Size of Apple's New 'High End' iPad Pro Model Said to be Between 10 and 10.5-Inches

[Dave245]

I didn't read through all 8 pages first. I didn't know that was the posting requirement here on MacRumors. But Thanks for cursing.

No one else in my family knows how to upgrade their machines. That's why I've done the upgrading to all those machines. Now that it's not an option anymore, these same family members are much less likely to spend 3+ times more on a Mac, than a comparable, upgradeable windows machine.

Ok, apologises! I assumed that you had read them, and the way I read that last bit of your post came across to me as being arrogant and smug.

I can see that point, the price of the new MacBook Pro's is very high, before I saw the price I was considering upgrading my old 2011 Macbook Pro, but rumours are saying that Apple may drop the price later this year, so I will see. Here in the UK prices seem to have got high on Mac's and iPads, it's probably due to the pound falling.
Personally I don't mind paying a premium as long as the Mac is as good as I've been use to and it doesn't require the maintenance that my old Windows machines use to, I love the Mac, where as I never loved Windows Machines they were just tools to use. I think a lot of people have said the same over the years.

 

[Stella]

That's fine... buy an upgraded machine.

Nothing wrong with giving an option to upgrade, however.

My MBP 2011 wouldn't have lasted as long if I couldn't upgrade the hard disk to SSD and going from 8GB to 16GB. Cheaper than the Apple BTO machine too.

When I originally purchased the machine, I didn't need the extra memory or lower capacity SSD, so little point in buying such a laptop. I knew the machine was upgradable, so that could be done at a later date.

Not everyone wants to or has the knowledge to upgrade their computers, that's why some people max them out when purchasing. Some people do upgrade them and that's fine, but I don't buy a computer to upgrade, I want it to work straight out of the box until I need to buy another one. So far that hasn't let me down, I've never upgraded my 2011 MacBook Pro or my 2012 iMac. And as I've mentioned it is my opinion that Mac's are better value in the long run, as they don't require as much maintenance and tend to last longer!

Oh and I did say in previous posts that I made a mistake about the upgrading. No need to be an arsehole about it!!

 

[macduke]

Too many models! They need to simplify things:

iPad Pro 12.9": 64/256GB $649/799
iPad Pro 10.9": 64/256GB $549/699
iPad 8.9": 32/128GB $349/499

Cellular/GPS adds $100.

Two storage sizes for each.

Merge iPad/Mini into one low cost device with lower specs.

Keep the bezels down on all models so the 10.9" Pro is barely bigger than the current 9.7" Pro. Same with the 8.9" iPad so it's barely bigger than the Mini but with the bigger display. Less confusion, and there's still something for everyone but the most obscure end users.

 

[Deuce on the Clock]

Tablets need to have the same functionality as windows OS or Apple OS before they are deemed a suitable replacement for desktops or laptops. The first one to achieve that goal will be king for a day.

 

[MasterRyu2011]

Meh..tablets just don't excite anymore

 

[Naaaaak]

If they're moving to a new design for the iPad, first time in 4.5 years, I would hope we see it across all iPads, or at least on both 'Pro' models.

This is Apple. The company that kills the headphone jack on only some of the phones they sell, forces USB-C on only some laptop models, sells a battery case with a hump, a pencil without an eraser, a mouse with a charge port on bottom... design and common sense went out the window long ago.

They'll take years to roll out any modification to the whole line.

 

[ryanwarsaw]

Too many models! They need to simplify things:

iPad Pro 12.9": 64/256GB $649/799
iPad Pro 10.9": 64/256GB $549/699
iPad 8.9": 32/128GB $349/499

Cellular/GPS adds $100.

Two storage sizes for each.

Merge iPad/Mini into one low cost device with lower specs.

Keep the bezels down on all models so the 10.9" Pro is barely bigger than the current 9.7" Pro. Same with the 8.9" iPad so it's barely bigger than the Mini but with the bigger display. Less confusion, and there's still something for everyone but the most obscure end users.

Are you saying you wouldn't be able to go into Best Buy and choose one?

 

[Naaaaak]

9.7 to 10.5 inches doesnt seem right. It's too small of a difference to be two separate products. Why make both a 9.7 and 10.5?

 

[dantroline]

Meh..tablets just don't excite anymore

I'm guessing they know that already and will be reducing tablet varieties to one, if one sells more than the rest. The iPads have been a good product, revolutionary in many ways - the ideal information consumption and short term distraction device, but attempts at making it a productivity tool have shown iOS's limitations. No one has come up with a way of making tablets better than actual PC's for that, at least not Apple. The Windows world is trying very hard to achieve that.

 

[Greenmeenie]

iPads are laptop replacements for some, but not for others. They also aren't larger iphones. Many people upgrade their iphones every year, but don't upgrade their ipads every year. Like laptops, they are inherently meant to be held onto longer. That is why iPad sales are dipping. Perhaps Apple added the "Pro" iPads to spur new growth. Personally, I don't think adding apple pencil support & a smart keypad warrant a "pro" moniker, but I get Apple's strategy here. They want people to upgrade to the new ipads. I didn't get the first gen of iPad pro, but plan to buy the 2nd gen. I'm currently using an iPad mini 3 and love it, but it is a bit laggy, and as an artist, I'm really lusting after being able to use the Apple pencil for sketching. I hope they release a pro version of the mini as I prefer the portability. But if the rumored 10.5" bezel-less pro that is the same physical size of the 9.7" comes true, I may go for that. I'm grandfathered in on the original unlimited ATT data plan for the iPad, and want to transfer it to one of the newer pro models.

 

[itsmilo]

I will not upgrade my iPad air 2 until Apple adds something to the iOS that makes it stand out from the iPhone or hell iPod Touch! Its like they have forgotten the iPad when they talked about the "most advanced system" regarding iOS 10

 

[ValO]

Battery life would be terrible. The only way that would work, with reasonable battery life is for an ARM Processor. You'd get, maybe, 3 - 4 Hours of battery life, not to mention the weight and design of this would be completely impractical. It'd add thickness, and weight. You'd be much, much, better off just getting a MacBook of some kind.

I could see them making iOS much more powerful and useful by adding certain elements from macOS. I could even see Apple going so far as to allow Magic Trackpad to work with iOS. I could see the Apple Pencil being used on macOS via TouchPad in the future. I could also see better integration between macOS and iOS and iOS being a 'Second Screen' much like DuetDisplay.

Why?

The keyboard part could be as thin and light as the keyboard part of a regular 2015/2016 macbook. And in there , there is enough room for x-86 hardware, ssd, battery, even speakers. It doesn' t have to be a fabric cover, could be an alu keyboard, like the macbook.

 

[Count Blah]

Ok, apologises! I assumed that you had read them, and the way I read that last bit of your post came across to me as being arrogant and smug.

I can see that point, the price of the new MacBook Pro's is very high, before I saw the price I was considering upgrading my old 2011 Macbook Pro, but rumours are saying that Apple may drop the price later this year, so I will see. Here in the UK prices seem to have got high on Mac's and iPads, it's probably due to the pound falling.
Personally I don't mind paying a premium as long as the Mac is as good as I've been use to and it doesn't require the maintenance that my old Windows machines use to, I love the Mac, where as I never loved Windows Machines they were just tools to use. I think a lot of people have said the same over the years.

Apologies as well. There was a bit of snark in there as well. Soooo much blind obedience, non-critical thinking concerning Apple on here, that sometimes I see it, when it doesn't exist.

A premium is one thing, getting raked over the coals is another. My 2012 15" cMBP is a good example of paying $200-$300 'Apple Tax', at the time of purchase. If I were to originally pay Apple for my final spaced machine, it would have cost $2000 more. In fact, the SSDs of my current didn't exist at the time. THAT is the issue I have with Apple's disposable computers of today.

I know Apple has turned its back on me(see signature). But I've not totally given up on Apple. I'm excited to see what 10" iPad they come up with. I would have gotten the 9.7" iPad Pro, but it didn't come with the RAM I excpected it to.

My son is due for an upgraded machine, but there is no way in $&@%# I am going to get a current Mac Mini. In fact, this is likely to be the event that forces me to start leaving MacOS, as I'll,need a machine to meet his current needs, and future neeeds(e.g. Gaming). And Apple does not offer any compelling product, for a reasonable price. Again, see my signature.

 

[Greenmeenie]

I'm guessing they know that already and will be reducing tablet varieties to one, if one sells more than the rest. The iPads have been a good product, revolutionary in many ways - the ideal information consumption and short term distraction device, but attempts at making it a productivity tool have shown iOS's limitations. No one has come up with a way of making tablets better than actual PC's for that, at least not Apple. The Windows world is trying very hard to achieve that.

I agree in part. Yes, the iPad is a wonderful consumption device. But more and more people are in fact creating with it. Many of my artist friends are ditching their laptops & desktops in favor of one. As a travel blogger, photographer & videographer, I can edit photos & 4k video on it while on the road. So I plan to make the switch as well this March. I will buy the 2nd gen iPad pro instead of upgrading my old macbook. My previous set up was an IMac at home and a laptop for when I travel. But I'm making the leap from laptop to iPad pro for my serious in the field work when abroad. I have seen first hand how effective of a creation tool it really is. Sure, there are always things that iOs device can't do compared to an OSX machine. But that line is blurring. And there are things an iOS device can do that an oSX device never can. So im confident I am making the right choice for me.

 

[Count Blah]

9.7 to 10.5 inches doesnt seem right. It's too small of a difference to be two separate products. Why make both a 9.7 and 10.5?

Cheaper 9.7" Air 3
10.5 and 12" iPad Pro - knowing Apple, they'll add something innocuous and up prices by another $100

 

[TechZeke]

Talk about cluttering up an already cluttered product lineup.

Keep.
It.
Simple.

Have Apple learnt anything from Steve circa 1997?

I didn't even think that the iPad line could possibly get even more of a fustercluck than it is now, but I may be wrong.

 

[clunkmess]

4GB of ram for the 10" model or go away.

 

[thespacekid]

Apple carrying a 10 inch and 9.7 inch iPad Pro models doesn't make much sense.

 

[Count Blah]

4GB of ram for the 10" model or go away.

That's why I didn't upgrade from an Air 1 to the Pro this past go-round.

 

[Greenmeenie]

4GB of ram for the 10" model or go away.

I agree. If you're gonna slap a "pro" name on it, it needs at least 4gb of ram like the 12.9" got.
[doublepost=1483907724][/doublepost]

Apple carrying a 10 inch and 9.7 inch iPad Pro models doesn't make much sense.

Yeah, I'm confused by this as well. Especially if the 10.5" bezel-less model is the same physical size as the 9.7". Just seems odd. But rumors suggest the 10.5" will be the new "pro" model and the 9.7" will become the new budget model. I do hope they make a pro version of the 7.9" mini as well. But I've heard conflicting rumors about this. Only a couple more months to wait.

 

[sledgehammer89]

Hope this becomes the 1st-gen 10.5" MacPad.

 

[jonnysods]

A resize can't bring a lot of refreshment to this. iPhones and iPads have reached their market saturation it seems like.

 

[jhudgins]

What serious improvement would OLED bring? I'd rather have a better use-case for this device..

Perfect blacks is the holy grail of displays. OLED on iPad would be awesome. It would also eliminate the backlight making more room for battery or other tech. I think Sony's new OLED TV where the speaker is the display is something Apple could adopt. Finally front firing sound on an iPad! Would have to find a way to eliminate the vibration though, since it's a touch device. Soon everything will be embedded beneath the glass - sound, camera, receiver (iPhone). Probably won't see it until 2018 at the earliest though.

 

[44267547]

I'm not moving. I have a 5K iMac with the latest 4 GHz i7 Skylake CPU with 24 GB of RAM, a 1 TB SSD, and a 5K wide color gamut screen. It's a fast machine with a superb display that works great for my photography.

It also plays well synergistically with my iPad Air 2, iPhone 6+, my Apple Watch, and 2012 MBA, effortlessly keeping information (calendars, notes, apps, reminders, contacts, browser bookmarks, music, photos, etc) sync'd across all devices with zero effort on my part - it literally just works. No complaints.

Support is great. Earlier this week I brought my 4 year old MBA in to the Apple Store for a battery replacement. The Apple website said it would take 3-5 days, my advisor at the Apple store said one day, and it was actually completed the evening I brought it in. $129, easy peasy, terrific service that exceeded my expectations, and am now back up to 8-9 hours of use.

Why would I even consider switching?

Stop making sense Citysnaps. You mean to tell me you're actually happy with the some of the most premium hardware on the market that offer long lasting, well made products that exceed beyond what professionals use iMacs, MacBooks and other Apple products every single day? No way.

After reading your post, I realized I can't believe I invested in my 6s Plus, 7 Plus (Work phone), Air 2, Apple Watche(s), Airpods, MacBook and how Apple has enhanced my everyday life. Even Apple's customer service is exceptional. This is absurd. I guess I will just have to keep purchasing Apple products and stay loyal to this Company as I have from day one, since you're not switching either. I can't believe how happy I have been with Apple. Unbelievable.

 

[jhudgins]

I can't see it having no bezel, wouldn't that upstage the iPhone 8 in September? I can see it having reduced bezels maybe. Also upgrading the 12.9" with true tone and so on.

If Apple goes OLED, I think adjustable bezels controlled via iOS is likely. Imagine having no bezels when docked with the Smart Keyboard, then when you undock it, the bezels appear. You could adjust them too to your liking. This would be one of the benefits of having OLED/ perfect blacks.