But these will be software-related changes, not changes in hardware. So they would be available to past models as well.
And I don't think Apple will add mouse support to the iPad, although I would like that.
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iPad Should I get it now or wait?
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And I don't think Apple will add mouse support to the iPad, although I would like that.
Nobody knows these days what Apple is doing or going to do regarding release cycles.
Having said that, I think it is highly unlikely that they will produce an upgrade this year. It is possible that they will offer one in 2017. The primary concern for me if I were thinking about one (I already have a 12.9 Pro) would be the 2GB in the 9.7 Pro. We're approaching 2 years into the 2GB RAM iPad cycle. That's not to say that the device will be obsoleted any time soon, but we've all been through this before. My rule of thumb is to buy the device that BEGINS that particular RAM capacity cycle.
Don't pay MSRP. There are regular sales on iPads these days. If you can find a Pro for $125-150 off, then you'll be fine buying one... even if there is an upgrade within a year.
But it all comes down to... what you want, why you want it, and what limits you'll place on yourself to wait (because you can be perpetually waiting), and how badly you'll feel with your purchase if an update is surprisingly released.
- New updates, beyond what's in iOS 10 (baseless rumors aside) are mythical - you can't plan for what you have no information on (except to never buy anything).
- I think it's unlikely that Apple will make a software feature (that doesn't rely on hardware limitations) exclusive to the Pro. Even if they did, unless there's specific hardware involved, it would come to the current Pro(s). (And if it's hardware related, then you need the new hardware anyway...)
Totally agree. You can of course dream as much as you want of desired features, but that does not mean they are happening.
I am leaning towards buying now. I don't think updates are likely this year. And even if they are, I don't expect anything very significant.
I suggest you do.
But if it's possible, wait till Bestbuy, Staples, etc has a sale. Another one should happen in the next month or two. They go on sale from time to time.
Really no reason to pay full price unless you absolutely can't wait any longer.
But then, at least you'll be waiting for the right reason (and not for a phantom upgrade). Good luck.
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I'm in the same boat as you, I'm going into my senior year of college and want the pro and the pencil for note taking and I'm also going to be a teacher and I think that I will be able to still use it when I become a teacher! I think I'm going to just wait for this September event and see what happens, if nothing comes up about a new iPad pro then I will get the 9.7 that came out earlier this year! Like someone else said on here, you could drive yourself crazy cyclically waiting for something new to come out, I think the 9.7 that's out now is amazing and even if a new one comes out soon it won't make the one you have any worse!
It is unlikely that a new iPad will be released in a September event. There are reportedly some manufacturing delays with the A10X which is the processor that is going to be inside the next iPad. If this processor comes with a new manufacturing process, then Apple will hardly get the mass production necessary to include this in the next iPad. So, I think it would be unlikely.
In addition to that, the 9.7" iPad Pro is already a beast. What Apple may do is update the 12.9" iPad so it gets the A10X chip (manufactured in smaller numbers, but enough for the lower sales of the larger model), the true tone display, and a better camera. The 9.7" iPad Pro may get a price reduction, to begin at US$ 499, in line with the previous models of the iPad Air.
It's honestly crazy how great this tablet still is. The fact that the iPad Air 2 has a triple core CPU and same amount of RAM as the 9.7" iPad Pro makes me feel it will still last a really long time, and is enough to have me recommend it over the iPad Pro to almost anyone looking for a new iPad, especially when it goes on sale for $100 off. $299 for a brand new iPad Air 2 is an absolute steal.
The good thing is that you can get really good deals on the 9.7 inch or the 12.9 inch models right now if they do launch a new one in the coming months the prices will be full retail and you will most likely regret missing out on the great sales
Example look at the iPad Air one year later they release the iPad air 2 I don't think they expected everyone that on the first generation to go out and buy the next generation and I expect the Apple assumes the same thing about the pro line iPads but it's really up to you if you want to bite the bullet or wait being that I most likely will never get a smaller iPad and will stick with the 12.9 as long as it exists I may wait till the September announcement to see if something is announced but for the prices that I've seen during the retail sales these last few months I would probably jump on one of those
The iPad Air 2 begins at US$ 399. The 9.7" iPad Pro begins at US$ 599. All previous 9.7" iPads began at US$ 499, so a price reduction to match these starting prices (instead of a new release) is a possibility.
I'm in the same boat right now. I'm ready to buy the 12.9" and I have the funds ready to go, but I can't shake the feeling that Apple will at least bring the 12.9 up the the 9.7 specs either next month or at some point later this year. I also have to wonder if the Pencil will get any refinements (clip, "eraser", etc.). Of course for every day I wait it's a day spent without the satisfaction of a new iPad Pro even if it is missing the couple 9.7 features.
I am in the same boat as you. I am waiting for the rumored September 7th event before I consider buying a new iPad. I currently have none. I was going to buy one in March, but waited because I didn't like the 2GB of RAM. If they update the 12.9 with the True Tone screen and better camera, I would consider it. Otherwise, I may will either wait until March 2017 or buy a 9.7 in September.
I don't play the whole "blabbity blah blah is unlikely because of...reasons". Apple this past year has completely messed up all of our idea's of what their product pipeline is like. With the introduction of the big iPad Pro...then a whole separate event for the smaller one a few months later? We dont know jack.
The only consistent thing at all is the iPhone launch being in September. Everything else from macs, to Apple Watch to new iPads is completely up in the air at this point. So you wanna tell people with certainty that there won't be a new iPad this year? Great. I won't be a damn bit surprised though if a new one is announced this fall with both iPads having a single event to get them back on the same release schedule
Yes, you are right, it is not possible to know what is going to be released in advance.
My impression, though, is that new iPads are some of the last products in line to get a refresh. The Apple Watch is more likely to get a refresh at the September event. The MacBook Pro, the Mac Mini and the Mac Pro are all in need of a refresh as well.
This is sort of a wild card. It may happen this year, but I think it is more likely that Apple updates it next year. So many things to update before the iPad Pro, including the MacBook Pro and the Apple Watch.
While it is possible that there could be a price reduction on the Pro, it is highly unlikely. Apple has changed the pricing model of iPads such that there are now periodic, temporary sales on them. There is no need to lower the MSRP with that model. What that means for consumers is that they can't just run out at any time and buy one knowing that the price is the price. Smart shoppers will watch for sales and deals and THEN buy.
There will be no price reductions from Apple on current gen models. They were boasting about increased revenues from iPad in the previous quarter despite lower sales, because they successfully increased prices. Obviously the challenge is growing revenues and margins to satisfy Wall Street moving forward. It's a big challenge on a product that is still trying to find its bottom in terms of quarterly sales. But Mac shows what Apple can do here - keep old spec hardware around longer, maintain the price and profit as component costs move naturally downwards during the extended life cycle.
I am not counting on a price reduction. However, this is the first time a flagship 9.7" iPad has a starting price higher than USD 499. So, Apple could choose to reduce the price to match the previous models.
While the revenues increased, the number of iPads sold is less than they used to be. So, Apple may choose to increase sales to improve its market share.
But, as you said, Apple may be happy with the increasing revenues and keep the prices at this point. In any event, I would think a price reduction for the 9.7" model is more likely than a refresh, especially if the 12.9" model gets a refresh. The most likely scenario is that none happens, and that the iPad remains as it is now for the remainder of the year, and gets a refresh next year only.
I'm in the same boat here...
I've heard some rumors there will be one in September but tons there will be one next year.
Are you guys going to wait until the 7th?
Thanks.
I've heard some rumors there will be one in September but tons there will be one next year.
Are you guys going to wait until the 7th?
Thanks.
No. In fact, I bought one today. It is the 9.7" iPad Pro with 128 GB and cellular. It is a great product, much better than my previous 3rd gen iPad. Lighter and much more capable as well. The pencil is great. The Apple Smart Keyboard feels great as well, but it cannot stand flat at the table, as it seem to be too light for that. Is that a way to prevent the keyboard from lifting? Apart from that, both the pencil and the keyboard feel impressive.