The iPad Launched 14 Years Ago Today as Longest-Ever Wait for New Models Continues

[MacRumors]

Apple launched the original iPad 14 years ago today, starting a product line that has gone on to define the tablet space and entry-level computing, spur a shift in how media is consumed, and have immense cultural impact.

The original iPad launched on April 3, 2010. Designed to bridge the gap between the laptop and the smartphone, the iPad offered a unique combination of portability, ease of use, and versatility that appealed to a wide range of consumers and professionals.

At the heart of the iPad's success was its sleek design and simple iOS user interface. The 9.7-inch touchscreen provided users with an immersive experience that was unmatched at the time. Its initial release boasted 16 to 64 gigabytes of storage, a 30-pin connector, Wi-Fi connectivity, and, on some models, 3G connectivity. This combination of features and the quality of its build set it apart from competitors, establishing the iPad as a premium option in the emerging tablet market.

The iPad catalyzed a shift in the software industry, leading to the development of apps designed specifically for its larger screen, which increasingly differed from the smartphone applications of the time. This app ecosystem rapidly expanded, with developers creating a wide range of applications from productivity tools and games to educational software. The iPad went on to be vital to the education market and many mobile workflows.

The lineup has since expanded to include new models like the iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. The introduction of the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard further transformed the iPad from a simple media consumption device to a tool designed for creativity and productivity. visionOS, the operating system behind the Apple Vision Pro headset, is also based on iPadOS to a large extent.

Today, it has been almost 18 months since any new iPads have launched – the longest-ever wait for new models. 2023 was the only year since the iPad's introduction with no new iPad models. Apple is now expected to release refreshed iPad Air and iPad Pro models in May, with updates to the entry-level iPad and the iPad mini tabled for later in the year.

Article Link: The iPad Launched 14 Years Ago Today as Longest-Ever Wait for New Models Continues

 

[Ctrlos]

The only people waiting patiently are Apple’s shareholders and YouTubers. As it currently stands all existing models more than fulfil their role incredibly well.

 

[Naraxus]

It was a larger iPhone which isn't a bad thing at all - it meant that millions of people already knew how to use it without having touched it.

I miss the product introductions of old.

 

[gpat]

14 years ago, Jobs said that the iPad would usher the world to the post-PC era....
... and it failed miserably since people continue to use PCs and Macs more than ever.
All thanks to the awfully limited iPad OS.
It could have killed the traditional computer but they preferred to just sell both as incomplete devices.
Good job, Tim.

 

[gatorvet96]

It is a mature product with less advantages from yearly updating. They also have such a huge lead over competing products as less incentive to update yearly

 

[fenderbass146]

Totally okay with a long wait. My iPad Pro 11 is still my favorite tech device I've ever owned since my original Sony PSP.

 

[Fuzzball84]

The longest ever wait because the tech has essentially plateaued somewhat, except for AI and ML... I see no different use cases necessitating someone get a new iPad who has one from around 2017/18 onwards... except for a degrading battery. And even then, Apple do battery replacements.

As some other posters have already noted... Apple tablets are still ahead of the competition on build and quality... including software support. Even with 4 GB RAM... an iPad can do everything a consumer would want of a tablet.

On the original iPad... I had my first gen iPad until 2017... I still remember the day I bought it at Apple Store. It was a time when I had true excitement... a first gen product that was just awesome. Later in its life... its battery in 2017 was still lasting around 8 hours! A real testaments to what Apple can do regards to quality and build.

 

[ElectricPotato]

I remember Pee Wee serving up lemonade on the original iPad. RIP Paul Reubens.

 

[Tyson14zoll]

14 years ago, Jobs said that the iPad would usher the world to the post-PC era....
... and it failed miserably since people continue to use PCs and Macs more than ever.
All thanks to the awfully limited iPad OS.
It could have killed the traditional computer but they preferred to just sell both as incomplete devices.
Good job, Tim.

Visual artists around the world disagree with you

 

[SactoGuy18]

I think there is now a chance that we won't see the M2 iPad Air and M3 iPad Pro models until WWDC. Reason: the very recent earthquake in Taiwan may mean temporary shortages of M2 and M3 SoC's, not good timing especially now it appears Apple has finally resolved their OLED panel production issues for the new iPad Pro models.

 

[mannyvel]

Bought a 1st generation iPad on launch day, and have been using iPads ever since. Bought the first IPP 12.9 and am now on the M1 iPP 12.9. The iPad's a great device.

And yeah, with the M1 there's not a lot of reason to upgrade. Maybe in a few years?

 

[blazerunner]

14 years ago, Jobs said that the iPad would usher the world to the post-PC era....
... and it failed miserably since people continue to use PCs and Macs more than ever.
All thanks to the awfully limited iPad OS.
It could have killed the traditional computer but they preferred to just sell both as incomplete devices.
Good job, Tim.

No, it failed because it was nothing more than a glorified phone without a SIM card. There's almost no reason to buy it if you've got a smartphone.

It's also essentially a crippled laptop.. it really doesn't do anything exceptionally well.

 

[vegetassj4]

What’s a computeriPad?

Apple is being mocked in a hilarious video spoof of the 'What's a computer?' ad many find infuriating

Apple's commercial has struck a tone with some customers, and one comedian has taken advantage of that.

www.businessinsider.com

 

[Fuzzball84]

Although iPad OS could do a lot more... have to admit the simplicity of the interface is still a great aspect. If Apple ever do change it, and have something that sits between iPad OS and MacOS.... I hope they have a toggle to switch easily to the clean, simple interface.

 

[stefanovago]

I remember being the first iPad owner in Italy 🇮🇹. As a teenager, I had enough free time to preorder an iPad in the US and import it before it was released over here.

 

[gpat]

No, it failed because it was nothing more than a glorified phone without a SIM card. There's almost no reason to buy it if you've got a smartphone.

It's also essentially a crippled laptop.. it really doesn't do anything exceptionally well.

That's my whole point. Could've been the definitive computer if it didn't run a crippled OS.

 

[Fuzzball84]

No, it failed because it was nothing more than a glorified phone without a SIM card. There's almost no reason to buy it if you've got a smartphone.

It's also essentially a crippled laptop.. it really doesn't do anything exceptionally well.

Tablets have their place... many people use them over laptops and iPhones etc for a reason.

If you see it as a crippled laptop... then obviously you need a laptop, and not a tablet.

 

[madmin]

All good things come to those who bait

 

[Steve121178]

14 years ago, Jobs said that the iPad would usher the world to the post-PC era....
... and it failed miserably since people continue to use PCs and Macs more than ever.
All thanks to the awfully limited iPad OS.
It could have killed the traditional computer but they preferred to just sell both as incomplete devices.
Good job, Tim.

I'm sure Apple software engineers (all three of them) want to do more with iPadOS but the bean counters want the iPad to be nothing more than a companion device which is why it's so incredibly gimped with no real hope of it gaining more advancements. It's so frustrating. I can't see myself buying another one as there's been no real advancements since I got my IPP 10.5" back in 2017. It's just so limited and it doesn't need to be.

 

[nfl46]

I don’t think many are waiting. Heck, the 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 is still kicking ass. That shows how good these things are.

 

[Fuzzball84]

That's my whole point. Could've been the definitive computer if it didn't run a crippled OS.

Maybe Apple will do something with iPad OS soon... I think the iPad Pro is really needing it at least... there is not much separating the Pro and the Air in terms of usage.

Apple have essentially followed Microsofts lead in turning the iPad into a surface like device... the software is the last thing to catch up in terms of utility for a great 2 in 1 device.

 

[mac4good84]

Wow. I remember standing in line inside the mall waiting for the store to open and grabbing one…what an experience. And I was 26 too….lol man good times.

 

[crsh1976]

The only people waiting patiently are Apple’s shareholders and YouTubers. As it currently stands all existing models more than fulfil their role incredibly well.

And even then, a spec bump or OLED displays on new models just won't change anything, the iPad and especially iPadOS as we know them are in dire need of renewal.

 

[ThomasJL]

That is the kind of innovation we will never get from a soulless MBA degree-holding corporate suit like Tim Cook.

 

[klasma]

No, it failed because it was nothing more than a glorified phone without a SIM card. There's almost no reason to buy it if you've got a smartphone.

Apple sells double the number of iPads than of Macs, so if it failed then the Mac must have failed doubly.