The thing is even 2GB iPads can run it just fine with the bug. So it is without doubt planned obsolescence. If 2GB iPads weren't powerful enough I could understand. But if a Mini 4 can do it just fine with the bug. Without slowdowns. Apple's intentions are clear.
Well, I'm late to the party in this thread, but here's my opinion.
1) Your definition of runs "fine" on 2GB devices might be different than Apple's. It might run, but in certain scenarios it might have serious issues.
2) I am, personally, 100% ok without being able to run 3 apps simultaneously on my 9.7 pro. It's completely unnecessary and the screen is too small to support it well (and wow even more so on the mini). I've played around with it, and I kind of like being able to slide over the 3rd app on top of 2 existing apps, but then dismiss it. You can still drag and drop from it.
3) I agree 100% that the 12.9 gen1 should be capable of it. It has the 4GB and the larger screen to justify it.
4) I acknowledge the viewpoint of "I don't care if my screen is small and if the 2GB RAM might give occasional issues... I still want the option!". While that is completely valid, we all know Apple is not the company to give people options which Apple feels provides an inferior experience
5) Again, there is no reason the 12.9 pro shouldn't be able to do this. Apple should definitely change this. (Also, at WWDC there were numerous media reports that gen1 12.9 would absolutely be capable of this. So either Apple has had a change of heart or perhaps it is just a bug they are working out)
[doublepost=1501095478][/doublepost]
It may do it just fine but what probably not without peaking system resources which puts strain on the battery. Irregardless since late 2015 Apple made it clear that 4gb was the future when they put it in the iPad Pro, the 9.7 pro was like the ugly step child.
I agree that Apple made a ridiculous mistake for not including 4gb in the 9.7. They already had the processor. Surely any savings for using 2gb would have been mostly/entirely offset by having the change the processor? Like you said they clearly knew the future was pushing multitasking. Were they concerned about battery life on the smaller device? It seems too easy an answer to say "Apple is greedy. Planned obsolesce" They might have been elements in the decision process, but surely there were other factors that went into it. But I do think it was the wrong choice for the company regardless.