Report: iPad Pro Popularity Cutting Into iPad Air and iPad Mini Sales

[MacRumors]

iPad Pro models accounted for the majority of Apple's iPad sales in the June quarter, up from the same quarter a year ago, based on the latest report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP).

Apple updated the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models in May 2024 with the M4 chip, OLED display technology, and a thinner, lighter design. Pricing on the 11-inch OLED iPad Pro starts at $999, and pricing on the 13-inch OLED iPad Pro starts at $1,299.

In contrast, the "iPad" is Apple's low-priced mainstream iPad, last updated in October 2022 with a complete redesign, larger display, USB-C port, A14 Bionic chip, 12-megapixel camera, and more. The iPad starting price is $349, but the pricey M4 iPad Pro models are proving to be more popular, and even appear to have cut into iPad mini and iPad Air sales.

According to CIRP, in the June 2024 quarter, iPad Pro (both the 11-inch and 13-inch models) accounted for 43% of total iPad sales, an increase from 38% in the year-ago June 2023 quarter. Meanwhile, the iPad remained at 35% compared to the previous year. In the same time periods, iPad Air accounted for 12% of all iPad sales, down from 15% a year ago, and the iPad mini accounted for 10%, down from 12% in the June 2023 quarter.

It's worth noting that the iPad mini has not been updated by Apple since September 2021, yet the iPad Air was updated in May alongside the M4 iPad Pro.

Commenting on the figures, CIRP suggests early adopters are driving the strong iPad Pro sales: "As we've seen with many other Apple product launches, the first-acting consumers appear to have gravitated to the high-end, most expensive models available, in this case the iPad Pros." iPad users: Does that align with your own purchase decisions? Let us know in the comments.

Article Link: Report: iPad Pro Popularity Cutting Into iPad Air and iPad Mini Sales

 

[abatabia]

The mini is still my favorite iPad of all time and the air is now in a strange place as has been discussed a lot these days. Can’t say I’m surprised.

 

[Speedman100]

I do not think Apple will mind at all that the more expensive model is taking sales from cheaper models.

 

[AlexESP]

Well, I read things like “they start with the M4 on the iPad Pro because it’s a very low volume product”. Taking into account the ASP of the Mac and the iPad lineups, it’s perfectly possible that the iPad Pro outsold the MacBook Air during this quarter.

 

[Elusi]

I thought for sure that the regular iPad was the bestseller by some kind of significant margin. It's the most pad for the money by far.

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

How would mini sell if they updated it?

 

[cloudyo]

I bought the 11 and the 13 inch ipad pro. Each with 5G. I think they are great devices. Especially the screen is gorgeous.

 

[one more]

As far as iPad Air vs 11” Pro go, I guess this is purely due to OLED screens. Had iPad Air been switched to OLED too, I guess we would have seen different numbers in Air advantage.

 

[one more]

I thought for sure that the regular iPad was the bestseller by some kind of significant margin. It's the most pad for the money by far.

It is still doing very well in educational markets and elsewhere when people buy them in large numbers.

ChatGPT ranks iPad models like this:

1. iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 5th generation and later)

2. iPad Air (5th generation)

3. iPad Pro (11-inch, 3rd generation and later)

4. iPad Mini (6th generation)

5. iPad (10th generation)

6. iPad (9th generation)

 

[Spanky Deluxe]

It's not really fair to say the iPad Pro is eating into iPad Mini sales when the iPad Mini hasn't been updated in almost 3 years. I've actually been planning on buying an iPad Mini for over a year now but have been waiting for an updated model because I don't want to feel like a mug by buying three year old tech for the full price.

 

[JulianL]

For me it's all about FaceID. I was a bit sceptical at first since I was pretty happy with TouchID on my iPhone but once I got my first FaceID-enabled iPhone I totally fell in love with that technology. I already had the latest iPad but from then on I was craving one with FaceID and as soon as the first iPad with FaceID came out, which was a Pro model obviously, I bought it and could never imagine having an iPad without FaceID now which, unless Apple changes tack, locks me into the Pro range now even though I don't really need the extra compute power, better screen etc.

I know that plenty of people prefer TouchID and I respect that but for me it's FaceID all the way.

 

[tridley68]

I prefer the I pad pro more real estate when im watching movies ٫gaming or working

 

[gusping]

I look forward to the M5 iPad Pro 13in starting at £1600, with the same ‘great’ OS we know and love (apparently).

 

[Heat_Fan89]

I do not think Apple will mind at all that the more expensive model is taking sales from cheaper models.

And I don't think Apple will mind me taking away sales from the iPad Pro with the purchase of my M2 Air, which is now the best value iPad.

 

[Ctrlos]

It used to be that the Air was so close to the Pro line that it wasn't worth spending extra for just VRR and LiDAR.

Now the Pro is thinner and more powerful and the price of the 10th gen model has come down we have to ask why the Air line even exists anymore. An older Pro model is the same price and better value and the 10G does fine for couch surfing. If you desperately want the extra power for gaming just buy a PS4!

 

[3304614]

I don’t know about that (for the iPad Mini specifically). I think maybe the lack of a new iPad Mini is cutting into iPad Mini sales. (And we could test that theory if Apple would ever release a new one!!!!! lol)

I’m very much in the market for a new iPad Mini. And I might have one right now except there is no way I’m going to buy the 2021 version in mid-2024 when I know Apple will be updating it eventually.

At least… one would assume that Apple will be updating it eventually. Apple hasn’t so far. It’s been 1059 days since the last update. I suppose Apple could keep it going for an additional 1059 days. 😂

If Apple would release a new iPad Mini tomorrow though, I would buy a new iPad Mini tomorrow. But you got to release the product for me to buy the product, lol.

 

[mikethebigo]

I think Apple undervalues high refresh displays. The other iPads would sell more if they were 120hz, even if they weren’t OLED.

That said, I’m not sure Apple is very upset that they’re selling more of the expensive model.

 

[Halmahc]

What this shows is that Apple understands the market dynamics and makes a high end tablet for a large section of the tablet market, unlike tech journalists who live in a "bubble" thinking that their desires—which are sometimes understandable—is representative of the world. If Apple should listen to so-called tech enthusiasts about product business decisions, I'm sure they would have been bankrupt by now.

 

[vegetassj4]

Everything that has transpired has done so according to my design. Your friends, down there in the Apple Store, are walking into a trap, as is your wallet. It was *I* who allowed for the release of too many iPad models. It is quite safe from your pitiful little whining. An entire legion of my best Geniuses awaits them. Oh, I'm afraid the profit margins will be quite satisfactional when the earnings reports arrive.

 

[Apple Mac Daz]

While I don’t use the power of M4 FaceiD and Pro Motion are the only reason I don’t get the Air

 

[AlexESP]

I look forward to the M5 iPad Pro 13in starting at £1600, with the same ‘great’ OS we know and love (apparently).

Based on what we see, it seems like (despite internet bloggers) people DO love iPadOS 😉

 

[jouster]

Didn't the same trend appear in the iPhone Pro and Pro Max lines a couple of years ago? It's the reason we see rumors of an iPhone 17 model that will prioritize one feature--thinness--over speeds and feeds, and consequently will be more expensive. Customers are consistently demonstrating their willingness to pay more, at least in the iOS ecosystem, and Apple is doing to the logical thing in catering to them.

 

[Takeo]

I‘ve always bought the Air and I bought the new 11” Air online as soon as they went on sale. I have no need for “pro” features and power. But then I saw the 11” Pro in person at an Apple Store. I was SOOO blown away by the slimness, weight, and incredible screen that I returned the Air and paid up for the Pro. I still don’t need (or use) the ”pro” features and power but I don’t care because I absolutely LOVE this iPad.

 

[Mrkevinfinnerty]

people tired of waiting for that Mini update

 

[ericinboston]

I know that plenty of people prefer TouchID and I respect that but for me it's FaceID all the way.

I had an iPhone 7 and loved it. My next
iPhone was the iPhone 13 Pro for $1200 and started using FaceID. Then FaceID broke 1.5 years into ownership and Apple wants $600+ to fix it. The phone had not been dropped and like all my Apple and tech devices is in pristine condition. I’m really annoyed that such a great feature is 1/2 the price of the phone to be repaired. I’m not sure if I will buy another IPhone given this experience and Apple’s push to use FaceID