to the virus that perhaps other countries aren't experiencing (and hopefully won't need to).

I've been eagerly awaiting the new iPad Pros for ages. I think that the COVID-19 is to blame for the shortage, rather than a new release coming.

That said, I've been shocked to find myself not spending as much time here recently as the whole virus situation explodes around us. I think that even if Apple did have something amazing and ready to go, it might be better to sit on it until we all know where we are (and if we're even still here).

 

[Rodney Dangerfield]

if it's true, they can't come fast enough... my iPad 4 running iOS 6 is getting bit long in the tooth

Agree...So is my iPad 3 starting to show its age!...LOL