Regarding this 'who is the iPad Pro for' question...

[lagwagon]

It's because of this:

View attachment 614375
No matter how you spin it, no matter how many millions of iPads are still selling, this graphic shows a dying product. If this happened to any other company there would've been major changes in management and the product line. But Apple has been lazy because they have the iPhone and as long as they don't lose money they don't seem to care too much about the iPad. That's why some people don't understand why the iPad Pro even exists. The vast majority of users are not artists and don't care about the Pencil. And for taking notes they can use any iPad and any stylus. For them the iPad Pro really is only a bigger version of a dying product. Is that all what Apple can do to stop the iPad from falling? Make it bigger and more expensive, done?

Why didn't they do more to improve iOS and make it more pro?
Why is the file management still a pain on such a powerful tablet?
Why does Safari still has troubles reloading pages on a device with 4 GB of RAM?
Why Apple did nothing to address the complaints of developers who are unwilling to do pro apps because of some stupid App Store policies?

And so on... Let's hope this year they'll do more, otherwise I'll ditch my iPad Pro and get a Surface Pro.

I don't think dying is correct term for iPads. Sure they aren't growing YoY, but they still sell 45 million iPads a year. It's still making them a ton of money. The issue is, people don't replace an iPad every year or two like their phones. A massive amount of people are waiting to see what the Air 3 has for features and updates before updating their ancient iPad 2, 3 and maybe even the 4.

Also I'm pretty sure a lot of people actually want the Apple Pencil. It's the #1 requested feature people want in the iPad Air 3 being announced in March. To have Pencil support. This ties back to the huge amount of people sitting on old devices waiting to see what the Air 3 brings.

 

[Beavix]

Sure they aren't growing YoY

not only they aren't growing. The aren't even stagnating. The sales growth has been negative for some time, which is the worst. This is a bad sign for the iPad-related market (developers, accessory makers etc.)

 

[Ghost31]

not only they aren't growing. The aren't even stagnating. The sales growth has been negative for some time, which is the worst. This is a bad sign for the iPad-related market (developers, accessory makers etc.)

I look at it as a good thing. This is what will inspire Apple to really take the iPad seriously and work on giving it more features a pro device should have. I expect iOS 10 to be BIG

 

[lagwagon]

not only they aren't growing. The aren't even stagnating. The sales growth has been negative for some time, which is the worst. This is a bad sign for the iPad-related market (developers, accessory makers etc.)

Like I said, that's because people don't upgrade their iPads every year or two like a lot do with their phones. People use them for 3-5 years because all most ever do with an iPad is YouTube, Safari, Mail and Facebook. Simple tasks, so they haven't needed to upgrade. Many who have been wanting to upgrade the last 6 months have been waiting for the Air 3 announcement. I expect the Air 3 will sell quite well.

I'm pretty sure iPad accessory makers aren't hurting. Again, Apple still sells 45+ million iPads per year. I'm pretty sure every company in the world would love to have a "dying/failing" product that sells 45+ million units a year that makes a ton of cash.

I personally never owned an iPad until almost two weeks ago when I picked up a Pro and Pencil. I always felt even the normal iPad to be too small. The Pro is the iPad I've been waiting for since they first announced the original iPad.

 

[Beavix]

I look at it as a good thing. This is what will inspire Apple to really take the iPad seriously and work on giving it more features a pro device should have. I expect iOS 10 to be BIG

Me too. It's the main reason I bought the Pro instead of Surface, I am confident 2016 will be the year of the iPad.

 

[maflynn]

I look at it as a good thing. This is what will inspire Apple to really take the iPad seriously and work on giving it more features a pro device should have. I expect iOS 10 to be BIG

I don't see that happening. Apple has been struggling to find some way to turn around iPad sales. Its not like this happened over night. People are less inclined to buy the iPad.

I'm rather skeptical to see major changes in iOS10 to make it more "pro" like. It just doesn't seem to fit how Apple does things lately. That is, they issue small but measure improvements to each version of iOS. There's only so much they can roll out in a year, and so I won't expect radical changes when they unveil iOS 10, or will it be called iOS X

Me too. It's the main reason I bought the Pro instead of Surface, I am confident 2016 will be the year of the iPad.

I have a Surface Pro 3, and its a great machine that can do so much now. I'd rather use a machine that's productive now, then hoping on a promise for the future. Don't get me wrong, I do envision the IPP in my future, but it won't be a productivity tool, but a content consumption tool for myself and my family.

The iPad Pro is a gorgeous tablet, but as of right now, its only a large iPad. There's very little features that the IPP has which distinguishes it from the iPad air and I fully expect some of the iPads to get stylus support come March. That only decreases the delta between the IPP and the other models.

 

[Rogifan]

Jesus man...this is seriously the strangest sentiment I've probably seen in all my years paying attention to electronics. Apple comes out with a larger iPad. Everyone's question is "who's it for"? Well who the hell were the other iPads for? List all the criteria if you like. Make up charts and diagrams and demographic groups. It's for any of those people that want a larger screen. Boom! Question resolved. So this shouldn't need to be asked ever again right? We're all on the same page?

On paper, the pro doesn't seem like a big deal. I sure as hell didn't think anything of it when it was first announced. 'I have an air 2. I'm happy with it. Why do I care about a larger iPad? I'm ok with the size now. A larger iPad must be for niche markets like artists or something'. Then I saw one in store and was floored by how gorgeous it was. Everything I did suddenly felt like it had a new life and that I wasn't constrained in size. It went from feeling like just a limited mobile device (air 2) to something that feels like a laptop (iPad pro) as far as experience and viewing area. I had my air 2 since launch and I feel like I've already watched more tv and movies on my pro than I ever did on my air 2. It used to be when I wanted a better viewing experience (which was quite often) I'd pull out the 'ol MacBook Pro and watch something on there. Not anymore. THAT is what makes the iPad pro special

Yes yes yes. As others have said I think it comes down the use of "Pro" in the name and some thinking Pro means laptop replacement. I disagree. I liken it to some of the tech writers who reviewed the 12" retina MacBook; their reviews came across as a temper tantrum over Apple not sticking a retina screen in the MacBook Air and calling it a day. They didn't review the product for what it was they reviewed it for what they wished it to be. So when Topolsky says he doesn't know who the iPad Pro is for he's really saying "it's not for me". And with many tech writers if something is not for them they don't see who it could be for. The Watch is another example of that.

 

[Channan]

Not really. The Pencil unlocks a whole new usage scenario and possibilities. Take away the Pencil, and you have a completely different product.

No, the Pencil doesn't provide anything an older iPad can't do. It's just a more accurate and natural input method. You can't compare the iPad with and without the Pencil to a bus that's stuck on the ground and a plane that stays in the sky.

 

[RedRaven571]

I was at a meeting last week and one of the attendees was a senior VP at our company and out came the iPad Pro; according to him, for business use, when paired with a keyboard, it does everything he needs, including taking notes at the meeting (no pencil for him yet). So, for him, it is a laptop replacement.

 

[Cnasty]

I was at a meeting last week and one of the attendees was a senior VP at our company and out came the iPad Pro; according to him, for business use, when paired with a keyboard, it does everything he needs, including taking notes at the meeting (no pencil for him yet). So, for him, it is a laptop replacement.

I just replied something similarly in another thread. I attend a lot of meetings with board members, executives, and admin team members and I am apprehensive to whip the iPP out as they all sit there with their note pads. I guess it shows initiative but it also may show that they pay me too much.

 

[bensisko]

No, the Pencil doesn't provide anything an older iPad can't do. It's just a more accurate and natural input method. You can't compare the iPad with and without the Pencil to a bus that's stuck on the ground and a plane that stays in the sky.

True, but you could say it's the difference between an old toyota Corolla, and a aston Martin (in terms of stylus input).

For those who only view the Pencil as an 'optional accessory', then the iPad Pro is just a bigger, more powerful iPad. For those who me the Pencil is a critical part of the iPad Pro, it's an entirely new and different product than previous iPads.
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I just replied something similarly in another thread. I attend a lot of meetings with board members, executives, and admin team members and I am apprehensive to whip the iPP out as they all sit there with their note pads. I guess it shows initiative but it also may show that they pay me too much.

For me, it really eased my 'completely paperless' work lifestyle. My iPad Pro, Pencil, and OneNote are out at every meeting!

 

[Cnasty]

True, but you could say it's the difference between an old toyota Corolla, and a aston Martin (in terms of stylus input).

For those who only view the Pencil as an 'optional accessory', then the iPad Pro is just a bigger, more powerful iPad. For those who me the Pencil is a critical part of the iPad Pro, it's an entirely new and different product than previous iPads.
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For me, it really eased my 'completely paperless' work lifestyle. My iPad Pro, Pencil, and OneNote are out at every meeting!

I can't stand paper and if you ever came into my offie you would think no one worked in there as it is very tidy and no paper to be found anywhere. The Pro is going to be a perfect fit into that lifestyle as it will keep me even more organized and being able to file all of my notes in one app digitally is going to be a big thing for me. I decided on Notability due to all the raving reviews here but OneNote may get a look if Notability doesn't work out.

 

[Rogifan]

I don't think dying is correct term for iPads. Sure they aren't growing YoY, but they still sell 45 million iPads a year. It's still making them a ton of money. The issue is, people don't replace an iPad every year or two like their phones. A massive amount of people are waiting to see what the Air 3 has for features and updates before updating their ancient iPad 2, 3 and maybe even the 4.

Also I'm pretty sure a lot of people actually want the Apple Pencil. It's the #1 requested feature people want in the iPad Air 3 being announced in March. To have Pencil support. This ties back to the huge amount of people sitting on old devices waiting to see what the Air 3 brings.

I don't think the iPad is dying either but I'm a little skeptical someone is sitting on an iPad 2 because they're waiting to see what the Air 3 brings. If they didn't update to an Air or Air 2 then they're probably using their iPad for nothing more than browsing the web and watching video. Looking at Steve Jobs slide from the original iPad launch the things he said iPad was best for are not things that would require you to upgrade your device that often. And they're also things that a larger phone would suffice for many people. So perhaps his original iPad vision is the problem and something that Apple is now trying to correct.

 

[Night Spring]

I don't think the iPad is dying either but I'm a little skeptical someone is sitting on an iPad 2 because they're waiting to see what the Air 3 brings. If they didn't update to an Air or Air 2 then they're probably using their iPad for nothing more than browsing the web and watching video. Looking at Steve Jobs slide from the original iPad launch the things he said iPad was best for are not things that would require you to upgrade your device that often. And they're also things that a larger phone would suffice for many people. So perhaps his original iPad vision is the problem and something that Apple is now trying to correct.

Well, I'm still using my 2010 MBA as a Windows machine. It got slow on Yosemite and El Capitan, but it runs Windows 7 just fine, and it does what I need it to do, so I don't plan on buying another laptop anytime soon. Does Apple need to do something to correct the MacBook? Or is this just a typical usage pattern for computers?

 

[ghostwriter]

I dismissed IPP and jumped ship to purchase a Surface Pro 4. Assumed I needed and wanted a full operating system. My launch experience with the Surface was horrible. Full of software/hardware issues. Really soured me, but I hung in there and figured I'd let the Surface Pro 4 grow on me.

Fast forward to today... I'm typing this on the iPad Pro while my new Surface Pro 4 gathers dust. For me, the Apple keyboard and Apple Pencil were game changers. I have severe hand/arm pain issues and can no longer use a mouse. Navigating with the pencil is a dream. Typing with the keyboard is also mostly pain-free. The fact that it's a bigger screen makes this largely a laptop replacement for me.

Who's the iPad Pro for? Does it matter? Thousands of us love these machines today and will love them even more as iOS matures, taking advantage of the power and flexibility of working on this unique product. Apples commitment to iOS is engrained in their ecosystem. It's only going to get better and as it does, the question "who's it for", will become even less relevant than it is today.

 

[chrono1081]

I never thought I'd use an iPad Pro...until yesterday when I was incredibly close to walking out of the Apple store with one. It's PERFECT for what I want (a large digital drawing tablet that can access the internet). The pencil is insanely responsive. I was using it with Procreate and didn't want to leave the store.

 

[ghostwriter]

I never thought I'd use an iPad Pro...until yesterday when I was incredibly close to walking out of the Apple store with one. It's PERFECT for what I want (a large digital drawing tablet that can access the internet). The pencil is insanely responsive. I was using it with Procreate and didn't want to leave the store.

The pencil is the best thing about the iPad Pro! It's in a class by itself. Apple innovation at its best.

 

[Cnasty]

I had zero intention of even considering this thing. Once you get it hands on in an Apple store, play with the pencil, and see how amazing it is with response time and creativity solutions it is hard to deny buying one.

I fought long enough and caved yesterday. I couldn't put the thing down last night. It is so big yet the weight is balanced so perfectly and that screen is better than my rMBP or at least my eyes are telling me that.

 

[AFEPPL]

Once you get it hands on in an Apple store, play with the pencil, and see how amazing it is with response time and creativity solutions it is hard to deny buying one.

No its not.. it cements my resolved even more not to buy one

 

[The Game 161]

Loving my pro even more with the pencil. Only used it for a few hours and wow is this thing amazing. Will be something I will use everyday without fail.

 

[baypharm]

Jesus man...this is seriously the strangest sentiment I've probably seen in all my years paying attention to electronics. Apple comes out with a larger iPad. Everyone's question is "who's it for"? Well who the hell were the other iPads for? List all the criteria if you like. Make up charts and diagrams and demographic groups. It's for any of those people that want a larger screen. Boom! Question resolved. So this shouldn't need to be asked ever again right? We're all on the same page?

On paper, the pro doesn't seem like a big deal. I sure as hell didn't think anything of it when it was first announced. 'I have an air 2. I'm happy with it. Why do I care about a larger iPad? I'm ok with the size now. A larger iPad must be for niche markets like artists or something'. Then I saw one in store and was floored by how gorgeous it was. Everything I did suddenly felt like it had a new life and that I wasn't constrained in size. It went from feeling like just a limited mobile device (air 2) to something that feels like a laptop (iPad pro) as far as experience and viewing area. I had my air 2 since launch and I feel like I've already watched more tv and movies on my pro than I ever did on my air 2. It used to be when I wanted a better viewing experience (which was quite often) I'd pull out the 'ol MacBook Pro and watch something on there. Not anymore. THAT is what makes the iPad pro special

Well good for you Ghost. I'm happy for you that you feel you get to watch more TV and movies. I run a large corporation and tried to fit the IPP into the daily mix. It failed completely. It took me all of 11 days to realize it was not for me and that it was not all it is cracked up to be. In fact, many of our clients have asked us not to employ the IPP because of the size alone.

If you are a hand drawing artist or prefer to take handwritten notes (over typed ones and audio/video files) and love to watch TV/movies maybe it works for you. I wouldn't call that a "pro" device however.

 

[nightcap965]

I don't see that happening. Apple has been struggling to find some way to turn around iPad sales. Its not like this happened over night. People are less inclined to buy the iPad.

I'm rather skeptical to see major changes in iOS10 to make it more "pro" like. It just doesn't seem to fit how Apple does things lately. That is, they issue small but measure improvements to each version of iOS. There's only so much they can roll out in a year, and so I won't expect radical changes when they unveil iOS 10, or will it be called iOS X


I have a Surface Pro 3, and its a great machine that can do so much now. I'd rather use a machine that's productive now, then hoping on a promise for the future. Don't get me wrong, I do envision the IPP in my future, but it won't be a productivity tool, but a content consumption tool for myself and my family.

The iPad Pro is a gorgeous tablet, but as of right now, its only a large iPad. There's very little features that the IPP has which distinguishes it from the iPad air and I fully expect some of the iPads to get stylus support come March. That only decreases the delta between the IPP and the other models.

If I'm wrong, I'll apologize in March. But for right now, since my crystal ball is at least as good as yours, I'm going to say that there will be no Pencil support on the iPad Air 3. (And please don't call the Pencil a stylus. A stylus is just a pointy stick.)

 

[Ghost31]

Well good for you Ghost. I'm happy for you that you feel you get to watch more TV and movies. I run a large corporation and tried to fit the IPP into the daily mix. It failed completely. It took me all of 11 days to realize it was not for me and that it was not all it is cracked up to be. In fact, many of our clients have asked us not to employ the IPP because of the size alone.

If you are a hand drawing artist or prefer to take handwritten notes (over typed ones and audio/video files) and love to watch TV/movies maybe it works for you. I wouldn't call that a "pro" device however.

Ah, so you're one of those people that get hung up on the word "pro" and use that as a launchpad to talk about how crappy the iPad is for you. Cool beans. Never mind the fact "Pro" is just used as a distinction between it and the other iPads in the iPad line, not to actually say it's something it's not. "Pro" isn't Apple saying "hey this iPad is a MacBook". It's saying it's a level of more advanced hardware than the other iPads. And it is.

Anyway, that sucks that you weren't able to fit it in your life. Maybe it's just not the right product for you and it doesn't have to be anyway. Apple sells other things that would fit you better. Lately though, I've talked to quite a few people that thought the iPad pro wasn't for them and it turned out it was because they just weren't willing to change their work flow a little bit. I look forward to seeing what iOS 10 will bring. I think it's gonna be a juicy update

 

[Night Spring]

If you are a hand drawing artist or prefer to take handwritten notes (over typed ones and audio/video files) and love to watch TV/movies maybe it works for you. I wouldn't call that a "pro" device however.

I don't draw or take handwritten notes, and I don't watch much video on my iPads, but the iPad Pro works for me. I do use it a lot for personal entertainment -- surfing the web, reading ebooks, playing casual games. But I also use it to write and edit documents for work. The large screen of the iPP means I can see almost an entire page of the document I'm working on at once, which makes the editing process go much faster than on the iPad Air. I get an experience comparable to working on my MacBook Air, especially if I use the iPP with a Bluetoth keyboard.

But for me, the best thing about the iPP is that I can use it with just the on screen keyboard, and I can still get work done very comfortably, because the on screen keyboard in portrait mode takes up only a third of the screen, leaving most of the document in view. Since I started using iPP for work, I've been able to get work done about twice as fast, because a lot of previously "dead" time where I wasn't able to do work because I wasn't at a desk can now be used for work. I had tried to use the 9.7 inch iPads this way, but I never got that much done because the screen was too small to allow me to work comfortably for long stretches of time.

So for me, the iPP is just a bigger iPad, but it turns out that is exactly what I needed to increase my productivity.

 

[Cnasty]

No its not.. it cements my resolved even more not to buy one

Yay!!!!