Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

The U.S. barely has 5G going right now, so 2020 will not really matter for 5G unless you live in very select cities, on specific networks. 2021 should be when things roll out faster and faster and we as the average consumer will benefit.

:apple:
 
  • Like
Reactions: jbachandouris
Wow! A lot to take into consideration, I don’t “need” to replace my Air 3 with anything at the moment, I have a mini 5 that will more than hold me over until the new Pro is released, it’s was more to trying to feel out getting a 11” Pro now, which I can get a brand new one with cellular for $300 off right now. It seems like waiting is probably the way to go, it was just tempting to buy one now.
Something to bear in mind. If you believe the 11" can make you happy for awhile go for it. Because you aren't getting a brand new one that comes out whenever for $300 off right ( most likely, things have been changing with Apple products lately ) now like you would with whatever you have your eye on.

Just remember, there's always another Apple product on the way, if you keep waiting to buy the next one you have no current one. As long as you don't need to replace your Air 3 though, you can probably save up the difference of whatever 'latest & greatest' iPad's price will be from that $300 off model.
 
  • Like
Reactions: KittyKatta
The U.S. barely has 5G going right now, so 2020 will not really matter for 5G unless you live in very select cities, on specific networks. 2021 should be when things roll out faster and faster and we as the average consumer will benefit.
Most people would rather buy the iPad Pro once and use it for several years, rather than buying a new one every release.

Also, a lot of people don't live in the US, but if they do, some here may live in one of those select cities of course.
 
Most people would rather buy the iPad Pro once and use it for several years, rather than buying a new one every release.
Especially so if one's getting higher storage and cellular. They're significantly more expensive to begin with (at launch, the 1TB LTE Pro 11 cost $900 more than the 64GB WiFi) and you get pennies on the dollar for those upgrades if reselling or trading in.

Also, a lot of people don't live in the US, but if they do, some here may live in one of those select cities of course.
The select areas tend to be the most congested, too. I've never seen >50Mbps on any carrier. At work during breaks, I'm lucky if I even get 10Mbps on LTE. Most of the time, I get 2-8 Mbps down and 0.5-2 Mbps up.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: BigMcGuire
I bought my 11 Pro last Christmas because of the discount Bestbuy was offering. For the pro, I find no need to replace it every year unless my needs changed enough to warrant it. If I were going to change every year, I think I would buy something like the Air and just resell it when the next model came out. I think most people can squeeze 2-3 years out of an iPad anyway.
 
I bought my 11 Pro last Christmas because of the discount Bestbuy was offering. For the pro, I find no need to replace it every year unless my needs changed enough to warrant it. If I were going to change every year, I think I would buy something like the Air and just resell it when the next model came out. I think most people can squeeze 2-3 years out of an iPad anyway.
I couldn't really care less about FaceID and Apple Pencil 2. The USB-C and 1TB are tempting but not enough to tip the scales at the the current asking prices.

Hence for now, I'm quite content sticking to my 2nd gen iPad Pros (512GB LTE 12.9 & 10.5) and waiting for upgrades that matter *to me*.
 
I couldn't really care less about FaceID and Apple Pencil 2. The USB-C and 1TB are tempting but not enough to tip the scales at the the current asking prices.

Hence for now, I'm quite content sticking to my 2nd gen iPad Pros (512GB LTE 12.9 & 10.5) and waiting for upgrades that matter *to me*.

You’re certainly not alone. Add to that the fact that prices increased with the 3rd generation and the value added proposition for those of us in that camp became even harder to justify an upgrade.

I think this year the iPad Pro refresh will solidify for me whether I’ll keep my gen 2 iPP until 2021 and supplement it with a mini 5 or I go with a 2020 11”.
 
I couldn't really care less about FaceID and Apple Pencil 2. The USB-C and 1TB are tempting but not enough to tip the scales at the the current asking prices.

Hence for now, I'm quite content sticking to my 2nd gen iPad Pros (512GB LTE 12.9 & 10.5) and waiting for upgrades that matter *to me*.
Apple Pencil 2 is amazing. FaceID on iPad sucks. It's just never in the right position and it's blocked by my hand half the time.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ssledoux
I am looking to upgrade from my 9.7" iPad Pro to the 11" iPad Pro, but do not want to buy the current gen. one and then have the new one come out a few months later.

My question is this: Is the A13X really going to be that much of a beast that it will be a big game changer? Is there anything else that is going to be added feature wise, besides the rumored cameras? I have an iPhone 11 Pro Max, I really do not need three cameras on my iPad, but definitely want an iPad Pro.

I know I am just asking for speculation, other than what I have read, but if this is just going to be a refresh, I might wait for the new Pro's to come out and then buy the current gen. 11" for much less money.

Any screen advancements, FaceID advancements, etc...is what I am asking about.

Thank you all in advance!

:apple:

There has been no rumor that the screen or FaceID will be improved in this generation. The camera (and a processor bump) appears to be the only major changes. I’m in the same boat as you and will probably by the current generation on a discount once the new generation comes out.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SRLMJ23
Technically speaking, what could a more powerful processor and add up given the fact that still even this machine is not fully used by the apps that are currently on the market? I'm a Visual Designer and Illustrator and I'm (over)thinking whether I would buy the current 12.9 Ipad (secondhand) or wait a couple of months to see what they add on the new one. Just wondering if the changes would really benefit me.
 
Last edited:
What price would you opt to buy the current base 11 inch model?
I can get a new one for about 650 and refurb for 575 USD
 
What price would you opt to buy the current base 11 inch model?
I can get a new one for about 650 and refurb for 575 USD

I would buy the 12.9 because I'd use it as a double screen for my MBP and for Procreate. Here in Thailand I just found someone selling a 12.9 256GB WIFI for 945$
 
  • Like
Reactions: linkgx1
I would buy the 12.9 because I'd use it as a double screen for my MBP and for Procreate. Here in Thailand I just found someone selling a 12.9 256GB WIFI for 945$
I am asking as I want the 11 inch and debating waiting or is this price good enough to justify buying now.
 
What price would you opt to buy the current base 11 inch model?
I can get a new one for about 650 and refurb for 575 USD
This really is quite subjective. I think $650 brand new is a fair price for it providing you like the hardware that's on offer.

Is the $575 Apple Certified Refurbished? If not, I don't think I'd sacrifice the warranty for the $75 price reduction.
 
The 575 one is a refurb non Apple. They offer their own warranty 6 months. However most of their refurbs are really open boxes from Costco who they then resell them so they are often new returns and likely have a chunk of Apple warranty left. I type this on an iPad mini 4 I bought from them a few years ago in same situation and it was flawless with t months Apple care left when I got it.

my dilemma is whether to wait for the newer model. Truth is the current pro is more than powerful enough for me. I started with the air 3on sale but wanted quad speakers and better screen. Then bough am Apple pro 17 refurb from Apple. Was great and think I like the form factor or at least Touch ID better than Face ID as it is so much faster to go from screen off to home screen.
That said it wasn’t much cheaper than the new pro and the screen was a bit dim yellow on right side. Figure with that and potential white spot better to go newer model. Also I want USB c as it opens up so many more options over lightning for peripherals and external storage. Plus I would save over buying lightning connectors as already have USB c dongle that gives SD card USB ports and HDMI .....
 
The 575 one is a refurb non Apple. They offer their own warranty 6 months. However most of their refurbs are really open boxes from Costco who they then resell them so they are often new returns and likely have a chunk of Apple warranty left. I type this on an iPad mini 4 I bought from them a few years ago in same situation and it was flawless with t months Apple care left when I got it.
I personally won't touch these with a ten foot pole, since they can be hit and miss, and don't come with full Apple warranty. Not interested in a 6 month warranty from some third party company.

Also, these non-Apple refurbs won't be eligible for the free 1-year AppleTV+ subscription, or extended warranty.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Populus
This company is local and have had good experience in the past. As I said the device likely has Apple warranty left though won’t know how much until purchased.
Recently bought MacBook Pro so got the free Apple TV plus already.
Maybe I should just wait or pay the 75more for a new one with full Apple care.
 
Something to bear in mind. If you believe the 11" can make you happy for awhile go for it. Because you aren't getting a brand new one that comes out whenever for $300 off right ( most likely, things have been changing with Apple products lately ) now like you would with whatever you have your eye on.

Just remember, there's always another Apple product on the way, if you keep waiting to buy the next one you have no current one. As long as you don't need to replace your Air 3 though, you can probably save up the difference of whatever 'latest & greatest' iPad's price will be from that $300 off model.

Some updates to the story, so I found a 6th gen for my son, still has 6 months left of the original warranty, so I thought my problems were solved, I was going to wait for the new Pro to come out. Yes, we all know there is always going to be a new Apple product in the horizon, when it comes to a model like the Pro, I want to buy something as current as possible, especially since I would keep this for a few years before even considering buying a new one.........and then comes a new curveball in my life, so my wonderful fiancé, who has always told me she doesn’t find how an iPad would fit in her life absolutely fell in love with my Air 3, needless to say, I am now without an Air 3 anymore.😂
So I still have my Mini 5, now the dilemma is will the Mini 5 hold me over until the new Pro comes? My only concern is starting up online college classes in March, don’t know if the Mini 5 would be ideal.
 
So my plan finally. I am going to get the base 11 inch pro now as a refurb to keep cost down.
My wife's iPad Air 2 is getting long in the tooth and likely due for a replacement.

If the new pro is a major upgrade from the current model I will give her the 2018 pro and I will get the upgraded one.

Her iPad Air 2 is 5 years old and she uses it daily as she doesn't have her own PC.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jbachandouris
My plan is this...i want a pro, i miss having a pro but i wont touch the pros until the bending issue is resolved. Now, im not asking for something totally unrealistic...i fully get if you try hard enough, you can bend almost any commerically avalable tablet. Im not expecting it to be made out of Vibranium or something crazy.. Just reinfoce the insides a bit and maybe a higher grade of Aluminum and i am happy but thats the one thing i want more then anything in an upgrade.

That said i wouldent mind HDR on the screen (You can do HDR on a LCD) and of course a slightly better processor not that their is anything wrong with the one now!

This tripple camera system seems wasteful if you ask me. Yes, improve the front facing camera (maybe relocate it to the side since im almost using it in landscape mode) and a better back facing camera, but im not going to go out shooting things on location with a 12.9 inch ipad pro. I got my iphone 11 pro max for that and in a pinch, my Ipad Mini 5 for quick stuff if need be.

Ideally id like apple to put out there own official ALUMINUM KEYBOARD...I loath the fabric one..I like the bridge keyboards, but i dont like how the hinges put too much pressure on the screen.

Make it so i can use it as a laptop with an actual keyboard and not that overpriced fabric one that offers no protection and feels like im typing on a childrens toy...

So im hoping they anounce it in March and i can pick one up in April or May or June and I'll be happy! I have no problem waiting till November, but with the new next gen systems coming out and the new iphone, its just going to be way more expensive and if its a minor upgrade, why delay it and put it in a crowed season?
 
So my plan finally. I am going to get the base 11 inch pro now as a refurb to keep cost down.
My wife's iPad Air 2 is getting long in the tooth and likely due for a replacement.

If the new pro is a major upgrade from the current model I will give her the 2018 pro and I will get the upgraded one.
Lol, I've used this reasoning, too, to justify several of my upgrades. 😂
 
My plan is this...i want a pro, i miss having a pro but i wont touch the pros until the bending issue is resolved. Now, im not asking for something totally unrealistic...i fully get if you try hard enough, you can bend almost any commerically avalable tablet. Im not expecting it to be made out of Vibranium or something crazy.. Just reinfoce the insides a bit and maybe a higher grade of Aluminum and i am happy but thats the one thing i want more then anything in an upgrade.

That said i wouldent mind HDR on the screen (You can do HDR on a LCD) and of course a slightly better processor not that their is anything wrong with the one now!

This tripple camera system seems wasteful if you ask me. Yes, improve the front facing camera (maybe relocate it to the side since im almost using it in landscape mode) and a better back facing camera, but im not going to go out shooting things on location with a 12.9 inch ipad pro. I got my iphone 11 pro max for that and in a pinch, my Ipad Mini 5 for quick stuff if need be.

Ideally id like apple to put out there own official ALUMINUM KEYBOARD...I loath the fabric one..I like the bridge keyboards, but i dont like how the hinges put too much pressure on the screen.

Make it so i can use it as a laptop with an actual keyboard and not that overpriced fabric one that offers no protection and feels like im typing on a childrens toy...

So im hoping they anounce it in March and i can pick one up in April or May or June and I'll be happy! I have no problem waiting till November, but with the new next gen systems coming out and the new iphone, its just going to be way more expensive and if its a minor upgrade, why delay it and put it in a crowed season?
I hear your concerns. Think bendgate is over blown. Maybe less so on the cellular models where the antenna regions may have less rigidity.
If you are buying a pro tablet it is likely expensive and to be cared for not thrown around like the base iPad which costs nothing to replace.

I think anyspec bump will be seen in benchmarks only and likely not to be noticed for years.

The 2017 pro can run any app smoothly that exists right now and is nowhere near the processor the 2018 has.

I also hear that besides maybe the 12.9 inch in end of year, the upgraded models coming out likely won't see a screen change. So if you want to wait sure go for it. But that is also time you are not enjoying the device
[automerge]1578463704[/automerge]
Lol, I've used this reasoning, too, to justify several of my upgrades. 😂
Well it is true😉. Her iPad she says sometime the screen doesn't register when she types some letters
She is worth it! We Both are happy that way!
 
  • Like
Reactions: MisterSavage
Some updates to the story, so I found a 6th gen for my son, still has 6 months left of the original warranty, so I thought my problems were solved, I was going to wait for the new Pro to come out. Yes, we all know there is always going to be a new Apple product in the horizon, when it comes to a model like the Pro, I want to buy something as current as possible, especially since I would keep this for a few years before even considering buying a new one.........and then comes a new curveball in my life, so my wonderful fiancé, who has always told me she doesn’t find how an iPad would fit in her life absolutely fell in love with my Air 3, needless to say, I am now without an Air 3 anymore.😂
So I still have my Mini 5, now the dilemma is will the Mini 5 hold me over until the new Pro comes? My only concern is starting up online college classes in March, don’t know if the Mini 5 would be ideal.
It's possible a new Pro will show up by the end of March, but no guarantees.

---

I am becoming more hopeful for a 5G iPad Pro coming in the next several months. HP is actually updating an existing laptop with 2nd generation Qualcomm X55 5G, instead of waiting to build a whole new laptop around this new low power 5G chipset.

HP's Elite Dragonfly is getting Qualcomm 5G

the existing model is getting new features, keeping the eighth-gen CPUs. One thing that's new is that it's getting 5G, via Qualcomm's Snapdragon X55 modem. It's a big deal, considering that Intel-powered 5G PCs weren't supposed to arrive until 2021, and they were going to have MediaTek modems. But it seems that Qualcomm was just ready before MediaTek was.

It should be noted that Apple and Qualcomm struck a $4.5 billion deal that was announced back on April Fool's Day 2019, and the X55 chips came out in late 2019. That's enough lead time for an iPad Pro 5G in the first half of 2020.

BTW, Qualcomm X55 is a TSMC-fabbed 7 nm chip, and TSMC began ramping up 7 nm mass production in 2019 Q3.



---

And yet another one:

Lenovo's Yoga 5G is the first ARM-powered Windows laptop with 5G

From the outside, the Yoga 5G looks fairly bland, barely distinguishable from any of Lenovo’s other midrange laptops. But the internal specs are where things get interesting: instead of an Intel processor, it’s got Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8cx (making it the second laptop announced to use the chip) as well as Qualcomm’s X55 5G modem. It’ll support millimeter-wave and sub-6GHz 5G networks as well as LTE.

The Lenovo Yoga 5G is set to release sometime this spring, starting at $1,499.
 
Last edited:
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.