Rumored 'iPad Pro' Dimensions and Features Again Seen in Renderings

[subjonas]

To answer the video's question.. YES! I will be first in line for this big iPad, but ONLY IF the following is true:
1. It comes with a reliable pressure-sensitive stylus. (I am a digital artist)

and PREFERABLY IF the following are true:
2. It has split screen and multiple screen multitasking.
3. It has a file system that seamlessly integrates with my Mac.
No forced cloud subscriptions. No hidden file system. No manually transferring files back and forth between iPad and Mac.
The iPad should have a clone of your Mac file system, folders and all. But only folders and files that you choose to keep synced are stored on the iPad. Other files from your Mac are replaced with placeholders. Save/edit new files, organize as needed--all on the iPad, and it all automatically syncs with your Mac when you get back on your home wifi network.

So I would DEFINITELY buy it as a digital sketchbook. And/or if it's cheap enough I would PROBABLY buy it as a secondary productivity machine. But it needs to have these changes. Current iPads don't fill either of these rolls for me.

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Apple simply wants to make money selling devices... any devices.

They don't care if you buy a $1000 laptop or a $1000 tablet.

It's income regardless.

Not if they can sell you a $1000 laptop AND a $1000 tablet. But if you buy a hybrid, you're only going to buy one. Know what I'm saying?

 

[duffman9000]

I doubt this will ever see the light of day.
And if it does, I think it's a really bad idea, from a business point of view, and I doubt that many people will buy it.

It would need something that the current iPad doesn't have. iPad sales have been declining for a long time. I doubt a bigger iPad with the same software will do much to energize sales.

I'm definitely not interested. I have no reason to believe it will priced lower than the current iPad. I'm guessing the base, low storage model will begin at $600-650 and middle tiered model will begin at $750-799. At this price point I'm thinking why not get a laptop where I would also have unrestricted access to install or delete applications.

 

[Michael Scrip]

Not if they can sell you a $1000 laptop AND a $1000 tablet. But if you buy a hybrid, you're only going to buy one. Know what I'm saying?

True... but Apple doesn't currently offer hybrids.

Someone like HP should worry... they DO sell tablets and laptops and hybrids.

BTW... Tim Cook has already spoken about cannibalization. The concept that a person will buy one Apple product instead of another Apple product is already a topic inside of Apple.

Earlier you were worried that a fancier iPad would harm Macbook and Macbook Air sales.

Where were you when the iPhone killed the iPod?

 

[Bot4Hire]

To answer the video's question.. YES! I will be first in line for this big iPad, but ONLY IF the following is true:
1. It comes with a reliable pressure-sensitive stylus. (I am a digital artist)

and PREFERABLY IF the following are true:
2. It has split screen and multiple screen multitasking.
3. It has a file system that seamlessly integrates with my Mac.
No forced cloud subscriptions. No hidden file system. No manually transferring files back and forth between iPad and Mac.
The iPad should have a clone of your Mac file system, folders and all. But only folders and files that you choose to keep synced are stored on the iPad. Other files from your Mac are replaced with placeholders. Save/edit new files, organize as needed--all on the iPad, and it all automatically syncs with your Mac when you get back on your home wifi network.

So I would DEFINITELY buy it as a digital sketchbook. And/or if it's cheap enough I would PROBABLY buy it as a secondary productivity machine. But it needs to have these changes. Current iPads don't fill either of these rolls for me.

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Not if they can sell you a $1000 laptop AND a $1000 tablet. But if you buy a hybrid, you're only going to buy one. Know what I'm saying?

So you want an Android Tablet or MS Surface.

 

[furi0usbee]

iPad is only "PRO" if it runs Mac OS. And it needs minimum of 4GB RAM, which is still low for me. Put in 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD, let me use iOS for touch and Mac OS in "kickstand" mode, and I'm in. All for the low price of $999.

 

[Xiroteus]

If it has a great pressure sensitive stylus then it could have a huge market with designers and artists. Without that then it seems like it would be a niche product at best.

Without that it really is just more of the same which is getting s bit boring.

 

[SactoGuy18]

I think Apple will likely do serious memory increases on all their hardware that use iOS by fall 2015.

I think we'll see the RAM amounts on the following devices for Fall 2015:

iPod touch--1 GB
iPhone 6S--2 GB
iPhone 6S+--3 GB
iPad mini and Air--3 GB
iPad Pro--4 GB

This will allow side-by-side running of two apps on the iPhone 6S+ and iPad models in landscape display mode.

 

[smulji]

I hope the iPad Pro is worthy of the Pro designation. It needs to be more than an iPad Plus. It needs to suit the needs of creative professionals who could use it for drawing and editing photos on the go. It needs better file management, it needs a pressure sensitive digitizer, and it needs to be fast with plenty of RAM for handling advanced apps and RAW image files. It also needs to come with more storage and come with Apple-designed accessories to enhance productivity.

I also hope that the screen size is closer to 11-11.9" than 12.9"—or at least reduce the bezel somewhat on the top and bottom.

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Actually that makes a lot of sense. With the naming of recent products like the Apple Watch, and the upcoming overhaul of the Apple TV, I could see Apple using their name whenever they get around to unifying their operating systems. It's going to happen eventually, but unlike other companies that compromise for one interface or the other, I think Apple OS will be smart enough to adapt on the fly and automatically switch modes of input.

"It's going to happen eventually, but unlike other companies that compromise for one interface or the other, I think Apple OS will be smart enough to adapt on the fly and automatically switch modes of input."

MS' Windows 10 already incorporates a feature that does this; it's called Continuum. And it's also coming to Windows Phone later this year. To me personally, Continuum for WP10 was the coolest announcement at BUILD this year, even more so than HoloLens.

https://www.thurrott.com/mobile/windows-phone/3238/here-comes-continuum-for-phones

 

[subjonas]

So you want an Android Tablet or MS Surface.

Actually I do have a Galaxy Note Pro. The pen works well. That's about it though. I have a lot of issues with it, a big one being that it's not iOS/Apple ecosystem. A Surface would be better with multi-tasking, file system, and probably syncing files with my Mac too. Only problem is it's still not Apple ecosystem, which mean no Reminders, no Garageband, no iMessages, no Continuity, no airplay to Apple TV, and no syncing iTunes media or iBooks. Which sucks.

 

[subjonas]

True... but Apple doesn't currently offer hybrids.

Someone like HP should worry... they DO sell tablets and laptops and hybrids.

BTW... Tim Cook has already spoken about cannibalization. The concept that a person will buy one Apple product instead of another Apple product is already a topic inside of Apple.

Earlier you were worried that a fancier iPad would harm Macbook and Macbook Air sales.

Where were you when the iPhone killed the iPod?

Right, so I was trying to make the point that Apple wouldn't have a lot of financial motivation to release a hybrid. Because right now, if someone is in the market for a MacBook ($1000) and an iPad ($1000), they have to buy both (total $2000). If they release a hybrid ($1000), that person would be able to buy just the hybrid, and Apple would lose $1000.

I think the difference with the iPhone vs. iPod situation was that people first only had the option of an iPod. Then the iPhone was introduced which negated the need for an iPod. So someone who was in the market for an iPod ($1000), instead bought an iPhone ($1000). So either way, they spent $1000. They were never at any point going to buy two devices from Apple, like they do now with MacBooks and iPads.

So I believe Apple is going to make iPads (iOS) a supplement device dependent on a Mac (OS X) in order to keep selling both devices for as long as it can. I personally don't mind this as long as they do a good job extending the Mac's productivity into the iPad. So far, I think they could do a lot better. But if they do make major improvements, it will most likely only come in the way of beefing up iOS as opposed to OS X integration. Just my assessment of the situation.

 

[fyun89]

I have a feeling that the new "iPad Pro" would be sharing the new Macbook's mechanics..

I mean, look at those components of the new Macbook -- fanless design, dimension, performance -- are just perfect for the "iPad Pro".

Its perfect to run OSX at a size of slightly larger iPad.

I'm thinking it may even replace Macbook Air as.... Mac Air (Mac for it having OSX (its not a "book", since it doesn't fold) and Air from iPad "Air"). Macbook Air have literally no space to exist in the line up now, since the new Macbook's features overlap with Macbook Air..

Whatever it is, it is something I'm looking to buy -- if it run OSX and have larger screen.

I hope Apple reads this!

 

[69650]

Looking forward to this. I don't find the iPad all that great for doing my work and it certainly won't replace my laptop, but for everything else it's much better than a laptop. I use mine to watch films on the go, play games and read magazines. The larger screen will just make the experience that much better.

 

[thekeyring]

yosemite has 'competent' touch capabilities, whereas Mavericks did not. wacom cintiq tablet users have managed to install both over the years, and this point was pretty noteworthy. i certainly hope it's an indication of something down the road, if not with this 1st gen product. maybe this is introducing an iPad similar to the macbook 'pro', as there's still no analogous Desktop Mac Pro in the iPad category either (which would amount to OS X, ports, etc). so a three tiered category (or more), similar to the Mac lineup. my shot in the dark: iPad, iPad Pro, and the Pad Pro.

so maybe next year. sigh...

I still think to build the best product possible it will run iOS. To please everyone who wants it to run OS X, they could survey/deduce which *features* those users actually want, and add implement them in an intuitive iOS way.

So multi window, wacom stylus support, ability to plug in USB devices like hard drives, etc.

I'm sure there are things I've missed, but beyond that if the iPad Pro doesn't fit your needs you're probably in need of a laptop anyway.

I can't see the iPad Pro out performing the new MacBook.

 

[MacBH928]

Unless we see a much advanced OS for the OS X Pro (which I doubt since they just revamped iOS), there is no use of a bigger screen. Apple's resources and concentration is now all about the Apple Watch. I don't think we will see the PRO as we want it.

if you want one, you might as well get the new macbook .

 

[ravenvii]

I wouldn't argue for a full-blown OS X tablet -- that wouldn't be a good idea at all (try using Windows 8.1 in desktop mode, on a tablet. Not fun).

But I do argue that iOS needs to be much more powerful than it is now for the iPad Pro to be a true competitor to the Microsoft Surface. If they go the way of the dual-mode (OS X when docked, iOS when in tablet mode), I wouldn't mind that too terribly

 

[5232152]

What is it with Apple and making oversized products? Are they compensating for something?

 

[John6Plus]

I'm really not sure who the market is for this iPad, or what space it's trying to fill. I've been wrong before (see: the entire success of the iPad in the first place that I predicted would be a failure). The new MacBook has a similar market niche problem, but I see its potential as it matures and could definitely see wanting a future rev for it.

If the Max iPad has a taptic as a sort of test platform, that'd be interesting, but when taptics come to the iPhone and other iPads will be the real turning point. Of course if it has a new OS that would be interesting as well, but I just don't see it, unless it somehow fits in with whatever the next Apple TV will bring to the table.

 

[cwt1nospam]

But with a finger it requires a lot zooming in/out and a lot more time to achieve the same results just like a bicycle can get you to the same destination but it takes a lot more time and effort than car.

You're proving my point. It may be impossible/difficult for some people, but some is a long ways from all. I remember seeing some one in a coffee shop a few years ago who had a Macbook and an iPad at their table. He was typing a paper on the iPad because he preferred it (and was faster on it) to the keyboard on his Macbook. Not everyone has the same tastes or sensitivity when it comes to achieving the same results.

Life is a series of trade offs, and at different times different tools may be better suited to the same task. For example, the car consumes a lot more energy than a bicycle and you lose the aerobic benefits. I try to ride my bike to the grocery store when I have time and don't need to carry too many items. It's more efficient because it costs less and I get some exercise.

 

[smulji]

Right, so I was trying to make the point that Apple wouldn't have a lot of financial motivation to release a hybrid. Because right now, if someone is in the market for a MacBook ($1000) and an iPad ($1000), they have to buy both (total $2000). If they release a hybrid ($1000), that person would be able to buy just the hybrid, and Apple would lose $1000.

I think the difference with the iPhone vs. iPod situation was that people first only had the option of an iPod. Then the iPhone was introduced which negated the need for an iPod. So someone who was in the market for an iPod ($1000), instead bought an iPhone ($1000). So either way, they spent $1000. They were never at any point going to buy two devices from Apple, like they do now with MacBooks and iPads.

So I believe Apple is going to make iPads (iOS) a supplement device dependent on a Mac (OS X) in order to keep selling both devices for as long as it can. I personally don't mind this as long as they do a good job extending the Mac's productivity into the iPad. So far, I think they could do a lot better. But if they do make major improvements, it will most likely only come in the way of beefing up iOS as opposed to OS X integration. Just my assessment of the situation.

Or maybe, Apple genuinely and philosophically believes that the tablet should remain a tablet and a laptop should remain a laptop, and never the two shall meet.

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I wouldn't argue for a full-blown OS X tablet -- that wouldn't be a good idea at all (try using Windows 8.1 in desktop mode, on a tablet. Not fun).

But I do argue that iOS needs to be much more powerful than it is now for the iPad Pro to be a true competitor to the Microsoft Surface. If they go the way of the dual-mode (OS X when docked, iOS when in tablet mode), I wouldn't mind that too terribly

How about a tablet with a stripped-down version of OSX, you know, like a version of OSX that will only run apps from the Mac App Store but touch-enabled?

 

[mashinhead]

so it's just bigger? anything else?

It's not just bigger mackin, it's reinvented.

 

[MacFan23]

Over the past year my doctor's office has dropped the iPad and they are now using MSFT Surface tablets. At my last visit I asked her about the change because last year they were all toting brand new iPads. She said it was their consensus that the iPad ended up being more a time waster and did not improve efficiency. Apparently there was overlap between capturing data on her iPad and then doing similar work like filing prescriptions on her laptop. The Surface handles all tasks in one device.

If this "pro" iPad is just a bigger screen and faster processor, I don't think it will make much headway in enterprise or education where the limitations of iOS and the lack of handwriting input are glaringly apparent.

Sounds like they planned poorly.

My company created the framework and developed in-house apps for the areas we wanted to improve, and we've seen the positive results.

I do agree though, I don't really understand what a larger screen adds at this point without any software enhancements.

 

[cwt1nospam]

Sounds like they planned poorly.

Sounds more like some IT guys sold them a bill of goods. I thought the days of IT claiming that you need to have "compatible" systems in order to exchange data were over. I guess some places have yet to enter the 21st century.

 

[Will0827]

It should be called the Macpad, to many iOS doesn't have the pro functionality desired as OSX & why change OSX just to add touch functionality for one device. So It can run a brand new operating system PadOS. A blend of iOS & OSX. Scale up iOS feature wise and scale back but not to much OSX to a happy medium. It will fit with their philosophy of having independent operating systems and using what you need when you need it.

Apps will be full screen one at a time as they are now on iOS & for some users of OSX, or different fixed sizes when running more then one at a time. Apple will ease the process for developers and encourage only having one xcode project for your app. One code base, use the os specific api's or use the shared api's which im sure even more will be added to all OS'es. So code once and then taylor the UI/Ux for each device and done (Obviously not this simple). When the apps are ready to release they can be released to the corresponding store simultaneously and customers can enjoy your app regardless of device. Apple will probably offer some kind of discount or offer for developers that will be releasing apps in this manner instead of having to pay the full fee for each platform.

No merging operating systems, each product has it's own category, unique space and use case. Apple can stick with their philosophy they have in regards to their software and they will offer shared but unique experiences for each device will keeping all other Apple things intact.

 

[MacFan23]

Sounds more like some IT guys sold them a bill of goods. I thought the days of IT claiming that you need to have "compatible" systems in order to exchange data were over. I guess some places have yet to enter the 21st century.

To a certain extent. The underlying system that things connect to has to be there.

"Apparently there was overlap between capturing data on her iPad and then doing similar work like filing prescriptions on her laptop"

Sounds like it's nothing more complicated than filling out a database (I'm assuming here), something the iPad does easily once a front end has been made.

 

[rowspaxe]

The surfaces are about to turn the corner and take over... the Surface had one crippling issue.... Windows 8.1 was trash...

Sorry, i use windows, ios and until about 2 years ago, osx. WIndows 8.x is fine and takes about 3 minutes to learn and use productively. If you want to say the MS ecosystem is trash, no arguement here

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You mean unleash an OS highly unsuited for touch input onto a device that uses touch as its only input method for one important use case (detached screen)?

You would need to add the equivalent of Windows' Metro interface as an alternative UI for a limited subset of features. Windows 8 has gotten better at this but it still sucks if you want to a certain task and have to navigate the desktop interface on a touch screen.

Well--you could simply include ios and osx. Everyone slams windows as a two headed monster then
ignores how useful its daul desktop-touch approach is.

I dont have to simply despair when using a desktop app because the menus are too small for touch,
i can just use a touch pad or pair a bluetooth mouse. Step aside from your purism and see what works

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You do know that this has been thoroughly debunked for years now, right? It may not be possible for you, but — news flash — others have already done it.

"thoroughly debbunked"? lol
you do recognise the existance of line art and handwriting? Why are you so defensive? The ipad is a good product withing its limitations