Tim Cook Says 'Exciting Things' Coming to iPad as Tablet Sales Continue to Drop

[Misaki]

It'd be pretty exciting if they just dropped the device and put their focus back into making a good computer.

Perhaps misguided. I really want a good Mac Pro akin to the kind of machine you could get in 2010, not the 2013 model.

But as far as iPad Pro goes, I'd rather get the iPad Pro instead of a laptop for about 90% of what I need to do. The "ultraslim" laptops are nothing but rubbish, and that includes the category of Macbook Air.

You get 12 hours on the 9.7"+ models, you get maybe 4 hours if you are lucky on an iPhone. You're also lucky if you can get 8 hours of life on any laptop, but the more typical usage will get you closer to 5.

The only reason I end up never buying Mac's desktop or laptop hardware is because they all use the worst Intel CPU's. Even if Apple decides to use the iGPU of a i5/i7 part, it is still a dual-core CPU with a weak GPU that is completely lapped by any quad-core cpu with the same iGPU, and all laptops with a second GPU.

So who is being fooled here? For $2000 USD, the highest end 13" MacBook Pro gets you: last years CPU and it's iGPU, that is about 4 GPU generations behind. That is SAD.

For $300 less in a 15" platform less I can get https://www.sagernotebook.com/customize.php?productid=1197 which has the current generation quadcore CPU i7-7700HQ and a GTX 1070... yes good enough for VR. How long does the battery last? 2 hours. Apple's best 15" laptop is $2799 for a Intel Core i7-6700HQ 2.6 GHz , but oh it lasts 10 hours?

Now what if Apple, maybe designed something with those specs, better battery life and the regular Apple style? It would be superior to their iMac offerings, which is also pretty sad.

This is the problem Apple keeps putting itself into. It's iPhones and iPad's are essentially top-of-the-line. But it's desktop's and laptops are a premium price for what is a budget-spec'd system. Either Apple needs to offer higher spec systems, or it needs to cut prices by 20% to bring them more in line with everything else using the same parts. We're not talking about the difference between a Toyota Camry and a Lexus ES here.

 

[andrew5494]

Got my iPad Pro 12.9 September 2016...
Im kind of disappointed with the lack of work I am able to accomplish on it.
I find myself always having to turn on my iMac.

Would this have happened if I had purchased the Surface Pro 4?
Nope.

Really hoping apple will reimagine the iPad Pro 12.9 with iOS 11

 

[Uofmtiger]

Thanks for the link. Affinity Photo's iPad app looks fantastic. I do prefer Photoshop overall. It's an industry standard and I need to share my files with designers, clients, and other agencies. I don't think the bargain prices on iOS should have an effect, since Creative Cloud came out. You pay a flat rate for the license and can use Adobe's products on Mac, Windows, and iOS. Their iOS versions are just not very good (with few exceptions). If I wasn't such a mac fanboy and thought logically, I'd probably get a Microsoft Surface by now. I just can't do it.

I haven't tried Affinity (I looked and it does not appear to be available yet), but Pixelmator is an adequate photo editor for the iPad. However, I don't want to change my entire workflow to pick up another app. I want to use Photoshop with the excellent Pencil input. It is a shame that there isn't a mobile version of Photoshop that works on the iPad.

I have also considered the Surface, but I don't know what else I would use it for. I much prefer MacOS to Windows and I don't like its form factor as a Mac replacement. It isn't a decent iPad replacement either because it misses out on a lot of apps. It would be a one trick pony and it makes more sense to live with Astropad, Pixelmator, or Affinity at this point. If I took more photos, I might be able to justify it, but I don't, so I will live with compromises. I just wish Photoshop or Lightroom would have a mobile option that uses the Pencil. With my luck, I would buy a Surface and a month later they would have what I want on the iPad.

The iPad is not a Mac/PC replacement and it will most likely never be for me. I like having a computer and need one for work. However, I use my iPad more than any computer when I am home, but it is so good at what it does now, I don't think I will need another one unless they add Photoshop and I might consider moving up to the bigger iPad to take full advantage of it.

(Note: Andy Ihntatko had a review of the Mac version of Affinity this week's MacBreak Weekly and I was thinking about buying it. If they do add a Pencil input version of the app on the iPad, it would be easier to move back and forth from one OS to another. He said it could be used as a stand alone app or as a plug in for Photoshop, so it could eventually make its way into my workflow. I use NIK tools now and they seem to have issues running certain modules in the newest versions of Photoshop CC, so maybe Affinity will replace some of those dying features)

 

[Denmac1]

Why would you buy a PC/Mac:


As for exciting and pipeline. It has been a long time to see anything.

Fixed that for you...

 

[rGiskard]

Clearly the solution is to introduce new iPads at $100 higher price points. FTW!

 

[Hastings101]

I don't know about y'all, but my iPad Air and iPad mini 2 still run blazingly fast [iOS 8 for now], and even my original iPad from 2010 still gets used daily.

While I do think some of the sales declines has to do with all the Surface-esque Windows 10 devices killing the need for the iPad and Android tablets, I think that a lack of reason to upgrade frequently is a big reason why tablets are slowing down too.

Most people don't really need the latest and greatest to watch Netflix and play whatever the current trendy game is. Like my iPad Air came out in 2013 and still does everything very fast, just with a bit of obnoxious reloading from the lack of RAM. That would be terrible on my phone, but I don't really care on the iPad that just has Netflix or Safari open.

 

[aPple nErd]

I can't wait for new emojis to come out!

 

[3568378]

Apple sells 5.2 million watches = "Dominated Holiday Season"
Apple sells 13.1 million iPads = "Lackluster Sales"

Just curious though...how many of those iPads were educational or institutional sales? I'm just not convinced at all that consumers are buying iPads in mass anymore. That fad is dead. It was a sexy toy but the bigger phone has cannibalized it and the fact that it CANNOT and WILL NOT fully replace a computer makes it a novelty and nothing more. This coming from a former iPad 2 and iPad 4 owner. Yes, I pretended it was my sole device when in reality I still had a laptop in my bag and anytime I had heavy lifting to do the iPad (toy) went away. The only places I see iPads anymore are in public school systems that made mass institutional purchases that usually blew up in their faces or in museums or amusement centers that need exhibit displays. ...oh and upstart hipster coffee houses that use them as payment systems. ...which I'm not necessarily knocking by the way--that may be the one place I could see use for an iPad: a cash register replacement.

 

[Soccertess]

This is all Timmy ever says anymore. "Exciting things. Awesome pipline. Magical!" Still waiting for an actual Mac worth buying to replace my 2012 iMac...

I agree, he hasn't released anything worth while since 2012. It's like as soon as Steve left, Apple's products started getting worse.

As for Ipads, won't touch them until they have a proper file system.

 

[3568378]

Would this have happened if I had purchased the Surface Pro 4?
Nope.

Ask Bill Belichick what he thinks of the Surface.

 

[jrswizzle]

Got my iPad Pro 12.9 September 2016...
Im kind of disappointed with the lack of work I am able to accomplish on it.
I find myself always having to turn on my iMac.

Would this have happened if I had purchased the Surface Pro 4?
Nope.

Really hoping apple will reimagine the iPad Pro 12.9 with iOS 11

The problem with the iPad Pro isn't the hardware. It's the fact that mobile app developers still haven't caught up to what the iPad Pro (or even iPad Air 2) hardware can do.

Until that happens, the tablet segment will continue to be commoditized until its relegated to what Amazon spits out with their Fire line. Cheap, entertainment devices that are expendable.

Personally, I love my iPad Pro. It's the last device I'd give up if I had to give away all the various tech toys I have because it is without a doubt the most versatile. Unfortunately, it's also the most underutilized. And that's not Apple's fault....

 

[PortableLover]

There is also the fact that apple is still selling ipads from 2013/2014. Even their newer pads dont have 3d touch. It doesnt help that prices because of this pro fad have gone up.

Why?

only iphones from a9 onwards are being sold.

 

[jrswizzle]

Just curious though...how many of those iPads were educational or institutional sales? I'm just not convinced at all that consumers are buying iPads in mass anymore. That fad is dead. It was a sexy toy but the bigger phone has cannibalized it and the fact that it CANNOT and WILL NOT fully replace a computer makes it a novelty and nothing more. This coming from a former iPad 2 and iPad 4 owner. Yes, I pretended it was my sole device when in reality I still had a laptop in my bag and anytime I had heavy lifting to do the iPad (toy) went away. The only places I see iPads anymore are in public school systems that made mass institutional purchases that usually blew up in their faces or in museums or amusement centers that need exhibit displays. ...oh and upstart hipster coffee houses that use them as payment systems. ...which I'm not necessarily knocking by the way--that may be the one place I could see use for an iPad: a cash register replacement.

I'm in the realm of consumer purchases of various technology and I can tell you that you're wrong. It may not be as popular as the phone or laptop, but plenty of folks buy tablets. And most of them buy iPads.

The iPad is still the way to go if you're considering a cheap laptop for basic browsing, email and the like.
[doublepost=1486093453][/doublepost]

There is also the fact that apple is still selling ipads from 2013/2014. Even their newer pads dont have 3d touch. It doesnt help that prices because of this pro fad have gone up.

Actually, they haven't. Go back and look at what 32gb iPads used to cost.....$499/$599/$699 has always been the price lineup. Used to be that meant 16/32/64. Now they just got rid of the $499 entry point for the higher end models and reduced prices on the lower end models.

 

[jimbobb24]

Tim should worry less about politics and more about Apple. It's always just around the corner with him.

 

[Works4Me]

Tim Cook's definition of "exciting products" is different than mine when "exciting" seems to include a significant price hike. Can't wait to see how much he jacks up the price of an iMac.

 

[Larry-K]

Are they in the "Pipeline"?

 

[jujufreeze]

Not surprised. My ipad is a Netflix machine and occasional pdf reader with serious work done on my PC. I can't think of a good reason to upgrade- especially at these prices.

 

[44267547]

The problem with the iPad Pro isn't the hardware. It's the fact that mobile app developers still haven't caught up to what the iPad Pro (or even iPad Air 2) hardware can do.

Until that happens, the tablet segment will continue to be commoditized until its relegated to what Amazon spits out with their Fire line. Cheap, entertainment devices that are expendable.

Personally, I love my iPad Pro. It's the last device I'd give up if I had to give away all the various tech toys I have because it is without a doubt the most versatile. Unfortunately, it's also the most underutilized. And that's not Apple's fault....

I would agree with you. They iPad Pro is a beautiful device that has plenty of potential. I do feel that it's extremely underutilized and not maxing its full potential. I do think it's important remember that it's only been available on the market since November 2015, with the iPad Pro 9.7 inch being available and it's one year anniversary next month. I think like anything, it needs to evolve and developers need to continue to take advantage to create something that can really demonstrate it's true potential.

 

[Cloudkicker]

I often wonder why a sane person would buy an Android tablet with basically zero optimized software and not an iPad.

iPad native software is fantastic, and I think about music, games and kids categories.

All the software and hardware pieces are set for a checkmate: as more and more touch-natives start to enter education and work, iPad sales will boom to a level no one can remotely fathom today. Cook is right all along about the iPad.

You do realize it's as easy as Googling "things Android table can iPad can't"?

https://www.lifewire.com/things-android-can-do-ipad-cant-1994658

I miss my Samsung Galaxy Tab S circa 2013. I wish I hadn't dropped it on the corner of a wood end table.

 

[fokmik]

You do realize it's as easy as Googling "things Android table can iPad can't"?

https://www.lifewire.com/things-android-can-do-ipad-cant-1994658

I miss my Samsung Galaxy Tab S circa 2013. I wish I hadn't dropped it on the corner of a wood end table.

a lot of those we dont need,care, but file mang. or multiple accounts would be nice for the next ipads/ios updates

 

[navaira]

The iPad is still the way to go if you're considering a cheap laptop for basic browsing, email and the like.

But if your only activities are "basic browsing, email and the like" why not get a Galaxy Tab A or similar? I bought one on Black Friday for €220 with magnetic cover (this thing is amazing, check it out sometime, no kidding). I'd choose the iPad if it had killer iOS only apps I need (it doesn't), on-screen widgets (it doesn't) or cost half the price it does (it doesn't, obviously). I bought that Tab A with one general purpose in mind: reading PDFs. It's got a 9.7" screen. Reading PDFs on a phone is, um, not very fun, on the laptop it just irritates me and my Kobo Reader *theoretically* has PDF functionalities, in practice the way it works makes me want to bite my head off and eat it. It can also browse, email and do the like and it's handy as Spotify playing device that I can connect to our speaker system. (Hasn't exploded yet but I will keep you posted.) It also has a microSD slot and I use the same charger for my Kobo reader, phone and tablet.

On the minus side it has the Samsung logo on it, which is hideous, but I'm afraid it's not additional €219 plus iPad case price hideous.

The main exciting thing I'd like to see coming to iPad is iOS that doesn't look like this:

 

[iLilana]

so broke.. need a new iPad. prefer a pro version but will have to get mini.

 

[Michael Goff]

I agree, he hasn't released anything worth while since 2012. It's like as soon as Steve left, Apple's products started getting worse.

As for Ipads, won't touch them until they have a proper file system.

Hey, APFS is a pretty nice file system...

 

[aquaman47]

I do love that great things are coming soon for the tablet market, but we still need to see the desktop line refreshed with meaningful updates! The Mac Pro, Mac Mini, and iMac are all past their reasonable shelf-life without even incremental improvements.

 

[iPadDad]

Remember, Timmy said.

“I think if you’re looking at a PC, why would you buy a PC anymore? No really, why would you buy one?” ...
“Yes, the iPad Pro is a replacement for a notebook or a desktop for many, many people. They will start using it and conclude they no longer need to use anything else, other than their phones.

What an idiot.

Why is he an idiot, I and several people I know personally in my little world, are an example of exactly that!
[doublepost=1486110238][/doublepost]I think the time has come for a more iOS specific changes. Don't get me wrong I think iOS is the best operating system by far, even for work. But iOS on iPad specifically needs to start coming into its own now. The hardware is at Pro level but the software is begging for more work related features, not much but it needs some.

I.e;
- app spacing on the screen
- More apps to select in "spotlight search"
- customizing preferred app selection in split view
- iTunes back up on iPad
- Selecting multiple files to attach in iCloud Drive