iPad Pro $799 Ouch $150 Premium why ?

[rui no onna]

You’re one of the probably 1% that didn’t.

Personally, I don't buy the accessories either. My guess, there's probably more people buying the iPads by themselves than those that get the entire kit.

 

[Tapiture]

Personally, I don't buy the accessories either. My guess, there's probably more people buying the iPads by themselves than those that get the entire kit.

I had no idea people did that — I assumed basically everyone bought the accessories or at least one of them. It’d be interesting to have data on that, but I’m sure only the execs at Apple truly know. Would provide some really great insights though.

 

[DNichter]

You’re one of the probably 1% that didn’t.

I wouldn't know, I don't have any data to suggest or deny that. Either way, Apple isn't forcing anyone to buy anything. That sort of mindset is ridiculous. I'd hope everyone on here has the logic and smarts to make decisions for themselves when it comes to personal value and product purchases. If not, you got a lot more to worry about in life.

 

[rui no onna]

I had no idea people did that — I assumed basically everyone bought the accessories or at least one of them. It’d be interesting to have data on that, but I’m sure only the execs at Apple truly know. Would provide some really great insights though.

Sales for Apple Watch and accessories are all bunched together under "Others Products". Note, 4% drop in unit sales but 7% drop in revenue and $439 ASP likely mean more people buying the cheaper iPads. I do wish I'd bought more shares when it dropped to ~$90 last year (or might've been 2016).

 

[Dave-Z]

Start listing some of the other things you could have bought instead, and the price starts to hurt a lot more.

One 12.9" iPad Pro

Or...

Three 2018 iPads

Sort of makes me sick thinking about it that way.

---

One 12.9" iPad Pro with Smart Keyboard Folio and Apple Pencil 2

Or...

An iMac.


[doublepost=1541013377][/doublepost]

It's interesting that a $749 iPhone XR is a great buy, but a $799 iPad Pro is way overpriced.

I received my iPhone Xr last Friday. Personally, I thought it was also way overpriced. But it is what it is. I had already given my iPhone 7 Plus away so I needed a phone and decided to go with that.

I feel everything from Apple is overpriced. This has always been the case, but it's gotten worse in the last few years. When I read Apple-centric blogs and authors on those (who have been Apple fans (apologists, even)) are saying, "WTF Apple," to the price increases I think it's safe to say it's getting out of hand.

Apple wraps up their products nicely: inductive charging for the new pencil, real biometric Face ID, etc. But are those little gains worth the Apple tax? Until this year I thought so. Now I'm genuinely considering alternatives.

I spend most of my time reading and writing, and a little bit of coding. I have enjoyed the user experience (and still do) but it's becoming harder to justify the cost. I'm not rich, but I'm doing fine at the moment and absolutely can afford these products. I just don't know if I consider them worth it compared to competitors offering similar products at a lower cost.
[doublepost=1541013558][/doublepost]

Still, the iPad Pro looks like a steal compared to the XR haha.

If anything, it just goes to show that Apple could sell their phones cheaper.. since their iPads often have the same technology in them, with a larger screen, for a lower cost!

 

[DNichter]

One 12.9" iPad Pro

Or...

Three 2018 iPads

Sort of makes me sick thinking about it that way.

---

One 12.9" iPad Pro with Smart Keyboard Folio and Apple Pencil 2

Or...

An iMac.


[doublepost=1541013377][/doublepost]

I received my iPhone Xr last Friday. Personally, I thought it was also way overpriced. But it is what it is. I had already given my iPhone 7 Plus away so I needed a phone and decided to go with that.

I feel everything from Apple is overpriced. This has always been the case, but it's gotten worse in the last few years. When I read Apple-centric blogs and authors on those (who have been Apple fans (apologists, even)) are saying, "WTF Apple," to the price increases I think it's safe to say it's getting out of hand.

Apple wraps up their products nicely: inductive charging for the new pencil, real biometric Face ID, etc. But are those little gains worth the Apple tax? Until this year I thought so. Now I'm genuinely considering alternatives.

I spend most of my time reading and writing, and a little bit of coding. I have enjoyed the user experience (and still do) but it's becoming harder to justify the cost. I'm not rich, but I'm doing fine at the moment and absolutely can afford these products. I just don't know if I consider them worth it compared to competitors offering similar products at a lower cost.
[doublepost=1541013558][/doublepost]

If anything, it just goes to show that Apple could sell their phones cheaper.. since their iPads often have the same technology in them, with a larger screen, for a lower cost!

Fair points, but they obviously need to sell to the market. They are a business. The only way this changes is if people stop buying their products at these prices.

 

[rui no onna]

Fair points, but they obviously need to sell to the market. They are a business. The only way this changes is if people stop buying their products at these prices.

It seems to me Apple's just trying to increase falling iPad revenues by upping prices...

View attachment 799955

 

[cornerexit]

You don't have to spend money on anything, let alone the keyboard and pencil. I didn't buy either.

I've always bought the smart cover and Apple rubber case or whatever it's called. Trying the keyboard this time around since it covers back and front. The last time I bought an iPad was years ago when they introduced the Pro 12.9" and the smart cover frays overs time, badly. And they always sold the back and cover separately adding up to over $100 for some plastic. Figured if I'm getting robbed might as well get a keyboard and try it out. I can always return it and pay the thievery for the cover/back that I used to have.

 

[DNichter]

It seems to me Apple's just trying to increase falling iPad revenues by upping prices...

For sure, they released a $329 iPad. That is definitely pulling down revenue. They are looking to create to distinctive markets/price ranges when it comes to both the iPhone and iPad line without killing profitability.

 

[Kendo]

If anything, it just goes to show that Apple could sell their phones cheaper.. since their iPads often have the same technology in them, with a larger screen, for a lower cost!

True but all of the research and development money goes into the iPhone so once the technology is perfected, it is easy and cheap to transfer to iPad. People probably see Face ID camera parts costing $49 in one of those tear down videos but in reality, they are spending $150,000 salaries to a team of engineers who are testing and perfecting multiple features (90% of which are wasted efforts that don't even make it into an iPhone). That is why iPhones cost so much even though it might "only" have parts that cost $400 and they charge $1000.

 

[DNichter]

I've always bought the smart cover and Apple rubber case or whatever it's called. Trying the keyboard this time around since it covers back and front. The last time I bought an iPad was years ago when they introduced the Pro 12.9" and the smart cover frays overs time, badly. And they always sold the back and cover separately adding up to over $100 for some plastic. Figured if I'm getting robbed might as well get a keyboard and try it out. I can always return it and pay the thievery for the cover/back that I used to have.

I prefer to use my old Apple Wireless Keyboard with my iPad as I move around the office a lot and don't like the bulk. I had the previous smart keyboard, but decided to move on this time. Too pricey.

 

[rui no onna]

For sure, they released a $329 iPad. That is definitely pulling down revenue. They are looking to create to distinctive markets/price ranges when it comes to both the iPhone and iPad line without killing profitability.

I expect without that $329 iPad, iPad revenue and unit sales would look even worse. Tablet sales have fallen across the board. Apart from Samsung and Amazon, most other manufacturers have given up on Android tablets.
[doublepost=1541015237][/doublepost]

True but all of the research and development money goes into the iPhone so once the technology is perfected, it is easy and cheap to transfer to iPad. People probably see Face ID camera parts costing $49 in one of those tear down videos but in reality, they are spending $150,000 salaries to a team of engineers who are testing and perfecting multiple features (90% of which are wasted efforts that don't even make it into an iPhone). That is why iPhones cost so much even though it might "only" have parts that cost $400 and they charge $1000.

Probably significantly more than $150K. Housing there is way too expensive for $150K salaries.

 

[DNichter]

I expect without that $329 iPad, iPad revenue and unit sales would look even worse. Tablet sales have fallen across the board. Apart from Samsung and Amazon, most other manufacturers have given up on Android tablets.
[doublepost=1541015237][/doublepost]
Probably significantly more than $150K. Housing there is way too expensive for $150K salaries.

I don't know? I am no expert, but iPad's sell more than most traditional computers today. I'd say that's pretty good. It's up to Apple to get the revenue right. Android tablets don't sell because there is no developer support for them.

 

[rui no onna]

I don't know? I am no expert, but iPad's sell more than most traditional computers today. I'd say that's pretty good. It's up to Apple to get the revenue right. Android tablets don't sell because there is no developer support for them.

In general, I do believe iOS users are more inclined to pay for apps than Android users hence the developer support.

True, Apple sells more iPads but the computer hardware industry is kind of in trouble anyway and a lot are making the switch to business services. The good thing for Apple is they're very profitable.

 

[Broadus]

I've thought seriously about going to Android, but Apple's products seem longer-lasting, generally better, much longer supported, and integrate well with each other. I make it work by using them a while before upgrading. I'm typing this on a mid-2012 retina MacBook Pro. I upgraded last year from an iPad Air to the 10.5 iPP, and to the XR from the 6s. My wife was still using an iPhone 4S that we bought new in 2011. She's using the 6s now and it runs great.

Sometimes I wonder how much longer we'll keep doing it, though, but when I weigh the alternatives, I settle anew on Apple. The stuff just works well and the support if typically outstanding, and that's a lot of what we pay for, I suspect.

 

[Fishels]

Apple is only charging for upgrades like FaceID.

Hope you did not think they would be the same price or cheaper.

I wish I thought Face ID was an upgrade.

The home button was perfect. I just can’t see the significant benefits really on a tablet. Besides bezel of course.

 

[Frankfurt]

I replaced my iPad Air earlier this year with the IPP 10.5 levering the micro center sale. Considering that I was able to sell the Air for almost $200 I paid net net for the 10.5 64GB with ASK and Pencil $550. That equivalent package would cost me now at least $900 ($1,300 minus estimated resale value of the previous for about $400).

I will hang out with the 10.5 for about four years as I did with the Air and then upgrade to the latest version.

These prices mean longer upgrade cycles.

 

[canesalato]

You’re one of the probably 1% that didn’t.

Why do you say that? I know plenty of people with iPads that use it without smart keyboard, including me. I think it's a mediocre, overpriced product. It's a very different situation from a Surface, where basically you have to own the keyboard (+ trackpad). Because of the lack of trackpad support, the iPad works so much better horizontally. Of course, my experience is not usable for statistics, but neither is your "1%". =)

I still think iPads, as every other Apple product from the current lineup, are overpriced. With the exception of the 2018 9.7" iPad. I'm sure at the next update they will make it more expensive.

 

[Geekbabe]

The new iPads are sweet looking but since I just got the XR I think I will wait & get a refurbished 10.5 from the Apple store or wait for a Black Friday deal on the older model.

 

[Farrgazer]

One 12.9" iPad Pro with Smart Keyboard Folio and Apple Pencil 2

Or...

An iMac.

That isn’t a fair comparison. You can’t technically do on the iPad everything on the iMac and vice versa. For one, the iMac doesn’t have a touchscreen or pen input.

 

[kristalsoldier]

Yeah

I replaced my iPad Air earlier this year with the IPP 10.5 levering the micro center sale. Considering that I was able to sell the Air for almost $200 I paid net net for the 10.5 64GB with ASK and Pencil $550. That equivalent package would cost me now at least $900 ($1,300 minus estimated resale value of the previous for about $400).

I will hang out with the 10.5 for about four years as I did with the Air and then upgrade to the latest version.

These prices mean longer upgrade cycles.

. That’s like my plan too...though...gosh! The new iPad looks delish...!!
[doublepost=1541064251][/doublepost]

Exactly. I have an iPhone, iPad pro, MacBook, Apple Watch. I'm staying with Apple because of the ecosystem integration, which cannot be beaten. But now Apple is increasing prices across the board. The price of the ecosystem might be too high. If I jump ship, I will drop Apple completely: replace my iPhone with an Android, the iPad/MacBook with a surface pro, and the Watch with Fitbit. Still not there, but not far...

That’s me now. My main machine is the Surface Pro 4, I use the IPP 10.5 and I use an Android phone ( Moto Z Play (for the out-of-this-world battery life) but which I will replace shortly with the OP6t). This is all tied in using OneDrive.

 

[Hurley82989]

I replaced my iPad Air earlier this year with the IPP 10.5 levering the micro center sale. Considering that I was able to sell the Air for almost $200 I paid net net for the 10.5 64GB with ASK and Pencil $550. That equivalent package would cost me now at least $900 ($1,300 minus estimated resale value of the previous for about $400).

I will hang out with the 10.5 for about four years as I did with the Air and then upgrade to the latest version.

These prices mean longer upgrade cycles.

Holy cow where did you get $200 for an iPad Air? I’m trying to sell my iPad Air 2 and looks like I’ll be lucky to get $150 for it at best.

 

[rowspaxe]

The original iPad cost 499, now it’s 300$ more... 799!

The current ipad 9.7" is about $329
[doublepost=1541076038][/doublepost]

I think there will be a point when Apple's pricing starts effecting sales, but not sure when.

Pretty sure Tim & co have given this some thought: these are the prices where people will "grumble buy"
[doublepost=1541076511][/doublepost]

I can see many consumers getting the ipad pro even with the price upgrade because the functionality improvement of removing the bezels is so great..."

Seriously, what is the "functionality" improvement of smaller bezels?
[doublepost=1541076755][/doublepost]

I still think iPads, as every other Apple product from the current lineup, are overpriced. With the exception of the 2018 9.7" iPad. I'm sure at the next update they will make it more expensive.

I too am baffled by the $329 price point here...but it is a great deal and supports the pencil

 

[conteaparis]

I completely agree that the pricing is somewhat outrageous...offensive even. However, from the perspective of someone who actually uses an iPad for digital art purposes, it's still not as bad as what Wacom, the industry leader (for now, one can only hope) is doing. At least Apple makes software that actually works and for the most part, their products (however overpriced) work as advertised. The iPad Pro, even at this price point, is a better buy than the comparable Wacom tablet, which I guess is a Mobile Studio. Sure, that's more of a "real" computer that can run full programs like Photoshop and ZBrush...in theory, although people I know who have one can't even really use it for those purposes. Two hour battery, too laggy, too heavy, too hot, and too jet-engine-ey are common complaints. My personal gripe with Wacom is they up charge you for basic ass functions like touch...and then when you pay that premium for touch, it doesn't work at all. I am not even exaggerating. How goddamn difficult can it be to get working touch with basic things like palm rejection and pinch to zoom in the age of smart phones and tablets? Seriously? And then they pretend like it's not an issue at all, that the next driver updated will address all their issues, but it only ever makes things worse. Basically, all you are paying for with Wacom is the drawing functionality, which is still very good, but it's basically the same product as it has been for decades. Don't expect anything more, or prepare to be sorely disappointed.

This iteration of the iPad Pro is so much closer to being a true Wacom killer. Apple fixed the things I personally hated about my gen 1 iPad Pro, mainly the goofy charging method and the lack of a practical storage solution for the Pencil. It's not enough for me personally to justify dropping almost double (paid $550 for mine back when Best Buy was struggling to get rid of them) to "upgrade," but I'd certainly get this before a new iPhone (probably going to use that 5s until it falls apart to dust). I like the direction that Apple is going in with the iPad Pro (not the pricing, just the tech). The one thing they still have not implemented, although it seems like this would be mind-boggling easy for them to include, is native mirroring capabilities so that it can be used in a Cintiq-like fashion with computers. And no, Astropad is still not the same. It has yet to be seen if Photoshop is going to deliver on the iPad, but if it is indeed "full" Photoshop, then that is going to be a game changer for many people. The one thing everyone that had me and a lot of other artists I know clinging onto Wacom, is the fact that iPad doesn't do full Photoshop. Even though we all agreed, the Pencil is by far the best digital stylus we've ever used. Photoshop coming to iPad alone is going to move a lot of units. If more pro software support from other companies follows, that could be the coup de grace for Wacom's bulky, insultingly priced, and laughably outdated line of products.

 

[Frankfurt]

Holy cow where did you get $200 for an iPad Air? I’m trying to sell my iPad Air 2 and looks like I’ll be lucky to get $150 for it at best.

I sold it on swappa for $190 in mint condition and original packaging. That was six months ago... prices will keep dropping.