After the price increase, I'm forgoing iPad Pro upgrade

[Adelphos33]

I have a 12.9" iPad 128G (2015) - one of the best iPads I've ever purchased. I was thinking about getting the new version, but now the 256G version is more expensive. The resale value of my current model is pretty poor. Apple will take it for $315, but I'm wondering if the 2017 version is worth a net spend of 700+, or if I should put that money towards a MacBook or something

 

[Hubcapjw]

I got one before the price gouge. But I can see it being really frustrating. Stick with the gen 1, it is and will be a great machine for another year or 2.

 

[craig1410]

I just picked up a 12.9” 2017 256GB iPP today to replace my 2015 model and certainly the price rise was a bitter pill to swallow and made me wonder if I should wait for “iPad X” in mid-2018. I went into the store planning to get a 10.5” but having compared the two sizes side by side for about an hour, I decided to stick with the 12.9” model. I did forego cellular this time round as my circumstances didn’t really make enough use of it over the last 2 years on the gen 1.

I got a bit of a business discount which wiped out most of the £80 increase and it’s certainly nice to have the British English format keyboard this time around. I’d say the 2017 Smart Keyboard also has improved feel compared to the 2015 model but more importantly the key layout is the same as my MacBook Pro.

Having just finished setting it up, I’m very happy with the upgrade as it definitely a substantial upgrade and I already have a buyer for my 2015 iPP and keyboard for £500 which helps soften the blow. I did go a bit crazy and bought a saddle brown leather sleeve for it which is a bit on the pricey side to say the least but it is very nice so I’ll try to convince myself it was £69 and just enjoy it!

One nice surprise was the simplified setup experience under iOS 11 because just having the old iPad near the new one during initial setup, you can transfer settings really easily. Avoids the need to enter the iCloud or WiFi passwords and generally simplifies setup.

So, all in all I’m very happy but could well have the smile wiped from my face next year when the 2018 iPad X is released!

 

[Ivabign]

I just picked up a 12.9” 2017 256GB iPP today to replace my 2015 model and certainly the price rise was a bitter pill to swallow and made me wonder if I should wait for “iPad X” in mid-2018. I went into the store planning to get a 10.5” but having compared the two sizes side by side for about an hour, I decided to stick with the 12.9” model. I did forego cellular this time round as my circumstances didn’t really make enough use of it over the last 2 years on the gen 1.

I got a bit of a business discount which wiped out most of the £80 increase and it’s certainly nice to have the British English format keyboard this time around. I’d say the 2017 Smart Keyboard also has improved feel compared to the 2015 model but more importantly the key layout is the same as my MacBook Pro.

Having just finished setting it up, I’m very happy with the upgrade as it definitely a substantial upgrade and I already have a buyer for my 2015 iPP and keyboard for £500 which helps soften the blow. I did go a bit crazy and bought a saddle brown leather sleeve for it which is a bit on the pricey side to say the least but it is very nice so I’ll try to convince myself it was £69 and just enjoy it!

One nice surprise was the simplified setup experience under iOS 11 because just having the old iPad near the new one during initial setup, you can transfer settings really easily. Avoids the need to enter the iCloud or WiFi passwords and generally simplifies setup.

So, all in all I’m very happy but could well have the smile wiped from my face next year when the 2018 iPad X is released!

[doublepost=1505601726][/doublepost]I needed an iPad for work and I only had an original Air 128 Cellular that the family passes around. It is to show pictures and related presentation materials to clients so I figured I would spring for a new one. I am with Verizon so I ordered a new 12.9 256gb Pro 2017 before the increase, but it was going to take a couple of weeks to arrive so I got a 2015 model 12.9 Pro 128gb Cellular for $575 in perfect shape used. It ended up I only had it a few days before the new one arrived (early) BUT my wife saw the 128gb unit fell in love with it (it is gold) now it looks like I can't resell it. The difference in size is amazing and to tell the truth, so far, the differences between the two seem slight. The differences between the Air and the Pro are immense though.

I hope I didn't overpay for the first Pro, but I am so happy with the new one. I am waiting for iOS 11 so I can maybe offload some of the work I do on my laptop since I figure the new Pro is pretty powerful.

I love the size - and since it slips into a briefcase, it doesn't seem big, but extremely compact vs. a laptop. What is really funny is that the old 9.7" Air looks like a Mini now.

I wouldn't put off the needed purchase of a new iPad due to a small increase in price that was likely due to increasing component costs - they did lower the price when the new ones came out. Bottom line, if it is a fun purchase - I get it. But if it is used as a tool for business, gotta spring for it.

 

[Precursor]

I just picked up a 12.9” 2017 256GB iPP today to replace my 2015 model and certainly the price rise was a bitter pill to swallow and made me wonder if I should wait for “iPad X” in mid-2018.

So, all in all I’m very happy but could well have the smile wiped from my face next year when the 2018 iPad X is released!

Where are people getting this from? There won't be such thing as "iPad X", certainly not mid-2018.

 

[Wando64]

Where are people getting this from? There won't be such thing as "iPad X", certainly not mid-2018.

Oh, "Pro" is sooo outdated now, almost as outdated as headphones plugs and USB3.

If something is not "X" then it is not worth buying.
I can't wait when they will upgrade the Mac-OS to OS-X... oh... wait...

 

[Ghost31]

I got one before the price gouge. But I can see it being really frustrating. Stick with the gen 1, it is and will be a great machine for another year or 2.

Isn't price "gouging" a company or entity increasing prices on things you NEED in life to stay alive? Like increasing the price of water after a hurricane or something? Maybe I'm rusty on definitions and stuff

And to the OP: As someone with a 2nd gen 12.9 that had the first, don't upgrade man. Just don't. Mine broke so i kinda had to since the price for repair was 600 freaking dollars, but the differences as far as usability are so minor i don't really even notice it. If i could have kept my original, i would have and just waited for a 2018 or later ipad

 

[gadget123]

Is it worth updating from an air 2?

 

[Ghost31]

Oh, "Pro" is sooo outdated now, almost as outdated as headphones plugs and USB3.

If something is not "X" then it is not worth buying.
I can't wait when they will upgrade the Mac-OS to OS-X... oh... wait...

Isn't it freaking crazy how we've all learned to be so worried about whether we have the most "current expensive gadget", despite most of us not needing anything to do more than check Facebook and text?

I for one am gonna try to keep my stuff as long as i can this time around. We're at the point of diminishing returns anyway

 

[masotime]

Where are people getting this from? There won't be such thing as "iPad X", certainly not mid-2018.

https://www.macrumors.com/2016/08/15/kuo-10-5-ipad-pro-2017/

Revolutionary iPad model likely to be introduced in 2018F at the earliest, with radical changes in form factor design & user behavior on adoption of flexible AMOLED panel. We believe iPad will follow in the footsteps of the iPhone by adopting AMOLED panel in 2018F at the earliest. If Apple can truly tap the potential of a flexible AMOLED panel, we believe the new iPad model will offer new selling points through radical form factor design and user behavior changes, which could benefit shipments.

 

[Precursor]

https://www.macrumors.com/2016/08/15/kuo-10-5-ipad-pro-2017/

That "rumor" is from August 2016. It has no validity whatsoever.

 

[masotime]

That "rumor" is from August 2016. It has no validity whatsoever.

What? He practically predicted every feature of the iPhone X and the iPad Pro launch in WWDC. Besides, he mentioned 2018 "earliest", and you were asking where the rumor came from.

 

[Ghost31]

That "rumor" is from August 2016. It has no validity whatsoever.

Did you literally just click the article to read the date it was written? The fact that it was written so long ago should make it seem even MORE genuine since he correctly predicted everything at the last couple events

 

[kasakka]

Is it worth updating from an air 2?

If you want the bigger screen of the 12.9 yes, but IMO no for the 10.5. Wait for next year’s model.

Apple seems to be really trying to see how far they can push the prices before people will either not upgrade, upgrade less often or buy something else. Unfortunately on the tablet market the iPad is THE tablet to own with no relevant competition from Android makers.

 

[Precursor]

Did you literally just click the article to read the date it was written? The fact that it was written so long ago should make it seem even MORE genuine since he correctly predicted everything at the last couple events

I did, did you, literally? It is from August 14, 2016 as I said earlier.
So you're saying it HAS TO BE true because the rumor is older?

 

[sparksd]

Is it worth updating from an air 2?

Depends on what functionality you really want/need, plus are the other improvements important to you. For me, with a 128GB LTE Air 2, the answer is no, it's not worth updating.

 

[Ghost31]

I did, did you, literally? It is from August 14, 2016 as I said earlier.
So you're saying it HAS TO BE true because the rumor is older?

I don't think you read my comment either. That or you have a tough time comprehending things.

Because they have a proven history of being ridiculously accurate down to tiny details and that they were correct about what happened recently, they and what they say can be taken fairly seriously. So if they predicted everything to a freaking T (as if they had some insider information) and now they're making their next prediction and the next one is that the iPad 2018 is gonna be completely different AND they're being just as specific now as they were before, then yeah. I'm inclined to believe them. At least a little bit. A smidge

 

[Precursor]

What? He practically predicted every feature of the iPhone X and the iPad Pro launch in WWDC. Besides, he mentioned 2018 "earliest", and you were asking where the rumor came from.

My response was to the guy who was talking about waiting for mid-2018 to buy iPad X
First of all I very much doubt it'd be called iPad X. Second, even if Apple introduces an iPad that is radically changed in form and factor in Fall 2018, they wouldn't be ready for mass purchase until 2019.

iPhone X production is limited to 10,000 units per day, that is less than 5 million units a year even if production was ramped up a little. You're all expecting iPad sized OLED panels to be ready by 2018? Dream on.

 

[sracer]

Where are people getting this from? There won't be such thing as "iPad X", certainly not mid-2018.

It's coming. Nov 2018. This claim has as much weight as yours saying that it won't happen.

 

[craig1410]

Where are people getting this from? There won't be such thing as "iPad X", certainly not mid-2018.

I can't speak for "people" but if you mean me, I personally just made it up hence the scare quotes and smily face.

Being more serious for a moment, it is highly likely that some sort of iPad refresh will take place next year and since the 2017 updates came in June or something, that would be the most likely time for a 2018 update.

 

[0989383]

I have to admit guys, I never see the logic in buying the latest device every year. At the end of the day, they’re priced so high because they’re capable of lasting for years upon years of reliable usage. And they’re designed to be fast for a few years at least before you’d ever ‘need’ to move to a new model.

The smartest financial way to buy these devices is to buy them outright in cash, and use them for about 3 years. Then replace them again having had 3 years to save up. You get a hell of a lot of use from each investment you make and each time you upgrade, you’re getting what 3 times the upgrade you previously paid top dollar for.

That’s just how I see it. Your iPad Pro will continue to be a great machine for the next few years OP, enjoy it to the max.

 

[psac]

I just got the 10.5 256GB LTE from AT&T, and they haven't factored in the price increase yet! Saved the $50, woohoo! Not on the monthly plan, either, outright purchase. Right on their website.

 

[craig1410]

I have to admit guys, I never see the logic in buying the latest device every year. At the end of the day, they’re priced so high because they’re capable of lasting for years upon years of reliable usage. And they’re designed to be fast for a few years at least before you’d ever ‘need’ to move to a new model.

The smartest financial way to buy these devices is to buy them outright in cash, and use them for about 3 years. Then replace them again having had 3 years to save up. You get a hell of a lot of use from each investment you make and each time you upgrade, you’re getting what 3 times the upgrade you previously paid top dollar for.

That’s just how I see it. Your iPad Pro will continue to be a great machine for the next few years OP, enjoy it to the max.

I think that depends on what you do with the "old" device. If you can get a good price for it then the incremental price of the upgrade is not so bad. Also, it depends how heavily you use the devices. If, like me, you make your living from using these devices for 8+hrs a day then sometimes having the latest device is worth that cost to gain a few percent productivity. Even more so, if you are a software developer, as I am, then you need to have the latest device so develop software for.

I'd say the smartest financial approach is to buy a popular model (eg. not lowest storage tier or weird colour) and look after it carefully and then sell it on while it is ideally still under warranty (~ 2years) and hopefully looking pristine. If you don't need the device on release day then buy from the Apple refurbished store to save another 10-15% on initial purchase without dramatically harming the resale value.

I do agree that the iPad Pro will last a good few years but with the way Apple is continuing to advance CPU and now GPU performance along with various other features, a 4 or 5 year old iPad will definitely start to lose its shine.

 

[gadget123]

I have to admit guys, I never see the logic in buying the latest device every year. At the end of the day, they’re priced so high because they’re capable of lasting for years upon years of reliable usage. And they’re designed to be fast for a few years at least before you’d ever ‘need’ to move to a new model.

The smartest financial way to buy these devices is to buy them outright in cash, and use them for about 3 years. Then replace them again having had 3 years to save up. You get a hell of a lot of use from each investment you make and each time you upgrade, you’re getting what 3 times the upgrade you previously paid top dollar for.

That’s just how I see it. Your iPad Pro will continue to be a great machine for the next few years OP, enjoy it to the max.

My iPad Air 2 lasted 3 years so I opted to uprade I think the Pro will do a good few years too.

 

[0989383]

I think that depends on what you do with the "old" device. If you can get a good price for it then the incremental price of the upgrade is not so bad. Also, it depends how heavily you use the devices. If, like me, you make your living from using these devices for 8+hrs a day then sometimes having the latest device is worth that cost to gain a few percent productivity. Even more so, if you are a software developer, as I am, then you need to have the latest device so develop software for.

I'd say the smartest financial approach is to buy a popular model (eg. not lowest storage tier or weird colour) and look after it carefully and then sell it on while it is ideally still under warranty (~ 2years) and hopefully looking pristine. If you don't need the device on release day then buy from the Apple refurbished store to save another 10-15% on initial purchase without dramatically harming the resale value.

I do agree that the iPad Pro will last a good few years but with the way Apple is continuing to advance CPU and now GPU performance along with various other features, a 4 or 5 year old iPad will definitely start to lose its shine.

All excellent points