iPad Pro My fantasy iPad Pro

[Jonathantuba]

My 12.9” IPad Pro is by far my favourite Apple device. I use it in most areas of my life, for running my international business while travelling, and as a second screen on my desk when in the office; for reading music playing my tuba with various bands and orchestras (I have almost 2,000 pieces of music on it); for watching TV (such as BBC iPlayer saved to memory) and YouTube for which I find the sound from the 4 speakers is fantastic; listening to music with Bluetooth headphones and general internet browsing such as visiting this forum. It is therefore central to much of my life - much more than my iPhone or Mac.

This Good Friday I was day dreaming about how the iPad Pro could be even better still and therefore this is my fantasy list;

1) Almost bezeless display with Face ID in any orientation (sounds like this is coming 2018)

2) Illuminated Smart Keyboard for when using in dark (such as on airline at night)

3) Duel cameras as on iPhone X. People will say why do you want that? But most of my photography is using the 2x lense, but the problem with the iPhone is the screen is too small to see when shooting if perfectly in focus (with my aging eyes). I would love to be able to use my iPad Pro whatever people think.

4) Tabs for multiple Numbers or Pages documents with facility to have split screen, just like in Safari

5) Facility to set up rules in Apple Mail on iPad (like on Mac)

6) Ability to make and receive phone calls on iPad without iPhone (using AirPods if in public space). As I usually have my iPad with me, why do I want to carry an iPhone as well weighing down my pocket?

7) Ability to connect LTE Apple Watch with iPad Pro. This would mean no need to own iPhone at all as when having to travel light can use Watch and AirPods to stay connected.

8) Fitted with built in Calculator (why has this not happened?)

With those changes, for me the iPad Pro would be perfect!

 

[Glmnet1]

This would mean no need to own iPhone at all

I'm pretty sure Apple doesn't want that to happen...

 

[thisismyusername]

This would mean no need to own iPhone at all

I'm looking forward to this day. For folks like me who are usually very close to a computer/ipad/etc (and I always travel with an iPad), an LTE Apple Watch plus bluetooth headphones/headset could just be enough to never need an iPhone at all.

What I'm really looking forward to is the day where I never have to carry anything in my pockets.

 

[ericwn]

All very good and useful ideas. Thanks for sharing!

 

[TheRealAlex]

ALL Our Fantasy IPad Pro

#1. Bluetooth Mouse Support.
#2. Hooking up to a TV via HDMI turns it into an Apple TV
#3. USB-C
#4. A11X 2018 IPad Pro when connected to a Smart Keyboard And Mouse enables MacOSX Dual Boot Option.
I’d wager A10X is already faster than some Intel based MacBooks or MacBook Air Variants.

 

[boston04and07]

8) Fitted with built in Calculator (why has this not happened?)

Completely agree. I’ve actually been wanting to see the missing stock apps finally make their way to the iPad for a long time. It’s pretty strange that they haven’t after all these years. Weather, Calculator, Phone, Health, Activity, and Wallet would all have a place on the iPad. It’s so silly that iOS users need to download a third party calculator app to have access to a calculator interface when Apple makes a perfectly good one already.

For the phone, now that WiFi calling is built into FaceTime, they should really give it its own app. So many of my friends and family members have no idea the iPad even has this feature since it’s pretty well hidden, and I’ve always found it to be a bit clunky and awkward having it rolled into FaceTime like an afterthought. Apple should work some magic with the phone companies to be able to add visual voicemail to an iPad phone app as well. Not having access to voicemails is a big missing piece when I’m in front of my iPad.

As far as Health and Activity are concerned, I really would love the option to sync and view my own data to my own device. Now that that stuff is already stored in iCloud anyway there’s reallly no reason why Apple shouldn’t add an iPad interface to those apps. People who don’t want to use them on the iPad wouldn’t have to, but I personally would love to view that data on my larger screen.

As for Weather, in addition to going to the iPad I think it should get some additions like push notifications for bad weather and radar. Every iOS user should have access to a reliable and polished built in app for something like this. We had some bad weather where I lived recently and I thought it was interesting and also kind of alarming that everyone I work with got different severe weather alerts and predictions because everyone was using a different weather app on their phones. Having a nice and reliable stock weather app would be really beneficial in situations like that.

 

[LovingTeddy]

My 12.9” IPad Pro is by far my favourite Apple device. I use it in most areas of my life, for running my international business while travelling, and as a second screen on my desk when in the office; for reading music playing my tuba with various bands and orchestras (I have almost 2,000 pieces of music on it); for watching TV (such as BBC iPlayer saved to memory) and YouTube for which I find the sound from the 4 speakers is fantastic; listening to music with Bluetooth headphones and general internet browsing such as visiting this forum. It is therefore central to much of my life - much more than my iPhone or Mac.

This Good Friday I was day dreaming about how the iPad Pro could be even better still and therefore this is my fantasy list;

1) Almost bezeless display with Face ID in any orientation (sounds like this is coming 2018)

2) Illuminated Smart Keyboard for when using in dark (such as on airline at night)

3) Duel cameras as on iPhone X. People will say why do you want that? But most of my photography is using the 2x lense, but the problem with the iPhone is the screen is too small to see when shooting if perfectly in focus (with my aging eyes). I would love to be able to use my iPad Pro whatever people think.

4) Tabs for multiple Numbers or Pages documents with facility to have split screen, just like in Safari

5) Facility to set up rules in Apple Mail on iPad (like on Mac)

6) Ability to make and receive phone calls on iPad without iPhone (using AirPods if in public space). As I usually have my iPad with me, why do I want to carry an iPhone as well weighing down my pocket?

7) Ability to connect LTE Apple Watch with iPad Pro. This would mean no need to own iPhone at all as when having to travel light can use Watch and AirPods to stay connected.

8) Fitted with built in Calculator (why has this not happened?)

With those changes, for me the iPad Pro would be perfect!

1. This would happen. FaceID bad idea... People will have iPad lays down on the table, FaceID is completely useless this way.

2. You can pickup Logitech one with illuminated keyboard for less than Smart Keyboard, it come with a case as well.

3. Taking picture with iPad is bad idea.

4. Good idea.

5. Good idea

6. Apple Watch and iPad LTE cannot completely replace phone functionality and I am sure carriers will not like that. LTE iPad never meant to making phone call and it will not ever have capability of making phone call. If you want you can use VoIP apps.

7. Same above.

8. You can download any calculator apps. Lots of good calculator apps that do more than just basic calculator app.

 

[kazmac]

My 12.9” IPad Pro is by far my favourite Apple device. I use it in most areas of my life, for running my international business while travelling, and as a second screen on my desk when in the office; for reading music playing my tuba with various bands and orchestras (I have almost 2,000 pieces of music on it); for watching TV (such as BBC iPlayer saved to memory) and YouTube for which I find the sound from the 4 speakers is fantastic; listening to music with Bluetooth headphones and general internet browsing such as visiting this forum. It is therefore central to much of my life - much more than my iPhone or Mac.

This Good Friday I was day dreaming about how the iPad Pro could be even better still and therefore this is my fantasy list;

1) Almost bezeless display with Face ID in any orientation (sounds like this is coming 2018)

2) Illuminated Smart Keyboard for when using in dark (such as on airline at night)

3) Duel cameras as on iPhone X. People will say why do you want that? But most of my photography is using the 2x lense, but the problem with the iPhone is the screen is too small to see when shooting if perfectly in focus (with my aging eyes). I would love to be able to use my iPad Pro whatever people think.

4) Tabs for multiple Numbers or Pages documents with facility to have split screen, just like in Safari

5) Facility to set up rules in Apple Mail on iPad (like on Mac)

6) Ability to make and receive phone calls on iPad without iPhone (using AirPods if in public space). As I usually have my iPad with me, why do I want to carry an iPhone as well weighing down my pocket?

7) Ability to connect LTE Apple Watch with iPad Pro. This would mean no need to own iPhone at all as when having to travel light can use Watch and AirPods to stay connected.

8) Fitted with built in Calculator (why has this not happened?)

With those changes, for me the iPad Pro would be perfect!

Some nice ideas, I agree with the bolded. If the iPad Pro and/or Apple Watch had the ability to make phone calls, I'd never buy another iPhone. I feel like I have one piece of tech too many with the iPhone which I use far less frequently than the iPad Pro. I'd like the Calculator app back as well.

 

[Eric5273]

I want an iPad Pro with a foldable screen where it’s thin enough that when folded I can put it in a jacket pocket, but then unfold it and it will still have a 10+ inch screen

 

[Jonathantuba]

I'm pretty sure Apple doesn't want that to happen...

I don’t think Apple would loose much, if anything. Most people will still buy iPhones - iPad Pro sales are small in comparison. They may loose selling some iPhone, but will sell more expensive iPad Pro instead from the people who want this facility. Those are mostly business people and would be prepared to pay quite a lot extra for the convenience of not having to carry about an extra device

 

[Jonathantuba]

1. This would happen. FaceID bad idea... People will have iPad lays down on the table, FaceID is completely useless this way.

2. You can pickup Logitech one with illuminated keyboard for less than Smart Keyboard, it come with a case as well.

3. Taking picture with iPad is bad idea.

Personally I don’t use my iPad Pro without looking at it. One of the great things about Face ID is the device knows if the screen has your attention and if you are looking at it. So as long as one is using the device the screen stays alive, even if user is just reading and not touching screen. Once one walks away (can be set for as little as 30 seconds on iPhone X), the screen will go black saving battery and increasing security (say you are in coffee shop and go to get extra sugar, that is good security).

2. The Logitech keyboard is a lot more bulky and heavy

3. Why is it a bad idea? Surely it depends on situation. If used at concert and blocking other people’s view with your iPad, that will be bad, but if out in the countryside taking landscapes, hurts no-one and may result in better pictures

 

[ericwn]

ALL Our Fantasy IPad Pro

Nope. Just yours.

 

[maflynn]

8) Fitted with built in Calculator (why has this not happened?)

You know that's easy enough to fix, buy going to the app store. I don't understand why apple doesn't include a caculator app, but in the scheme of things, its really minor, not even an issue, or an annoyance because its so simple to fix.

2) Illuminated Smart Keyboard for when using in dark (such as on airline at night)

Agreed, I found the lack of a backlight to be a major stumbling block, especially at the excessive price apple charges. I returned the keyboard, it was nowhere near worth the price.

1) Almost bezeless display with Face ID in any orientation (sounds like this is coming 2018)

I'm not a fan of a tiny bezel on the tablets, because unlike phones, you need a place to put your hand, and I'm not talking about palm rejection, but rather covering up the screen when you're holding it.

Nope. Just yours.

Tbh, his list is solid, and many members have been clamoring for those items. What item in that list is not something you would want?

 

[ericwn]

You know that's easy enough to fix, buy going to the app store. I don't understand why apple doesn't include a caculator app, but in the scheme of things, its really minor, not even an issue, or an annoyance because its so simple to fix.


Agreed, I found the lack of a backlight to be a major stumbling block, especially at the excessive price apple charges. I returned the keyboard, it was nowhere near worth the price.


I'm not a fan of a tiny bezel on the tablets, because unlike phones, you need a place to put your hand, and I'm not talking about palm rejection, but rather covering up the screen when you're holding it.


Tbh, his list is solid, and many members have been clamoring for those items. What item in that list is not something you would want?

I see no need for usb-c to be honest. Or for generalisations assuming my needs.

 

[ericwn]

I want an iPad Pro with a foldable screen where it’s thin enough that when folded I can put it in a jacket pocket, but then unfold it and it will still have a 10+ inch screen

Me too. Maybe we’ll see that one day when the tech gets there. Folding might replace different sizes altogether.

 

[maflynn]

I see no need for usb-c to be honest. Or for generalisations assuming my needs.

Apple should have replaced the lightening port with USB-C, but they want to go the proprietary route. As for generalizing your needs; given that you only are quibbling over the USB-C, I'd say he's pretty close to being on target with that list.

 

[Jonathantuba]

Apple should have replaced the lightening port with USB-C,

I am pleased they have not replaced. I have devices with both ports and find the lightening quicker to insert (can be either way up) and provides more reliable connection

 

[maflynn]

I am pleased they have not replaced. I have devices with both ports and the find the lightening quicker to insert (can be either way up) and provide more reliable connection

There are advantages to be sure, but I think its a mistake for apple to embrace a propretary port, when USB-C has many advantages.

 

[ericwn]

Apple should have replaced the lightening port with USB-C, but they want to go the proprietary route. As for generalizing your needs; given that you only are quibbling over the USB-C, I'd say he's pretty close to being on target with that list.

I think he’s the only one who mentioned it in this thread. But whatever, it remains his wish not mine. Benefits in my day from that change would be absolutely zero. So yes , I don’t need usb c and don’t need anybody assuming I need it.

 

[Glmnet1]

I don’t think Apple would loose much, if anything. Most people will still buy iPhones - iPad Pro sales are small in comparison. They may loose selling some iPhone, but will sell more expensive iPad Pro instead from the people who want this facility. Those are mostly business people and would be prepared to pay quite a lot extra for the convenience of not having to carry about an extra device

They wouldn't gain anything from it either.

1) You assume that only iPad Pro would have this functionality but how would Apple justify not unlocking this on the lower end models with lte? There's no hardware justification at all. If they did restrict it to iPad Pro they'd make a few people happy and a whole lot more people angry that they can't have a feature they never thought of before...
2) You said people would be willing to pay extra to have this functionality. I don't think that's true. Most people don't want this so you can't raise the price for everyone based on this feature. You also can't have a special iPad model that does that because it's the same hardware.
3) People change their phones every 1/2 years. I don't think they change their tablets as often.

Basically, there's no advantage for Apple to do it. It might be useful to a few but it's not worth their time. It would also confuse the lineup because there would be no clear distinction between iPhone and iPad because they would both be phones.

 

[cardfan]

I'd like to see OLED, plug into Mac and use as wacom like device, built in screens (think logmein) for Mac, redesigned pencil, phone app, ability to pair with watch. Can't say I care about face ID but wouldn't complain because the tech is cool.

 

[subjonas]

Hardware:
- natively plug into Mac to use as Cintiq (and a hover cursor under the pencil tip for pixel precision)
- etched glass for pencil+paper feel (this will likely cause the pencil tip to wear out more quickly, which to me is a necessary sacrifice)
- completely fingerprint-proof screen, maybe someday (this is mostly an issue for me when drawing—even on matte screen films, the oil causes the pencil tip friction to fluctuate and become slippery)
- better anti-reflection
- better battery life when using pencil

That’s it for hardware. Keep bezels and Touch ID. The pencil needs additional hardware improvements though.

Software:
- system-wide handwriting recognition as text input alternative
- accurate swipe texting on stock onscreen keyboard would also be nice
- files.app should read/write data with usb drives via lightning port
- files.app should have selective sync with cloud storage for local offline files and folders
- all document and file apps should support tabs and split screen documents like safari does
- better Siri
- alternative way to invoke Siri using an onscreen button or gesture (pressing physical button can be slightly cumbersome when iPad is on a stand, and my Hey Siri is only enabled on my phone due to its confusion when both devices are nearby)
- automatic wireless backups to Mac. This is for two purposes: 1) non-cloud/subscription large capacity backups, and 2) versioned backups from the Mac to time machine drive
- individual file/folder/app restores from backups
- Offline iCloud alternative sync system. Rather than sync with Apple's servers, I want my Mac and iOS devices to automatically sync with each other directly when on the same wifi network, or manually when near each other via airdrop when no wifi is available.
- better palm rejection when using the pencil, or a pencil-only mode
- a better way to launch apps in split screen for apps that aren’t on the dock. Even for apps on the dock, I don’t like having to long press then drag to position. I would rather have a gesture to flick the 1st open app away to the screen edge revealing the home screen, then tap on any 2nd app icon on the home screen to immediately open it in split screen next to the 1st app.

3rd party apps need to improve in a couple ways:
1) more robust functionality in general (and for purchase, not subscription only, with some exceptions), and
2) document/file/project/etc apps should all be able to use files.app as a central file repository (no importing-exporting-sharing-duplicating mess)
3) many apps still don't support split screen and even landscape orientation

 

[kazmac]

You know that's easy enough to fix, buy going to the app store. I don't understand why apple doesn't include a caculator app, but in the scheme of things, its really minor, not even an issue, or an annoyance because its so simple to fix.


Agreed, I found the lack of a backlight to be a major stumbling block, especially at the excessive price apple charges. I returned the keyboard, it was nowhere near worth the price.


I'm not a fan of a tiny bezel on the tablets, because unlike phones, you need a place to put your hand, and I'm not talking about palm rejection, but rather covering up the screen when you're holding it.


Tbh, his list is solid, and many members have been clamoring for those items. What item in that list is not something you would want?

I wish I would have returned the keyboard too. Agree with almost everything else, I would like that calculator app back. If the phone can have it, why not the iPad?

 

[off_piste]

Bluetooth mouse support
Faceid
Backlight keyboard
OSX dualboot
OLED
Write to external drives
Multiple tabs/windows

among others...

 

[Jedimindtrick]

My dream scenario is an iPad that can boot into iOS or Mac OS with mouse support.