Sketchy Report Claims No New iPad Air in 2015, One Last iPad Mini

[tampageek]

Apple have really abandoned the iPad.

It's such a shame that Steve Jobs only got to see a year and a half of the iPad's life. I truly think that if he were alive, the iPad would have had much more love and attention from Apple, and its sales would have kept rising. Jobs would have carried on turning it into a true post-PC replacement and distinguished it far more from the iPhone.

It feels like there's been an unnecessary and artificial lull in its development, purely because Cook wanted to milk the iPhone for all its worth and prove his mettle with the Apple Watch. What a waste of time that was.

I wish Apple would bring out a 4" iPhone, a 13" iPad, a 17" laptop and a 34" iMac. And cull the lines—just offer one model in each size. Three sizes of each device all with the same specs for the iOS devices. All the laptops and desktops should be Retina display by now.

The iPad was Steve's last great legacy to the world. Please honour it, Tim.

Well said and I couldn't agree more.

 

[tampageek]

I prefer the Mini. If they release the "iPad Pro" and it runs IOS, that will be humorous. They will need it to run OS X. IOS is to limited to be an actual laptop replacement.

Spot on. Thank you for stating what I hope Tim Cook should already know. If Apple wants to compete with the Surface Pro the bigger iPad needs to run OS X. Otherwise it's just a bigger iPad that does nothing except add bulk.

 

[Rava]

The 6+ makes the market for the iPad (particularly a mini) smaller because people who do buy a 6+ are less likely to want a tablet as well.

If the size of a product's market reduces, Apple will lower its priority when allocating R&D.

I have a full-sized iPad which I used to carry around. Then I got a 5.5" phablet (not an iPhone actually, a Galaxy Note) - result: I no longer carry the iPad around, although I do use it around the house for web browsing, but on the move the phablet completely trumps it because the phablet is big enough to browse a desktop website or read a book, but small enough to fit in a pocket. Plus, you don't need two devices with mobile data contracts.

The Iphone 6 Plus may reduce demand for the Mini a little bit, but I doubt there's enough overlap to justify removing it completely. I went looking for sale numbers for the Iphone 6 vs 6 Plus and was surprised to find that both the Iphone 5 and Iphone 6 were more popular than the Iphone 6 plus.

http://www.aboveavalon.com/notes/2015/5/23/analyzing-the-iphone-user-base-above-avalon-premium-recap
http://appleinsider.com/articles/14...iphone-6-plus-by-3-to-1-margin-in-us---report

I would think the majority of Iphone users would need to switch to the 6 plus before the Mini's market would actually be in jeopardy. Apple may want everyone to drop their tablet for a bigger phone, but price and user preference make that unlikely for a lot of users. Personally, if the Mini line is removed I won't move to a bigger Ipad, or switch to an Iphone Plus. I'll buy a 7.9 inch tablet from another company. Apple stands to lose a lot of customers if they assume everyone will just jump to a different product line.

 

[james_c_1]

If Apple kills the iPad Air or disregards it like it did with the iPad Mini, I'm going to be really disappointed. But again it's a sketchy report

They will disregard it for this year to focus on the pro and update it next year.

 

[tampageek]

I think the iPad Pro will be running Intel chips not Arm. Why else would Apple be recompiling every iOS app automatically to work on multiple processor architecture? (and they are not shouting about this either). Only other reason i could think of is for maybe Mac OS X 10.12 to run iOS apps.

That is a good reason and it would be great if Apple would make OS X more powerful instead of dumbing it down to iOS levels. I don't want my laptop to be an overpriced iPad.

 

[james_c_1]

Spot on. Thank you for stating what I hope Tim Cook should already know. If Apple wants to compete with the Surface Pro the bigger iPad needs to run OS X. Otherwise it's just a bigger iPad that does nothing except add bulk.

I personally want it to run ios because i want a bigger screen after i put my 6+ down (i rarely use my standard ipad any more as the size jump isnt big enough. I will throw this one out their... the option to choose or dual boot would be epic. I personally think it will run ios, someone said they spotted the code in ios 9, if you want osx then buy a a macbook will be apples strat but who knows...

 

[james_c_1]

Getting rid of the iPad Mini would be a mistake

No it wouldnt, buy an iphone 6+ and its the two in one lol

 

[oliversl]

No new iPad this year? This is impossible of The New Apple™ just lost its mind.

 

[ThunderSkunk]

Hah. Crazy. Oh well. I don't mind waiting however long it takes them to finally get around to creating a usable big-screen iPad with OS X.

Til then, milk it, twiddle your thumbs, whatever.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

Yes, that's true for some products, but the iPad might be in another category, like the Mac Pro and iPods, which are updated on longer cycles.
Apple said last year that the iPad is a new product category and they're still analyzing consumer's behavior regarding that product.
Last week I received a questionaire about my iPad, with many questions trying to understand how I use it, how many people have it in my house, etc.
They'll have to take risks to test the market and reserve momentum for a new size and possibly new features, like USB, so they can update the iPad further next year, or even early next year.

You are overthinking it. The iPad is a consumer product -- one with a downward sales curve. (The Mac Pro is a decidedly pro and niche product, and the iPod is an asterisk on Apple's earnings and hasn't been relevant for a few years at least, so your examples are not really on point). By your logic Apple doesn't need to update Macs or iPhones every year either because most people keep those for a couple or more years before updating too. But there are always new updaters and first time buyers in the marketplace -- it's not an all or none prop. And those who are in the buying market want something fresh for the big $ Apple is asking them to part with.

The only way you right a downward sales curve like the iPad has is to update and add some excitement and renew consumer awareness of it. Otherwise the curve just keeps going lower and lower until poof. Now if that is Apple's intention, OK, let it wither on the vine like the original iPod until it's not cost effective to keep it on the product list. But I doubt that's how Apple sees it being still a very important revenue segment.

 

[ColdShadow]

Mini is THE gold standard and sweet spot size for iPad for majority of users.there is no argue.
if they discontinue the Mini it will be bizarre and stupid.and an end for iPad for MANY.
I was a full size iPad user (iPad 4->iPad Air-> iPad Mini 2) before iPad mini 2 and definitely like Mini better,better form factor and much more convenient to use.
if they kill the Mini,it will be another stupid wrong move by Apple (just like the watch and new macbook).

 

[ChrisCW11]

So, a slightly updated iPad Mini or a 12" iPad Maxi is really not what consumers are waiting for, and I think Apple is being shortsighted in this case. The tablet market is starting to dry out because it is over saturated with mediocre products, including the iPad. Tablets have been over-promised and underwhelming as a PC/MacBook replacement. Running casual apps with limited capabilities of their counterparts on a real OS was never going to win people permanently from their laptops and desktops, and I think in 5 years hybrid high performance PC's in tablet form-factors with touch and handwriting support will be the "new norm", in spite of what Apple's current and past CEO's have claimed.

Apple's attempt to keep mobile and real OS'es separate, trying to use some gimmicky cloud based sync between apps is not going to win in the long run. At some point Apple is going to have to realize that they will have to either merge OS X and iOS, or at least have OS X run with an iOS layer on a touch capable MacBook Air convertible, at least if they actually want to win over corporate users.

Apple has to evolve the iPad, not just shrink or grow its size. To be honest iPad Pro is the most lackluster product Apple could be developing right now.

 

[The Game 161]

Getting rid of the mini is stupid. That was my first  device and led me into the Apple ecosystem - because it was affordable and it impressed me enough to buy other  products.

The fact that Apple may even be thinking about getting rid of the mini indicates confusion or misunderstanding of the retail market or some combination of both. One has to ask...what is Apple's long term plan here? Do they want to make ever-shrinking devices i.e. 12-inch MacBook and bendable iPhones? Do they only want to sell more expensive devices? because a giant iPad probably won't be in the $400-$600 range. Are they so worried about other products cutting into their iPhone profits that nothing else matters?

If Apple just wants to be a iphone company because that's where their profits are highest, we could be witnessing a replay of what can happen without Steve keeping everyone's head turned in the right direction. In the past, it was never only about making money and pleasing stockholders. Now I can't help but see shades of a profit and fashion-first mentality taking over, with function and superior quality kicked to the curb.

With as much money as  has, it's ridiculous for them to cut successful product lines, even if ipad sales in general are lower.

Perhaps all these market analysts need to factor in the cost of constantly upgrading in a shrinking middle class. Could sales for PC's, iPads and laptops, etc., be falling because fewer people can afford to buy them? And if so, why cut off the company's more affordable devices?

Dumb decisions have killed off lots of giants. I really hope Apple doesn't become one of them.

Amen

I'm buying ipad mini at the end of the month and it will be my first apple device in 3-4 years. .and it's getting me back into apple

 

[cocky jeremy]

I don't understand the hate towards the mini. I love mine. It is way more portable than when I had an iPad. Why can't we have three?

It's the only iPod I'd ever even remotely want. With that said, I have a 27" iMac, a 13" MacBook Air, and an iPhone 6 Plus.. no real need for any size iPad.

 

[musika]

Apple have really abandoned the iPad.

It's such a shame that Steve Jobs only got to see a year and a half of the iPad's life. I truly think that if he were alive, the iPad would have had much more love and attention from Apple, and its sales would have kept rising. Jobs would have carried on turning it into a true post-PC replacement and distinguished it far more from the iPhone.

It feels like there's been an unnecessary and artificial lull in its development, purely because Cook wanted to milk the iPhone for all its worth and prove his mettle with the Apple Watch. What a waste of time that was.

I wish Apple would bring out a 4" iPhone, a 13" iPad, a 17" laptop and a 34" iMac. And cull the lines—just offer one model in each size. Three sizes of each device all with the same specs for the iOS devices. All the laptops and desktops should be Retina display by now.

The iPad was Steve's last great legacy to the world. Please honour it, Tim.

I 100% agree.

 

[ron7624]

The Mini, as a casual tablet, is a superior product to the Air.

Tablets are meant to be A) portable, B) hand-held, C) for casual use. As such, those 3 characteristics fit better the Mini than the Air.

I've had both, and I like the Mini **MUCH** better than the Air: it fits better in my hands, it fits in any small pouch, it's more comfortable to hold in my hands, etc.

Yup. You are spot on. I've got to chime in with a Me Too !

 

[tampageek]

So, a slightly updated iPad Mini or a 12" iPad Maxi is really not what consumers are waiting for, and I think Apple is being shortsighted in this case. The tablet market is starting to dry out because it is over saturated with mediocre products, including the iPad. Tablets have been over-promised and underwhelming as a PC/MacBook replacement. Running casual apps with limited capabilities of their counterparts on a real OS was never going to win people permanently from their laptops and desktops, and I think in 5 years hybrid high performance PC's in tablet form-factors with touch and handwriting support will be the "new norm", in spite of what Apple's current and past CEO's have claimed.

Apple's attempt to keep mobile and real OS'es separate, trying to use some gimmicky cloud based sync between apps is not going to win in the long run. At some point Apple is going to have to realize that they will have to either merge OS X and iOS, or at least have OS X run with an iOS layer on a touch capable MacBook Air convertible, at least if they actually want to win over corporate users.

Apple has to evolve the iPad, not just shrink or grow its size. To be honest iPad Pro is the most lackluster product Apple could be developing right now.

Why does one form have to replace another? What's wrong with using a laptop/desktop for the better OS AND having a tablet and/or iPod /iPhone for other stuff? There is room for more than one useful device and the companies making these things might want to pop out of their bubbles and have a look at the real world. If they did that they would be able to lead the market, not just shove stuff down out throats and say - you need a laptop/tablet that can also make waffles and coffee.

 

[69650]

Apple have really abandoned the iPad.

It's such a shame that Steve Jobs only got to see a year and a half of the iPad's life. I truly think that if he were alive, the iPad would have had much more love and attention from Apple, and its sales would have kept rising. Jobs would have carried on turning it into a true post-PC replacement and distinguished it far more from the iPhone.

It feels like there's been an unnecessary and artificial lull in its development, purely because Cook wanted to milk the iPhone for all its worth and prove his mettle with the Apple Watch. What a waste of time that was.

I wish Apple would bring out a 4" iPhone, a 13" iPad, a 17" laptop and a 34" iMac. And cull the lines—just offer one model in each size. Three sizes of each device all with the same specs for the iOS devices. All the laptops and desktops should be Retina display by now.

The iPad was Steve's last great legacy to the world. Please honour it, Tim.

Totally agree. Cook only seems interested in the iPhone. Steve had a more balanced view. I bought the iPad Air 2 last year and would have bought an iPad mini at the same time if they had bothered to update it. IMO it's foolish to let Apple drift into a one product company. I've got the cash to spend if only they had more products to tempt me and updated their existing products more often.

I bought the new Mac Pro because it looks fantastic and it's not silver. It reminds me of the first time I saw the original colour iMac and just fell in love with the design. Shame I have to use a non-Apple monitor with it because they can't be bothered to update the Apple Display.

I just bought the new MB today because it's so small and light it's ideal for travelling, and it's not silver (at least not the one I bought). Hopefully if they give the MBP a much needed facelift later in the year I'll buy that to.

 

[kds1]

Time to trim the line up. Apple needs to clean up the amount of iPad products offered. Personally, I never saw the need for the mini, although it seems that there are many that like it.
Glad I went ahead and bought my Air 2. Very happy with it. I know there are those that are looking at the Pro, but if I was going for that size, I believe I would go for a laptop. With that said, there could be a potential market in Enterprise for the Pro, especially based on Apple's renewed partnership with IBM.

Love my Mini, have no desire for 9.7 inch iPad. The Mini is perfect.

 

[macs4nw]

If Apple wants to make sure the iPad continues to decline then it's a hell of a good idea not to release an update for another year.

While I basically agree with your point, I'm thinking that might just be part of the plan. Let the Air2 ride it out for a year, while focussing all attention, as well as a larger part of their manufacturing capacity on the higher revenue 12.9" iPad.

If the larger iPad has compelling features that may just work. Of course so far we're only dealing with rumors.

 

[am.r]

I sold my iPad Air with plans to upgrade to a new iPaid Air 3 or possibly a Surface. If Apple does nothing to upgrade the iPaid Air 2 then there is not much appeal to buy it for me.

I miss having a larger display touch screen. Now I use my MBP all the time which is great but I do enjoy having a larger touch screen to use over a mouse and keyboard all the time.

I agree with others who say that Cook has abandoned the iPad. While I enjoy it for what it does I also feel like it could be so much more. I really didn't find its capabilities far beyond the iPhone. Which isn't a horrible thing but the iPad could be so much more.

It's funny because a little over a year ago I bought my MBP and iPad and swore off Windows. Then the Surface Pro 3 comes out and more details about Windows 10 unfold and I feel like Microsoft is heading in the right direction with those. I just wish Apple viewed the iPad like Microsoft does the Surface.

 

[Luis Mazza]

You are overthinking it. The iPad is a consumer product -- one with a downward sales curve. (The Mac Pro is a decidedly pro and niche product, and the iPod is an asterisk on Apple's earnings and hasn't been relevant for a few years at least, so your examples are not really on point). By your logic Apple doesn't need to update Macs or iPhones every year either because most people keep those for a couple or more years before updating too. But there are always new updaters and first time buyers in the marketplace -- it's not an all or none prop. And those who are in the buying market want something fresh for the big $ Apple is asking them to part with.

The only way you right a downward sales curve like the iPad has is to update and add some excitement and renew consumer awareness of it. Otherwise the curve just keeps going lower and lower until poof. Now if that is Apple's intention, OK, let it wither on the vine like the original iPod until it's not cost effective to keep it on the product list. But I doubt that's how Apple sees it being still a very important revenue segment.

My "logic" is product-focused. Not market-focused.

 

[CmdrLaForge]

While I basically agree with your point, I'm thinking that might just be part of the plan. Let the Air2 ride it out for a year, while focussing all attention, as well as a larger part of their manufacturing capacity on the higher revenue 12.9" iPad.

If the larger iPad has compelling features that may just work. Of course so far we're only dealing with rumors.

If that would be the case I think Apple makes a mistake. I just do not see a large audience for an iPad pro. On the other hand - I do not lead a multi billion dollar company so what do I know...

 

[Denmac1]

Love my Mini, have no desire for 9.7 inch iPad. The Mini is perfect.

Depending on our needs, we can always find options that best fit our everyday requirements.

 

[teslo]

You need a tablet use Adobe software? Or are you referring specifically to people who need to use Adobe desktop software with pressure sensitive pen support? Would Apple really design a product just for that? I honestly don't believe Apple cares about Microsoft Surface or thinks it needs to design a product to compete with Surface.

nah... the future of tablets is a portable desktop experience. it's inevitable. everything's getting smaller and thinner and more powerful. for apple to not have a surface pro competitor (a better one) at this point is almost negligent. how many casual consumers would give two rips about an iPad pro when their iPad air does everything they need? lagging sales indicates satisfaction and no inclination to upgrade, or worse, boredom. a bigger iPad would just disinterest or further bore people. think about it: SOME people would be attracted to the 'newness' but upon getting one would realize it's essentially the same iOS limitation. and furthermore, professionals will simply scoff. we're used to cranking on all our 16-32 gb RAM to pull off real sh*t. anything with a measly 4gb RAM (and no option to upgrade), and no OS X apps is silly. there goes the iPad pro - poof. dead.

if you're going pro, go pro. what the hell would a bigger iOS device that can't run professional apps actually accomplish? simply making an 'insanely great' pressure sensitive stylus would satisfy 90% of candy-crush gamers and facebookers and pixelmatr enthusiasts (who'd even entertain the idea of a stylus in the first place).

professionals are looking for more. if apple doesn't cater to us specifically, then they can rest assured their tablet sales will continue to decline. and though i never meant to highlight *solely* designers with adobe software, rest assured that is not so much a niche category as it is a millions and millions strong category. additionally, doctors, engineers, draftsman, teachers, lecturers, politicians, you name it - all use desktop software that iOS can't compete with - not for years. the time is right to deliver POWER on a tablet. OS X or die.