iPad 11” Pro now? Or wait for 2020 iPad Pro?

[EugW]

It will be interesting to see if it gets A13X (early 2020) or A14X (late 2020). Traditionally, the X chips are roughly 60% faster than the non-X chips.

We already know A13 performance. Extrapolating, that would make A13X roughly 20% faster than A12X.
OTOH, a rough guess might be that a hypothetical A14X would be approximately 45% faster than A12X.

Not that I really care, as I'm more interested in other factors. A12X is already very, very fast. I suspect they could improve the hardware HEVC encoder though for the video junkies, for example.

 

[CrazyForCashews]

It would be cool if the next gen iPad Pro smart keyboards come with a built in trackpad.

That would be the most interesting feature as iPad Pros are already at a point in tech where they're good enough.

 

[Falhófnir]

It will be interesting to see if it gets A13X (early 2020) or A14X (late 2020). Traditionally, the X chips are roughly 60% faster than the non-X chips.

We already know A13 performance. Extrapolating, that would make A13X roughly 20% faster than A12X.
OTOH, a rough guess might be that a hypothetical A14X would be approximately 45% faster than A12X.

Not that I really care, as I'm more interested in other factors. A12X is already very, very fast. I suspect they could improve the hardware HEVC encoder though for the video junkies, for example.

There are rumours of both happening - seems to be a small update in H1 2020 then potentially a mini LED model late in the year. If both do happen, I would expect the small spec bump to be the new camera array plus 6GB RAM across all models, keeping the A12X, with the premium mini LED model getting an A14X later in the year? Sounds like they just want to release something in the meantime as the mini LED tech isn't quite ready.

 

[EugW]

There are rumours of both happening - seems to be a small update in H1 2020 then potentially a mini LED model late in the year. If both do happen, I would expect the small spec bump to be the new camera array plus 6GB RAM across all models, keeping the A12X, with the premium mini LED model getting an A14X later in the year? Sounds like they just want to release something in the meantime as the mini LED tech isn't quite ready.

It'd be nice, but I don't buy it. Either it's going to be early 2020 or late 2020, but likely not both.

Also, I had almost forgotten about this rumour:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1168835639749595137

According to what I know from multiple different sources, Apple A13X doesn't exist.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1168904668027805698

Apple A14 names 'cause it's never too early:
Apple A14: t8101
Apple A14X: t8103

 

[Abstract]

Do you just have an iPhone XR? Cuz AFAIK, that's the only iPhone in recent memory that would have that problem.

Yes I do, but the iPhone 11 (non-pro) has the same problem.

Besides, I want the tele lens on the tablet, not the iPhone. I want to take photos and annotate as required, or add photos to handwritten notes.

 

[EugW]

Yes I do, but the iPhone 11 (non-pro) has the same problem.

Ah yes, my mistake. The iPhone 11 has the wide lens and an ultra-wide lens.

Besides, I want the tele lens on the tablet, not the iPhone. I want to take photos and annotate as required, or add photos to handwritten notes.

Makes sense.

 

[sigomez]

Would some sort of refurbished iPad Pro be an option for you? I got an „Amazon Refurbished“ iPad Pro 11” some days ago: Battery had two charge cycles, Manufactured 2019-07-08, very tiny „scratch“ on one side (like 1/4 pinhead).

Out of curiosity what you pay?

 

[Abstract]

With all this talk of RAM, I wouldn’t be surprised if Apple simply included 4 GB for 64GB and 256 GB models, and 6 GB for 512GB and 1TB models.

That, or 6 and 8 GB of RAM for the same 64/256GB and 512GB/1TB models.

I cannot see Apple ever NOT cheap out on RAM, so I actually think the 4GB/6GB scenario is more likely.

 

[AutomaticApple]

I'm guessing 6 GB RAM across the board in 2020, but it'd be nice to get a 6/8 split for those who need it. The 8 GB would also provide a target for the developers for future iterations of their software, but I'm not sure it's necessary with this release. An possible timeline could be 6 GB across the board in 2020, and then 6/8 split for the 5th generation iPad Pro in 2021/2022.

As for 5G, I think there is a decent chance the 2020 models will get it, even before the iPhones, considering the lower power 2nd generation Qualcomm X55 5G chipset is available in some phones as of this month. The new Samsung Note 10 Plus has X55 (whereas the older Note 10 has the 1st generation X50).

That would coincide with iPad Pro manufacturing now/soon for a 2020 H1 release.

I'm thinking that only the 1TB model will have 8GB of RAM.

 

[FlyingDutch]

So on to replacing my iPad, I have an Air 3 that’s going to my 12 year old, soon to be 13, I’ve decided to go with the 11” Pro, but realistically thinking, am I better off waiting for the 2020 iPad Pro? It seems like it’s right around the corner, but the 11” Pro came out in October of 2018, and of course the MacRumors buyers guide says don’t buy, do we really forsee a new Pro in the spring? Or is it more like fall of 2020?

Basically we don’t know.
If you need it now, buy it now, at a discount.
If not, just wait and see... the new model could be launched in March, but also in October. It is impossible to say right now.

 

[Falhófnir]

I'm thinking that only the 1TB model will have 8GB of RAM.

As a curve ball, perhaps they might start making all storage tiers with two RAM amounts, charging $100 more for the greater? I'd imagine probably 4/8GB, but maybe the 512 and 1TB options could be 6/8 or even 6/12? This would be a change from not advertising RAM at all previously, but it would be a way of monetising the RAM split outside of just building the cost into the price of the 1TB unit.

 

[EugW]

As mentioned, now that I bought an iPad 7th gen 10.2" LTE for my wife, along with an Apple Smart Keyboard, she no longer wants my iPad Pro 10.5" with Apple Smart Keyboard. She is very, very pleased with that iPad 7 LTE / keyboard setup, and it will last her many, many years hopefully.

Thus, I am almost wanting the 2020 iPad Pro release now to be Q4 2020 so that it will have mini-LED, 5G, 6 GB, and A14X, the ultimate upgrade. Almost. Somehow I don't think we'd get all of that though anyway, even in Q4 2020. I am especially wary of the mini-LED claim. I'm wondering if that might actually be a 2021 feature.

As a curve ball, perhaps they might start making all storage tiers with two RAM amounts, charging $100 more for the greater? I'd imagine probably 4/8GB, but maybe the 512 and 1TB options could be 6/8 or even 6/12? This would be a change from not advertising RAM at all previously, but it would be a way of monetising the RAM split outside of just building the cost into the price of the 1TB unit.

Very, very unlikely IMO. Apple has NEVER advertised RAM amounts, and it complexifies the product line too much, not only for the customers, but also for the developers.

 

[FlyingDutch]

Personally, I don’t think a new Pro is going to come with huge, meaningful upgrades over today’s lineup.

I had decided to buy the 11” iPP after Xmas, and the ONLY reason I haven’t bought one yet is because I would like to have the tele lens on the iPhone 11 Pro. It would be useful to have at conferences and workshops.

CPU-wise, the A12X is more than adequate today, and tomorrow. I won’t miss not having an A13X. RAM? I’m getting the 1TB model, and that already comes with 6 GB. I doubt a new iPP comes with more than 6 GB.

So....I’m basically just waiting for rumours to start surfacing regarding the camera. If it’s only rumoured to get the iPhone 11’s dual lens camera, I’d rather buy something today, on sale. If it gets the triple lens from the iPhone 11 Pro, I may wait.

It’s weird for any updated Apple product to not have information leaks prior to release, so I’m starting to doubt a March-April 2020 update. 🤷🏻‍♂️

It would have sense an October release with some of the iPhone 12 novelties.

 

[Falhófnir]

Very, very unlikely IMO. Apple has NEVER advertised RAM amounts, and it complexifies the product line too much, not only for the customers, but also for the developers.

Probably quite unlikely, yes, but I wouldn't discount it entirely as Apple look for ways of bringing in more revenue from product lines. It is of course already a thing for Macs, and Apple are pushing Pro iPads more in that direction. With new features and heavier programmes it will probably eventually make sense to tap into this stream of revenue from people who will pay more because they are using their iPad in a professional capacity and need more for their large CAD or photoshop etc projects.

It needn't necessarily be that much of a complication. Let's assume to partially counter additional SKUs they simplify the line-up storage tiers to 128/512/1TB and lets also say they will go 6GB base RAM across the lineup anyway. Just adding in 8GB options at $50 more takes you back to the original number of SKUs and you still have only 2 RAM amounts to support.

(12.9" pricing)
128GB/6GB - $1,049
512GB/6GB - $1,249
512GB/8GB - $1,299
1TB/6GB - $1,549
1TB/8GB - $1,599

In this way it's no different to what it currently is really, two RAM amounts supported, but Apple can squeeze an extra $50/sale out of a, what, $5 RAM chip (and everyone who wants more than 128GB pays $100 more than the 256GB option currently costs).

 

[EugW]

Well, we will see, but my prediction is still 6 GB across the board. All of them regardless of storage. No 8 GB model, although maybe it would be nice to have an 8 GB model at the top end, but if that happened, there would be no top end 6 GB model.

So it would be like this:

12.9"
128GB/6GB - $999
256GB/6GB - $1099
512GB/6GB - $1299
1TB/6GB - $1499 <-- Or maybe this is 8 GB

11"
128GB/6GB - $799
256GB/6GB - $899
512GB/6GB - $1099
1TB/6GB - $1299 <-- Or maybe this is 8 GB

Add $150 to each of the above for cellular. That makes for 16 SKUs in each geographic location.

Yeah, maybe that pricing is wishful thinking... They'll want to keep that $999 12.9" price target though.

 

[Closingracer]

Probably quite unlikely, yes, but I wouldn't discount it entirely as Apple look for ways of bringing in more revenue from product lines. It is of course already a thing for Macs, and Apple are pushing Pro iPads more in that direction. With new features and heavier programmes it will probably eventually make sense to tap into this stream of revenue from people who will pay more because they are using their iPad in a professional capacity and need more for their large CAD or photoshop etc projects.

It needn't necessarily be that much of a complication. Let's assume to partially counter additional SKUs they simplify the line-up storage tiers to 128/512/1TB and lets also say they will go 6GB base RAM across the lineup anyway. Just adding in 8GB options at $50 more takes you back to the original number of SKUs and you still have only 2 RAM amounts to support.

(12.9" pricing)
128GB/6GB - $1,049
512GB/6GB - $1,249
512GB/8GB - $1,299
1TB/6GB - $1,549
1TB/8GB - $1,599

In this way it's no different to what it currently is really, two RAM amounts supported, but Apple can squeeze an extra $50/sale out of a, what, $5 RAM chip (and everyone who wants more than 128GB pays $100 more than the 256GB option currently costs).

They aren’t getting rid of 64Gb base. The base will be 64 with a 256 upgrade option

 

[EugW]

They aren’t getting rid of 64Gb base. The base will be 64 with a 256 upgrade option

Unfortunately, that may be true, not only because of that $999 12.9" price target I mentioned, but also because it's much easier to upsell to 256 GB that way.

 

[jinnyman]

I'm awaiting for 2020 iPad Pro 12.9 equivalent. My second gen iPad Pro is perfectly fine and good, but 512 gig of storage is no longer enough for what I would like too do with it. Hopefully, 2020 iPad Pro offers unto 2tb. I'd also like to see improvement in robustness.

 

[The Game 161]

I'm awaiting for 2020 iPad Pro 12.9 equivalent. My second gen iPad Pro is perfectly fine and good, but 512 gig of storage is no longer enough for what I would like too do with it. Hopefully, 2020 iPad Pro offers unto 2tb. I'd also like to see improvement in robustness.

doubt we see anything more than 1TB...what do you use to make 512GB not enough?

 

[EugW]

Whoops. I just maxed out the 64 GB in my 2nd gen iPad Pro today. However, that's because I'm preparing for a trip, and downloaded a bunch of videos onto it.

The other time 64 GB is inadequate for me is when I edit video on it. Fortunately, that is infrequently, since in order to do it I need to clean out my iPad to make room for the videos to edit. So far I haven't done any video editing on the road either, so that's saved me in terms of space. Downloading Netflix/AppleTV videos for the road would leave me no room to edit videos on the road.

128 GB would be more than sufficient for me though, for several years.

 

[el beisbol]

I have a 10.5" iPP that I got on sale toward the end of that cycle. Surprisingly, it has replaced almost all of my personal life workflow and is my go-to device now. I would really like to upgrade to an LTE device at this point, since it has become my daily driver.

I'm waiting and watching March -- I think an 11" iPP with LTE would be perfect, but I can manage to wait 3 months to see if the current model gets a bump and invest the money then. I've been eyeing making this move since about November, and maybe should have pulled the trigger, but the timing feels awkward.

I guess the other thing I'm trying to consider is if going up to 12.9" would be a smart move, or if it's too big for one of my uses - standing note taking.

 

[OasisNYK]

I found a great deal on a used 1TB 12.9 on swappa and decided it was worth it not to wait - if the new ones come out and have significant improvements (unlikely) I can probably sell it for a small loss.

looking forward to getting my first pro - I went to the store and used both the 11 and the 12.9 and I just love the bigger screen.

 

[sigomez]

I found a great deal on a used 1TB 12.9 on swappa and decided it was worth it not to wait - if the new ones come out and have significant improvements (unlikely) I can probably sell it for a small loss.

looking forward to getting my first pro - I went to the store and used both the 11 and the 12.9 and I just love the bigger screen.

I did the same thing this past weekend...looking forward to getting it soon

 

[Donar]

I guess the iPad Pro 2020 will be too „Pro“ for me price wise, if they include all the upgrades (A14X, 6/8 GB Ram, OLED or mini LED Display, triple camera) mentioned in this thread. If they do, i would expect a price hike in 2020 (about 30%) for the iPP.

Rene Ritchie released a nice iPad Pro 2020 Rumors Video on YouTube some hours ago, so if you like rumors in video form you can watch his take on the matter.

 

[Abstract]

I guess the iPad Pro 2020 will be too „Pro“ for me price wise, if they include all the upgrades (A14X, 6/8 GB Ram, OLED or mini LED Display, triple camera) mentioned in this thread. If they do, i would expect a price hike in 2020 (about 30%) for the iPP.

Even without a price hike, a current iPad Pro will be cheaper simply because they’re often on sale. That, and you can buy a refurb from the Apple Store for 15% off, while you can’t do that for a 2020 iPad until around mid-2021 (assuming an Oct 2020 release). Same goes for sales.

Anyway, I just bought a 12.9” iPP with 1TB storage. I may swap it for an 11” iPad Pro because the 12.9 may be too big. Still, I’m enjoying it a lot.