iPad Pro After releasing the new M1 iPads and WWDC Apple is a spineless and gutless company who can take us for a ride whenever they want.

[Unregistered 4U]

Something could come along better in the future that is better than something Apple offers. It doesn't look that way but its possible. No one remains on top forever. I love Apple products and hope they do, but its possible that something better could come along down the road that could pull people away from them.

Thing is, though. Apple isn’t even on top! By dollar value, yes, but what market do they control? Possibly wearables? Although Apple sells more iPads than HP and Dell sells laptops, combining all the Windows efforts together yields a number that Apple may NEVER come close to. Windows is the thing that, right now, is pulling people away from them. Yet, half of folks buying a new Mac have never owned a Mac before.

How can a company that’s on the down side of almost any comparison still end up being so valuable? Apple’s not trying to “take over the world”. They’re always just looking for a profitable chunk of the market. And, with billions of people in the world, it’s reasonable to think that focusing on a profitable few hundred million or so is likely to yield success without ever coming anywhere close to Windows’ dominance. So, Apple will likely continue to have decent but smaller marketshare, cycling from an older few hundred million customers to a new few hundred million customers and cycling their focus every 20 years or so.

 

[Unregistered 4U]

any company that sells hardware does not want to cannibalize their own products.

Would this be the same Apple that cannibalized their Apple II with the Mac? Or the company that cannibalized their ENTIRE extremely profitable iPod market with the iPhone? Or the company that cannibalized their desktop solutions with laptops such that 80% of the macs they sell are laptops? Or that are currently losing sales DAILY to the iPad because millions upon millions of average folks just don’t see the need for a Mac when an iPad will do?

If ONLY we had a quote from Steve Jobs. Oh wait, we do?

“If you don't cannibalize yourself, someone else will.”

Now, I can see how someone MIGHT take this to mean that Apple don’t want to cannibalize their own products… actually, no. I can’t see how someone might take that to mean that.

 

[DMG35]

Thing is, though. Apple isn’t even on top! By dollar value, yes, but what market do they control? Possibly wearables? Although Apple sells more iPads than HP and Dell sells laptops, combining all the Windows efforts together yields a number that Apple may NEVER come close to. Windows is the thing that, right now, is pulling people away from them. Yet, half of folks buying a new Mac have never owned a Mac before.

How can a company that’s on the down side of almost any comparison still end up being so valuable? Apple’s not trying to “take over the world”. They’re always just looking for a profitable chunk of the market. And, with billions of people in the world, it’s reasonable to think that focusing on a profitable few hundred million or so is likely to yield success without ever coming anywhere close to Windows’ dominance. So, Apple will likely continue to have decent but smaller marketshare, cycling from an older few hundred million customers to a new few hundred million customers and cycling their focus every 20 years or so.

Lol ok, you know all the inner workings of Apple and know their road map will lead to forever success. Thank you for your lessons here.

 

[DMG35]

I would welcome this as it would spur more innovation and competition, or just making the iPad what it easily could be - but I don’t see it happening. Apple‘ fully integrated software and hardware report seems to be too a strong moat, who even comes close?

No one does. I'm not sure anyone is even really trying anymore.

 

[jdb8167]

I generally like Rene Ritchies videos. I think he is mostly balanced but I find this one very shallow. He tries to justify what is pretty hard to justify and he had no new ideas. Just the same excuses repeated. I think he is pretty frustrated with Apple and iPadOS but can't really bite the hand that feeds. It is unfortunate.

 

[Ludatyk]

Rather than arguing that Apple does not want the iPad to cannibalise the Mac, can it not be argued that Apple simply doesn't think that macOS makes sense on the iPad?

Tbh, not sure why that’s a question. I have no desire to have macOS on the iPad… that’s far from my point. I’m just looking at the fact that features like Universal Control allows the iPad to be an accessory to the Mac.

Having macOS on the iPad would very likely be a step back in usability for me. I have no desire for the two to ever converge, much less on the iPad.

I’m not looking for a convergence.. iPadOS is a fairly new platform compared to macOS and I’m sure features will come when a lot of thought has been put into it. I’m just looking for features equivalent to macOS not the OS on iPad.

Now, I can see how someone MIGHT take this to mean that Apple don’t want to cannibalize their own products… actually, no. I can’t see how someone might take that to mean that.

You made some excellent points. But the point I’m making is… the current iPadOS doesn’t take advantage of this years iPad Pro. And that’s why there’s so much noise surrounding the iPad at this stage right now. IMO, I think Apple will milk the Mac and iPad combo for as long as they can… until the iPad can firmly stand on its own.

 

[thefourthpope]

You are very clearly misunderstanding not only how Apple operates, but also how normal, non-techie gadget users view Apple. If the iPad suddenly started to suck, nobody would buy it. Blackberry went down because their products sucked. Apple's products don't suck. And specifically for iPad, I'd be willing to bet that less than 5% of iPad users even know there was a keynote this week. Most just use the iPad, update whenever, and if they notice a new feature is there and find it useful, then great. If not, they're none the wiser and life goes on. They'll buy a new iPad at some point when they break their current one or the battery starts to die permanently.

This idea that Apple users are just a bunch of dumb sheep that eagerly lap up whatever Apple puts out because they've been somehow brainwashed by a dude that died 10 years ago--it's just silly and was never accurate. People will vote with their dollars if a product is not hitting the mark. Exhibit A: the original HomePod. The iPad is not the original HomePod. It's a well established product that people love. The iPad Pro is a niche fork of that product category that most Apple users don't even own. If you classify that as "lack of innovation" then it seems like you just need to ignore the iPad and use something else. The only other option is to ride it out and see what comes next. This isn't a complicated thing.

This. There are loads of smart, competent, and inquisitive people at my university. Most of them have no idea how to use an iPad to its full potential. They’re the ones typing on the screen in portrait mode. A few of them even get the Pro version because the university gets you a new device once every five years and IT supports maxing out the specs.

But they’re the same with their laptops and desktops, and they’re the same regardless of Windows or Mac. They’re going with what’s familiar or easier for their use and can fit their department’s budget.

In my 8 years I’ve found two people who know about Mac Rumors and only one of those knew WWDC was this week.

Most of them only know “M1” as the thing the website says is inside the iPad.

 

[thefourthpope]

Ain't that the truth. When I asked my nieces (one starting college, one starting high school) what they wanted, they both said iPad.

Smart answers from them. I wish more of my students had them. It’s a solid do-everything device; quite possibly the perfect device for a student.

 

[jeremiah256]

Thanks for posting. I'd been wondering why he hadn't posted earlier.

A few points:

1 - I (a power user) do have empathy for all users. I don’t want iPadOS to be replaced by macOS or become overly complicated. I admit that I do want virtualization so that if I want to, I can run Windows 10 (which is optimized enough for touch) on my iPad Pro. Like many, many features on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, if you don't want to use it or need it, it's invisible. My wife has never used the terminal on macOS and she's been using Macs for as long as I have (20 years).

2 - The continued statements seemingly pitting us niche users against regular users really annoyed me. He's right and I agree that the vast majority of regular iPadOS users, who are mostly using iPadOS devices for consumption and entertainment, don't use the apps power users might. But, then regular users probably are not purchasing and paying a premium for an iPad Pro. However, those of us who choose to pay a premium, should have access to premium capabilities, like full external monitor support.

 

[PrettyWings]

Thanks for posting. I'd been wondering why he hadn't posted earlier.

A few points:

1 - I (a power user) do have empathy for all users. I don’t want iPadOS to be replaced by macOS or become overly complicated. I admit that I do want virtualization so that if I want to, I can run Windows 10 (which is optimized enough for touch) on my iPad Pro. Like many, many features on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, if you don't want to use it or need it, it's invisible. My wife has never used the terminal on macOS and she's been using Macs for as long as I have (20 years).

2 - The continued statements seemingly pitting us niche users against regular users really annoyed me. He's right and I agree that the vast majority of regular iPadOS users, who are mostly using iPadOS devices for consumption and entertainment, don't use the apps power users might. But, then regular users probably are not purchasing and paying a premium for an iPad Pro. However, those of us who choose to pay a premium, should have access to premium capabilities, like full external monitor support.

A PRO device that gets up into the $2,000 range. Should have more PRO capabilities.

 

[macguy2021]

That's what you get when you expect the rumor mill to be 100 percent right or your fantasies to come 100 percent true.

The iPad got several new features this year. It's always possible that because COVID things were delayed. We saw 14 get announced virtually during last year, but the fact is 14 was largely baked feature wise before COVID came around. Where as 15's development would have been done during the prime work-from-home period and therefore things got pushed back, including new MacBook Pros, something Apple was even expecting to do given their YouTube event tags.

Never buy anything expecting any more than what you are promised it does already. It reeks of entitlement and while it's annoying to hear people complain, it's yourself you are hurting in the end. Not only are you returning a great product, you are just miserable for no reason other than poor judgment and blaming everyone else in the process!

The M1 iPads are still excellent purchases and will undoubtedly get more features in the future. Don't expect a macOS dual boot though, that would cannibalize Mac sales and macOS is not optimized to run in a touch first environment, even thought the iPad can use Magic Mouse/Magic Trackpad. Those who bought M1 iPads mostly love them, but it doesn't get reflected in a MacRumors forum thread. People love to complain about not getting things they were never promised in the first place. Apple cannot win. Again, just know in the future you aren't entitled to anything more than what you were offered at the time for the price you paid. Anything more could be treated as a nice surprise, that's all.

 

[rkuo]

Rather than arguing that Apple does not want the iPad to cannibalise the Mac, can it not be argued that Apple simply doesn't think that macOS makes sense on the iPad?

What I currently like about the iPad is that it is nothing like my iMac or MBA. Sure, there are some tasks that overlap, but for most part, each excels in its own area, and that's what I appreciate. When I am at home working on test papers and spreadsheets, I appreciate the 27" display of my iMac. When I am in the classroom, I am thankful for the ease of use and fluidity of iOS (which makes it extremely easy to handle on the go), the long battery life, and the 4g connectivity. I like being able to scan a document with scanner pro, then pass it along to notability without having to deal with a file manager.

I am using an iPad for work (and have been using it since 2012) precisely because it runs iOS, not macOS. Along the way, I find I am more comfortable working with iOS than macOS now. For the work I do, I for one do not want the heaviness of a legacy desktop OS weighing me down. The presence of the Mac is precisely what allows the iPad to be as light as it is - the iPad doesn't have to be able to perform certain niche tasks like terminal access because that's what the Mac is there for.

Having macOS on the iPad would very likely be a step back in usability for me. I have no desire for the two to ever converge, much less on the iPad.

How does macOS on the iPad affect you then? Just don't run it.

 

[Unregistered 4U]

You made some excellent points. But the point I’m making is… the current iPadOS doesn’t take advantage of this years iPad Pro. And that’s why there’s so much noise surrounding the iPad at this stage right now. IMO, I think Apple will milk the Mac and iPad combo for as long as they can… until the iPad can firmly stand on its own.

Right, just like Apple didn’t stop folks from buying an iPhone AND an iPod, they’re not going to prevent folks from buying a Mac and an iPad. And, no one NEEDS to buy a Mac and an iPad, but if they want to, sure, Apple will take their money. But, Apple’s also JUST as happy if a customer never buys a Mac again and just buys iPads.

 

[Ludatyk]

Right, just like Apple didn’t stop folks from buying an iPhone AND an iPod, they’re not going to prevent folks from buying a Mac and an iPad. And, no one NEEDS to buy a Mac and an iPad, but if they want to, sure, Apple will take their money. But, Apple’s also JUST as happy if a customer never buys a Mac again and just buys iPads.

i understand we have free will lol. I’m not buying both… its not like I need an Mac in order for the iPad to function similar to that of a Apple Watch and iPhone. I’m just looking at how Apple market their devices, their vision stands as it’s better to have both. Obviously, no one NEEDS to buy a Mac and iPad.

 

[Abazigal]

How does macOS on the iPad affect you then? Just don't run it.

Apple is not going to load two operating systems on a device and expect users to choose between the two. It’s going to be either iOS or macOS and users are simply going to have to live with that choice.

I won’t have a choice to just not use it in such a scenario.

 

[rkuo]

Apple is not going to load two operating systems on a device and expect users to choose between the two. It’s going to be either iOS or macOS and users are simply going to have to live with that choice.

I won’t have a choice to just not use it in such a scenario.

Nobody is asking for it to happen the way you are describing it.

 

[Unregistered 4U]

I’m just looking at how Apple market their devices, their vision stands as it’s better to have both.

I just can’t see it. You usually don’t see iPads in Mac ads and vice versa. Maybe if they were actually offering a package deal, Mac with iPad? When you think about it, the ONLY things an iPad’s not doing today is virtualization, allowing you to run an app in the background and other such things your average person has zero interest in. There are MILLIONS of people that are interested in those things, of course… maybe THOSE folks, virtualizing and backgrounding apps on their Macs, feel a strong urge to purchase an iPad? Just because it’s something they want?

It feels like “Apple wants everyone to have both” as a conclusion was arrived at first, and then an attempt was made to work back to where this is a thing that Apple’s communicating. In reality, the iPad is about as separate as it can be and doesn’t even require a Mac for backing up anymore.

 

[Username-already-in-use]

I can’t understand why people are so angry about something that was never promised by Apple. If you bought the new IPP thinking FCP was coming, then that is on you.

Parts of tech YouTube fed this hype and they now look like idiots for promising it, so shifting the heat onto Apple serves two purposes: 1) clickbaity content, and 2) distracting the YT audience from the fact that the content creators made the mistake.

I think it is fine to be disappointed with the lack of progress or innovation, but the hostile verbiage at Apple made by people who ‘guessed wrong’ is hard to justify.

If you sold your MacBook thinking another one is coming, then you’re an idiot. If you bought the new IPP on the sole basis that you were convinced that pro Mac apps were imminent in iPadOS then you simply didn’t think any of this through.

 

[secretk]

Ain't that the truth. When I asked my nieces (one starting college, one starting high school) what they wanted, they both said iPad.

Interesting for sure! What are they studying btw? I am asking because I know that for my studies I would have needed Windows or Mac. I would have taken advantage of an iPad with pencil for taking notes, but I would still need the traditional computer for doing all the homework I have been assigned.

Maybe I am in the minority.

 

[laptech]

The hardware has outpaced the software since 2018 if not before that.

If that is what you believe then it just goes to show how much of a disgrace Apple is when it comes to improving iOS that they have allowed the hardware to outpace the software. As the sole designer of iOS, it's is Apple's responsibility to make sure that the software they design for the hardware keeps pace.

'hey everyone, here you go, the latest all singing and all dancing M1 ipad, it has all the bells and whistles that you could want in hardware but sorry, the software just does not match up to it, we are too lazy or incompetent to do so'.

There is no other explanation for it but i am sure Apple fans will find an excuse to absolve Apple of any wrong doing.

 

[laptech]

Right--if Apple were still the Apple I personally grew up with, they'd be out of business by now. It's 2021. The competition is fierce and fast-moving. The firms that don't adapt will simply die.

if Apple was the same Apple that many of us grew up with there would be a lot more interesting products being made and a lot more innovation taking place rather than seeing the same thing over and over again, just with improved internals. the Apple i grew up with put the wow factor in me which wanted me to buy their products, the imac g3, the blue and white power mac, the different colours of ibook and imac, the power mac cube, the imac g4. When I saw these products being advertised on television I was like 'wow, I want one, I don't need one but I want one'. Now I look at their products and I am like 'meh, not interested'.

The Apple I grew up with was held in high regard due to it's innovations on designs, styles and colour. Now when people talk Apple it's about who they have screwed over this time or who have caused problems with this time.

There is more to a company than just money. Apple lost that sight when Tim Cook took over and made it all about money, hence why they are the billon/trillion company they are today.

 

[Slartibart]

Apple is hoping AAA games and pro apps would make its way to app store.

But not sure there is much incentive for programmers unless the game and software cost over $100.

well, regarding games you’re off by a factor of 3. ?

 

[ericwn]

Your example shows just how emphatically loyal and possibly guilable Apple's customers are. Research in Motion (BlackBerry) customers saw a lack of innovation going on and they hit the company where it hurts, not buying their products. The company failed to innovate, sales dropped, the product ceased. In the real world that is how it happens but Apple seem to be imune to this real world issue because even when people on forums like this complain of the lack of innovation going on with certain Apple products, people still purchase those products.

As i said before, if the above happens to any other company, production ceases or ends up out of business because customers do not purchase the products but with Apple, even when they are not innovating, people still purchase their products. It's something that has baffled experts for years. Why do people stop buying products when a company fails to innovate but when Apple does exactly the same thing, people still purchase the product!!!

I don’t buy the sheep theory for one second. I buy products I can enjoy and am sure that applies to others too. If anything it reflects on those so called experts to understand why certain products are indeed popular.

 

[ericwn]

I made that easier for everyone to read because that is the truth.

The thread could have been locked down after this valid closing statement.

 

[I@beck]

Guys, i have the same feeling of disappointment for this WWDC 2021. If i step back and look at the new ipp release period, it is in the range of 15 - 18 months. Basically there is no new ipp released before WWDC 2022. in my opinion, to keep the public happy, Apple could keep the "wow factor" until WWDC 2022.

Agree?