This "new" iPad is more like the iPad SE, so I doubt it'll be updated 6 months later, if it does get updated at all. Also, I think if it does get updated, then the price of the 2nd gen will probably go up to $399 just like the iPad mini lineup.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
The New iPad vs. 9.7-inch iPad Pro and iPad Air 2
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Really? What do you find so confusing? Expressed differently, what are you having so much trouble understanding? Maybe someone here can help you.
This seems like the first step towards broadening the product line by price points, a la iPod. That might be coincidental. But this seems pretty straightforward to me. Leaving out the iPad mini for a moment, as that has an obvious differentiation, just looking at their "full size" (9.7" and up) lineup...
iPad:
--Not top-of-the-line tech, though still extremely capable, in exchange for price. This is the budget version.
iPad Pro:
--Top-of-the-line tech, higher prices.
It made sense to draw the line at the iPad Air 2: the A8X was the cutoff for the split-screen functions of iOS 9. So perhaps that was the point at which Apple said, "we want to make this functionality available to any iPad purchaser." So you put the least expensive processor that will accommodate that (A9, I guess). Trade off on the laminated screen to save money? Done. Perhaps use the lower-end Touch ID? Also done. Very good tradeoffs to keep the price down.
I don't look at this as targeting existing Air 2 owners. And perhaps a refurbished Air 2 is the better value...but those will only be around so long. Apple has maybe established its new lower-tier offering, and set an expectation: a model that meets a certain lower bar for functionality (in this case, split-screen and Touch ID), but economizes otherwise. I like this move, if this is in fact what's going on. I don't worry about a repeat of iPad 3 -> iPad 4. If the iPad Pros get updated shortly, those aren't the sort of device you'd be buying if you were considering this new iPad. They'll be significantly more expensive for significantly newer tech.
This makes upgrading my girlfriend's iPad 3 more realistic.
iPad:
--Not top-of-the-line tech, though still extremely capable, in exchange for price. This is the budget version.
iPad Pro:
--Top-of-the-line tech, higher prices.
It made sense to draw the line at the iPad Air 2: the A8X was the cutoff for the split-screen functions of iOS 9. So perhaps that was the point at which Apple said, "we want to make this functionality available to any iPad purchaser." So you put the least expensive processor that will accommodate that (A9, I guess). Trade off on the laminated screen to save money? Done. Perhaps use the lower-end Touch ID? Also done. Very good tradeoffs to keep the price down.
I don't look at this as targeting existing Air 2 owners. And perhaps a refurbished Air 2 is the better value...but those will only be around so long. Apple has maybe established its new lower-tier offering, and set an expectation: a model that meets a certain lower bar for functionality (in this case, split-screen and Touch ID), but economizes otherwise. I like this move, if this is in fact what's going on. I don't worry about a repeat of iPad 3 -> iPad 4. If the iPad Pros get updated shortly, those aren't the sort of device you'd be buying if you were considering this new iPad. They'll be significantly more expensive for significantly newer tech.
This makes upgrading my girlfriend's iPad 3 more realistic.
Do you struggle ordering a McDonald's too?
Ill keep using my Air 2 until the battery dies out. It is running as good as ever and it can pretty much do everything the "Pro" can do besides having no pen i wouldnt be paying 99€ for anyway
Coming soon: "6th Generation iPad Pro SE Mini Retina Wifi +LTE in Rose Gold" 
Their product line is still very straightforward. This actually simplifies the iPad lineup overall (and means a budget conscious customer gets an iPad with an A9 chip, which will get iOS updates for longer than the discontinued Air 2).
These are their flagship products on sale now:
TV: Apple TV
Desktops: Mac mini / 21.5" iMac / 4K 21.5" iMac / 5K 27" iMac / Mac Pro
Laptops: 12" MacBook / 13" MacBook Air / 13" MacBook Pro / 15" MacBook Pro.
Tablets: 7.9" iPad mini / 9.7" iPad (A9) / 9.7" iPad Pro / 12.9" iPad Pro
Phones: iPhone SE / iPhone 6S & 6S Plus / iPhone 7 & 7 Plus
Watches: Series 2 (in aluminium, stainless steel, Nike+, Hermes or Ceramic) / Series 1
Remember the ********* when Apple was reportedly getting out of the router business. Just imagine the reaction if Apple discontinues the Mac mini.
Hardly a product line that has got out of control, so I don't think you need to worry.
No reason to upgrade from iPad Air 2. I still don't see any apps running on iPad Air 2 that I think, "gee, I need a faster tablet".
Sure, the new iPad fits in with pricing and features as Apple wants to moves people to the Pro premium pricing range, but honestly if you are looking to buy an iPad now I would strive to find any remaining iPad Air 2 before I would pick up the new iPad, just for its better screen, smaller thickness and less weight. You won't notice any performance differences between the new one and the iPad Air 2, honest.
Sure, the new iPad fits in with pricing and features as Apple wants to moves people to the Pro premium pricing range, but honestly if you are looking to buy an iPad now I would strive to find any remaining iPad Air 2 before I would pick up the new iPad, just for its better screen, smaller thickness and less weight. You won't notice any performance differences between the new one and the iPad Air 2, honest.
An impossible task, since everyone wants something a little different. I for one, welcome the lower price, despite the bit of extra weight and fewer features.
the ipad has become boring, its just a blown up iphone nothing special about it, glad i sold mine
Guess they forgot to run it past you, huh?
Apple isn't about pleasing one loser on one forum. It's about making something the masses like. That's pretty much business 101.
Anyways, not really shocking that people are complaining about this pretty awesome product.
People complain about the "Apple Tax" - Apple releases a very nice entry tablet for a cheaper price, people complain about features. Yea specs are gonna cost you sweetheart.
People complain about Apple making devices thinner - Apple releases a thicker device, people complain. Err mur gawd its heavier how am I Gonna use this ****? I like thin devices now!!!!!
I'll probably pick this up.
It'll replace my 32GB 3rd Gen iPad w/ LTE.
Not gonna get LTE this time. I rarely used it, only when I traveled internationally.
The almost half a pound weight savings is gonna be nice. Also getting Handoff ability will be nice too.
I'd keep my 3rd Gen iPad, but I regret upgrading it to iOS 7 and then 8. Slowed it down really too much.
It'll replace my 32GB 3rd Gen iPad w/ LTE.
Not gonna get LTE this time. I rarely used it, only when I traveled internationally.
The almost half a pound weight savings is gonna be nice. Also getting Handoff ability will be nice too.
I'd keep my 3rd Gen iPad, but I regret upgrading it to iOS 7 and then 8. Slowed it down really too much.
Having owned both the Air and the Air 2, I think I'd prefer a refurb Air 2 than this new iPad. I'd take the thinner, lighter device with the better screen
This is kind of where I'm at. I've come to really appreciate the Air 2's thin/light profile and it looks like all newer iPads are thicker and heavier, which wouldn't stop me from upgrading but I really can't think of anything newer iPads can do that the Air 2 can't except support the Pencil. Pencil looks very cool but I'm not an artist or a designer so it's not essential for me.
I've been toying with the idea of going to the 12.9 inch whenever that gets updated, but thinking practically, until the OS of the iPad is significantly updated and optimized for more advanced functionality instead of being hobbled by the iPhone format (which makes sense for the phone but not for a "computer replacement"), it seems like they're just pushing incremental hardware upgrades without any real advancement in functionality.
How exactly were you burned? My iPad 3 continued to work when iPad 4 came out.
As for this 'new' iPad, I think it will sell very well. I just hope people read the specs carefully before purchasing.
Do we know if it has 2GB RAM?
Didn't McDonalds just introduce 3 different sizes of Big Macs, in addition to quarter pounder, double quarterpounder, cheeseburger, hamburger, and double Cheeseburger? That's more confusing to me than the iPad lineup.