Apple is going to release new iPad Pro at WWDC

[profets]

You BOTH are missing the point... that being: you have different opinions that you have backed by supporting evidence. And because they're not opinions based on emotions you're not going to be persuaded to change that opinion.

Apple is less predictable today than they have been. Let's leave it at that.

The greatest take-away for Apple should be... unpredictability in their product cycles causes more confusion for their customers than for other tech companies. I don't see Lenovo customers hanging on every hint of a thread of a rumor for their next product releases. They're not strategizing how to time their purchases.

And maybe that's Apple's goal... wean customers off predictable timeline of releases.

Bottom line:

• This rumor has considerably more credibility than expected.
• Apple doesn't usually release iPads at WWDC but Apple has been known to be irregular before.

I think everyone should chill about a potential launch though. It's still a rumor, so we can be hopeful but also prepared to be disappointed (I think we've had a lot of practice on that front.

Agreed.

Currently, I think the only product we can assume that has a very regular update schedule is the iPhone. It's their biggest source of revenue and likely where most of their focus is.

At this point I don't think it is their intention to announce new hardware at WWDC, but rather that if this supposed 10.5" iPad is ready, they're going to use it as an opportunity to launch it. I think iPads, like MacBooks, they will launch when an update is ready, and not necessarily on a very regular or fixed schedule like iPhone. If the new 10.5" was ready a few months back, they probably would have made it part of the March event.

 

[spook]

If there is a new 12.9" iPad Pro, it better do something amazing that my current 12.9" iPP can't do. Otherwise it'll be a hard sell to get me to drop $1200 on a new system. Not because I don't like the iPP, but because my current 12.9" model is so good. It hasn't been stumped yet.

It's not all about you

Think about the people waiting to invest in their first one.

 

[alba63]

If you think a thin bezel design is what defines the next generation of Apple products, then you clearly don't understand Apple at all.

You seem to have quite a noble idea of Apple's "next generation products". Since the first retina iPAD the changes have been quite modest. Faster processors (how original!), anti- reflective coatings (at least something useful) and - ah: the stylus! ("Who wants a stylus, yuck!"). To understand Apple in all that isn't that difficult: "Let's capitalize the last 2-3 great ideas Steve Jobs has left us for as long the user base goes on believing that Apple is still innovative and buys the stuff.

However it would take as little as giving iOS a simple file system (found on PCs since decades) that allows to find, open and save any file with an appropriate app, locally and - revolution!! - store it even on a micro SD card. This would most likely let iPAD sales explode by factor 10-20, because then tablets could finally *really* - and not only in Apple ads - replace a normal computer and let people actually work with them. As they have been for the last 6 years, they are mainly media gadgets for consumers. Forget the "pro"...

If there is a new 12.9" iPad Pro, it better do something amazing that my current 12.9" iPP can't do. Otherwise it'll be a hard sell to get me to drop $1200 on a new system.

Hmmm, after a veeery long investigation I came to the following conclusion: it will have TrueTone display, latest anti- reflective coatings as seen in iPAD pro 9.7, possibly thinner bezels as in the new forthcoming "pro"- line. Oh, sth like "up to 2,3 x faster graphics" (the entire world has been waiting for this I guess).
Apple has become as predictive as any other big company. The only features they surprise people with is the dropping of things noone wanted to be dropped (like headphone jacks).

 

[MandiMac]

Faster processors (how original!), anti- reflective coatings (at least something useful) and - ah: the stylus! ("Who wants a stylus, yuck!"). [...]

However it would take as little as giving iOS a simple file system (found on PCs since decades) that allows to find, open and save any file with an appropriate app, locally and - revolution!! - store it even on a micro SD card. This would most likely let iPAD sales explode by factor 10-20, because then tablets could finally *really* - and not only in Apple ads - replace a normal computer and let people actually work with them. As they have been for the last 6 years, they are mainly media gadgets for consumers. Forget the "pro"...

Hmmm, after a veeery long investigation I came to the following conclusion: it will have TrueTone display, latest anti- reflective coatings as seen in iPAD pro 9.7, possibly thinner bezels as in the new forthcoming "pro"- line. Oh, sth like "up to 2,3 x faster graphics" (the entire world has been waiting for this I guess).
Apple has become as predictive as any other big company. The only features they surprise people with is the dropping of things noone wanted to be dropped (like headphone jacks).

Where to start? Faster processors are nice to have, and it seems that every other manufacturer has big problems with faster processors. The single-core power just isn't comparable, and therefore nothing to snuff at. When Apple raises their own bar significantly higher and the Android land is just trying to keep up with the iPhone 6S as it is right now, i wouldn't talk **** about Apple. But to each his own, I guess.

Simple file system? We do have that with iCloud. microSD card? For what? Lousy performance and an extra, losable card? Please. And dropped headphone jacks - the 3,5 mm jack is on its way out. The same reason why we have micro-SIM, nano-SIM and soon no SIM at all.

But hey: If a file system, great innovation and the microSD slot would let iPad sales explode by factor 10-20, why didn't Android tablets become a thing since 2011?

 

[alba63]

Simple file system? We do have that with iCloud. microSD card? For what? Lousy performance and an extra, losable card? Please. And dropped headphone jacks - the 3,5 mm jack is on its way out.

iCloud is not a file system - it is Apple servers they want you to upload your stuff onto in order to make the clients more dependant on their services. That creates them more income.

I don't want my personal files in the cloud if I can avoid it. Storing files on an SD card will *always* be much faster than up- and downloading them to/ from the cloud (= Apple servers). Plus, I am not dependant on an internet connection. With file system I mean like creating my own folders and such. Losable card? It is like SD cards for cameras, except that they will tend to stay longer in the tablet as cards in the camera. I never lost an SD card in my Android phone, or any of my camera cards.
The 3.5mm jack being on it's way out is what Apple may want everybody to believe. Actually it is a simple, totally universal standard interface that noone ever had a problem with and which allows everyone to use the headphones of their choice.
Apple's way is to force their clients into proprietary standards. Because it generates more profits. Apple is about patronizing the client what is best for them. I will not buy a phone without a 3.5mm jack. Why use wireless headpones? Those are the first you will going to loose.

But I am not surprised. Apple users have always defended even the strangest decisions of Steve Jobs and his successors. Because they believe Apple knows better. Good luck.

 

[Dave245]

The 3.5mm jack being on it's way out is what Apple may want everybody to believe. Actually it is a simple, totally universal standard interface that noone ever had a problem with and which allows everyone to use the headphones of their choice.
Apple's way is to force their clients into proprietary standards. Because it generates more profits. Apple is about patronizing the client what is best for them. I will not buy a phone without a 3.5mm jack. Why use wireless headpones? Those are the first you will going to loose.
But I am not surprised. Apple fan customers have always defended even the strangest decisions of Steve Jobs and his successors. Because they believe Apple knows better. Good luck.

I don't think you'll be saying that in a couple of years from now when most if not all mobile phone manufacturers remove the headphone jack from their phones. Wireless headphones are so much better to use, Not to mention that Apple have made a great set of wireless ear buds with the Airpods, they are very popular. The headphone jack is on its way out.

Regarding Apple's "strangest decisions" they have been right a lot of the time in the past, removal of the floppy drive, romoval of the disk drive and so on. People are resistant to change but after all the controversy does down people try the stuff and realise actually yea this is better and whole cycle then repeats itself with Apple doing something else such as removing the 30 pin connector on the iPhone which caused so much controversy, but now we have lightning it's so much better that no one is complaining and it's a standard.

 

[alba63]

I don't think you'll be saying that in a couple of years from now when most if not all mobile phone manufacturers remove the headphone jack from their phones. Wireless headphones are so much better to use, Not to mention that Apple have made a great set of wireless ear buds with the Airpods, they are very popular. The headphone jack is on its way out.

Regarding Apple's "strangest decisions" they have been right a lot of the time in the past, removal of the floppy drive, romoval of the disk drive and so on. People are resistant to change but after all the controversy does down people try the stuff and realise actually yea this is better and whole cycle then repeats itself with Apple doing something else such as removing the 30 pin connector on the iPhone which caused so much controversy, but now we have lightning it's so much better that no one is complaining and it's a standard.

I don't think you can compare CD drive, headphone jack and floppy disk with 30-pin/ lightning port, the latter being proprietary standards, whereas the first 3 one are universal. Floppy disk was too slow and strorage too small to survive anyway, on the other hand I cannot see an advantage in a computer without a disk drive. It allows notebooks to be flatter and lighter, but on a stationary PC I still need CDs once in a while, and I do not find it more practical to connect an external drive.

Steve Jobs often had a strong and good instinct of what the market would adopt and even love, but in many cases I - personally and subjectively - I find it just patronising the customer. They do not know better what works for me. I know best because no company knows my way of working with hardware.

Apple has a clear interest to introduce as many proprietary standards as possible, to remove as many connectivity as possible, in order to make business with their services people have to rely on and which they have to buy... Understandeable, but not my cup of tea... But obviously everyone is different.

 

[DNichter]

I don't think you can compare CD drive, headphone jack and floppy disk with 30-pin/ lightning port, the latter being proprietary standards, whereas the first 3 one are universal. Floppy disk was too slow and strorage too small to survive anyway, on the other hand I cannot see an advantage in a computer without a disk drive. It allows notebooks to be flatter and lighter, but on a stationary PC I still need CDs once in a while, and I do not find it more practical to connect an external drive.

Steve Jobs often had a strong and good instinct of what the market would adopt and even love, but in many cases I - personally and subjectively - I find it just patronising the customer. They do not know better what works for me. I know best because no company knows my way of working with hardware.

Apple has a clear interest to introduce as many proprietary standards as possible, to remove as many connectivity as possible, in order to make business with their services people have to rely on and which they have to buy... Understandeable, but not my cup of tea... But obviously everyone is different.

You have to remember though, Apple has to cater to millions. Not just you. There are many people just fine with pushing technology forward.

 

[MandiMac]

iCloud is not a file system - it is Apple servers they want you to upload your stuff onto in order to make the clients more dependant on their services. That creates them more income.

I don't want my personal files in the cloud if I can avoid it. Storing files on an SD card will *always* be much faster than up- and downloading them to/ from the cloud (= Apple servers). Plus, I am not dependant on an internet connection. With file system I mean like creating my own folders and such. Losable card? It is like SD cards for cameras, except that they will tend to stay longer in the tablet as cards in the camera. I never lost an SD card in my Android phone, or any of my camera cards.
The 3.5mm jack being on it's way out is what Apple may want everybody to believe. Actually it is a simple, totally universal standard interface that noone ever had a problem with and which allows everyone to use the headphones of their choice.
Apple's way is to force their clients into proprietary standards. Because it generates more profits. Apple is about patronizing the client what is best for them. I will not buy a phone without a 3.5mm jack. Why use wireless headpones? Those are the first you will going to loose.

But I am not surprised. Apple users have always defended even the strangest decisions of Steve Jobs and his successors. Because they believe Apple knows better. Good luck.

Ok, I'll bite. Do you live anywhere with no Internet connection? Do you have to have constant quick access to all your files? Do you replace these on a daily basis? If yes, then you should buy a device with more storage. If no, well.

A SD card is so slow in comparison to Flash storage it isn't even funny. But did you ever think about a Surface device if that's what you're looking for?
No one had a problem with a SIM card as well before. And losing wireless headphones is a nice point to make

You didn't answer my question though: If a file system, great innovation and the microSD slot would let iPad sales explode by factor 10-20, why didn't Android tablets become a thing since 2011? And what about Surfaces?

 

[alba63]

You have to remember though, Apple has to cater to millions. Not just you. There are many people just fine with pushing technology forward.

True, I am just one particular guy, and not even a "hardcore Apple user". However my impressions are that in respect to the iPads many wait for Apple to finally make iOS more versatile for real "pro use". The forums are full with postings of that kind. Myself I would buy one instantly if iPADs finally became a true Ersatz for a computer.
Moreover, many pro/ serious (non consumer) users are frustrated that Apple doesn't seem to care about the pro applications in the same way as they care for i- devices (= consumer stuff).

 

[CatherineVeraGat]

You completely miss the point altogether, Apple holds events that are usually predicatable, WWDC being software for the last 3 years! September has been iPhone since the iPhone 4s which was October and Macs have been October time, yes they have thrown curveballs and announced products such as the iPad Pro 9.7' in March. By usually I mean what pattern they seem to follow and have followed for the last few years. Now do you get it? so there is a usually!

As for the thin bezel I'm not making it out to be anything, Apple's job is to show the products but they would not want to tout the bezel less design of an iPad BEFORE the iPhone if it has the same type of feature and they will obviously be touting it as a design change. I don't think people will buy an iPad Pro instead of the iPhone 8, they are two different products but Apple will want to announce the design change on the iPhone before the iPad, Touch ID was announced on the iPhone before the iPad for example.

Exactly

 

[Anony-mouse]

Bottom line:

• This rumor has considerably more credibility than expected.
• Apple doesn't usually release iPads at WWDC but Apple has been known to be irregular before.

Argh. Your description makes it sound like Apple is going through menopause.
(I'm not trying to make a sexist joke....serious.)

 

[iMacmatician]

Interesting. I'm curious to see:
What happens to the 9.7 Pro?

I think there's a good chance of a price drop to $499, especially since the current iPad Pro is nearly twice as expensive as the iPad (5th gen) (base models).

Will the 10.5 Pro have 4GB RAM?

I can see three possibilities:

1. 128-bit memory interface, 2 chips, and 6 GB RAM
   
2. 128-bit memory interface, 2 chips, and 4 GB RAM
3. 64-bit memory interface, 1 chip, and 3 GB RAM

While I think option 1 is a reasonable (although optimistic) possibility for the 12.9" iPad, I think it's less likely for the presumably cheaper 10.5" iPad. The iPad Pro 9.7" has a 64-bit memory interface (cut down from 128-bit) and reduced GPU performance compared to the 12.9", so maybe the same could happen with the 10.5". On the other hand, the A8X was fully enabled in the iPad Air 2 even though the A8X was originally supposed to also be used in the iPad Pro. I also think that a "high" price of ~$699 may point to 4 GB or 6 GB while a "low" price of ~$599 may point to 3 GB.

Will iOS 11 have any iPad-centric improvements?

We can only hope.

 

[Sirmausalot]

Exactly

Agreed.

Currently, I think the only product we can assume that has a very regular update schedule is the iPhone. It's their biggest source of revenue and likely where most of their focus is.

At this point I don't think it is their intention to announce new hardware at WWDC, but rather that if this supposed 10.5" iPad is ready, they're going to use it as an opportunity to launch it. I think iPads, like MacBooks, they will launch when an update is ready, and not necessarily on a very regular or fixed schedule like iPhone. If the new 10.5" was ready a few months back, they probably would have made it part of the March event.

I concur. Also, it makes sense to have the iPad Pro now ($900+ ca-ching) and the iPhone Pro later ($1000+ Ca-ching) rather than try to get their customers for 2K+ within a month. I'm finally ready to replace my iPad 3 with something much better. And WWDC hardware also times out perfectly with their back to school promotion.

 

[Jodiuh]

...giving iOS a simple file system (found on PCs since decades) that allows to find, open and save any file with an appropriate app, locally and - revolution!! - store it even on a micro SD card.

When I first made the switch to an iPhone I also moved from the desert to a land with rain...and lightning...and thunder...and snow. Capturing the rain with the voice recorder didn't give me any grief...but trying to play that back in a loop sure did! I tried moving from this app to that app to this cloud to that google drive, but couldn't get it to open in the music app...need a computer with iTunes for that...which I didn't have. I took far too long to find a very ghetto solution. Granted, I'm a total n00b w/ this stuff, but that wasn't the end. Moving videos around, storing important documents, etc...it's like instead of a file folder where I can put whatever I want, I have to use an app, that likely only works in the cloud with limited mobility to move from one app to...wherever.

I'm sure 70% of the issue is me and my lack of knowledge...feel free to drop some links on me! But coming from Android & Windows 7, the restrictions with what I can do with a file make me

Also, I'm pretty much stuck on safari and email because of the inability to choose a default app. So yeah, a few tweaks could really help.

We do have that with iCloud. microSD card? For what? Lousy performance and an extra, losable card? Please. And dropped headphone jacks - the 3,5 mm jack is on its way out. The same reason why we have micro-SIM, nano-SIM and soon no SIM at all.

But hey: If a file system, great innovation and the microSD slot would let iPad sales explode by factor 10-20, why didn't Android tablets become a thing since 2011?

1. I live in an area where the internet...wired or cellular, heck, even satellite can go down w/ weather...and does. iCloud is more of a Dropbox than a file system, requires online access, and just isn't as simple...it also comes @ price.
2. MicroSD card for moving files from a camera because my mother does it and it's Mother's Day.
3. I recently had the fortune of receiving a Westone W40 at no cost to me. Having a 3.5mm jack will save me $100 when the "Apple Tax" cable comes out. Or my other option would be a dongle...to lose, right...like a microSD card?

Android tablets IMO lack refinement. A LOT of them use PWM backlighting systems that give some of us severe eye strain and headaches. Most of them have software from a company that specializes in hardware added to the OS. Finally, Android runs EVERYTHING all the time and it kills performance. I'll take a 1GB iPhone over a 4GB LG anyday. Battery life...lackluster WiFi chips that lack MIMO or multiple spactial streams...the list goes on...as a tablet, I love the ipad.

iCloud is not a file system - it is Apple servers they want you to upload your stuff onto in order to make the clients more dependant on their services. That creates them more income.

I don't want my personal files in the cloud if I can avoid it..

This, so much this! I don't need anyone hacking into my iCloud Drive and reading my freshman writing course essays about happiness and cars! Or WORSE, the photo my buddy took of me "humping" a DooM III box bought @ Best Buy event on a couch in front of folks that will never ever be the same. Oh Lord, the "Look cameraman, SLI!!! You gotta get some!" when a fellow coworker and I tag teamed a newly built 6800 SLI system for the first time. There's some stuff you just want to remain private...

So I had a chat w/ @ Best Buy w/ an Apple Care fella. I'm watching Smallville for the first time since it aired, every episode...just straight binging the Hero stuff w/ good vibes. So I called him Kal-A! I told him about my issues w/ the color temp being uneven on the Pro 9.7" from cold to warm or vice versa in portrait. He was able to tell by looking @ the display model and it jarred him as well. It's not just True Tone and I didn't notice this on the iPad Air 2, 2017, or an iPhone 6S Plus. Also, I've got 4 days left on the return and this silly 10.5" rumor's killing me. An A10X, better color/brightness uniformity, more usable space on the screen...etc. He thinks I ought to keep the one I have as it ended up costing me $273.43 for the 128GB model. I snagged the Smart Keyboard and official silicon case for another $139, so I'm @ $412.43 all in. I've no doubt a 10.5" w/ 128GB will most likely go for $600 to start. And who knows if the keyboard and case will fit.

I'm really not UNHAPPY with the purchase...it's been great. I'm sure I'd "feel" better having the newest hotness, but at this point in my life I'm getting old, iOS is new to me, I'm satisfied, I got a great deal, and if anything else, this keeps me "behind the tech loop" and future upgrades will always be discounted provided I go w/ "last years" model. I guess it's sort of like paying $16 a month for BluRays from Netflix and watching Rogue One AFTER it's been spoiled all over my dumb RSS feed.

Anyway, cheers guys and I hope this model comes out a winner for everyone.

 

[Appleaker]

This is in line with what I am hearing too. These iPads were never meant for a Fall release.

 

[darkarn]

Well, I'm glad that I got my iPad 12.9 inch weeks back. Instead of fretting more about this, I am now enjoying Japan (with it but not all the time obviously lol)

 

[gobikerider]

Well, I'm glad that I got my iPad 12.9 inch weeks back. Instead of fretting more about this, I am now enjoying Japan (with it but not all the time obviously lol)

I'm definitely not fretting about the new iPad although it would be lovely to come out, in which case we will pay less than you probably did while getting technology that is almost 2 years newer. Honestly though unless you paid less than $500 how did you rationalize paying $800 plus for an iPad that is 1.5 years old. I don't see the "value in that" unless you really needed one

 

[utilitas]

iCloud is not a file system - it is Apple servers they want you to upload your stuff onto in order to make the clients more dependant on their services. That creates them more income.

You can use any cloud you want. With dropbox and google I have enough cloud storage than I need.

 

[DNichter]

True, I am just one particular guy, and not even a "hardcore Apple user". However my impressions are that in respect to the iPads many wait for Apple to finally make iOS more versatile for real "pro use". The forums are full with postings of that kind. Myself I would buy one instantly if iPADs finally became a true Ersatz for a computer.
Moreover, many pro/ serious (non consumer) users are frustrated that Apple doesn't seem to care about the pro applications in the same way as they care for i- devices (= consumer stuff).

I agree, totally different subject in my opinion though. Replacing old hardware technologies for new and pushing software to where it needs to be. iPad could be much much more, they just need to focus on the software.

 

[Jodiuh]

Hopefully they will.

You know it's funny. I've been up all night researching 2 in 1's to complement the iPad and of course I'm starting to get better and better and faster and faster with this dumb toy. It's almost to the point where I'm not so concerned about the new model or getting a replacement for a dying thinkpad because I'm having so much fun learning all the various ways the iPad can be used.

For example, I'm using the keyboard in landscape mode now with the Smart Keyboard behind the tablet and the whole things layingon a big latex pillow. It's just so damn versatile.

So even tho some of us might be stuck with our "old" FAT bezeled Twisters, hopefully we can look forward to some new software stuff!!

 

[ericwn]

I'm definitely not fretting about the new iPad although it would be lovely to come out, in which case we will pay less than you probably did while getting technology that is almost 2 years newer. Honestly though unless you paid less than $500 how did you rationalize paying $800 plus for an iPad that is 1.5 years old. I don't see the "value in that" unless you really needed one

Needing one is the only proper reason to get a tool. That's enough justification then, I guess. You're just jealous that others are able to actually purchase something instead of discussing what might come one day.

 

[Jodiuh]

Needing one is the only proper reason to get a tool. That's enough justification then, I guess. You're just jealous that others are able to actually purchase something instead of discussing what might come one day.

I'm REALLY starting to use the iPhone less and less, the old Thinkpad less and less...very much started to get used to doing things on the ipad instead. I will miss it if I decide to send it back.

 

[sracer]

I'm definitely not fretting about the new iPad although it would be lovely to come out, in which case we will pay less than you probably did while getting technology that is almost 2 years newer. Honestly though unless you paid less than $500 how did you rationalize paying $800 plus for an iPad that is 1.5 years old. I don't see the "value in that" unless you really needed one

Basing decisions on a device's "age" is a bit out of step with what is actually going on.

Even though the 12.9 Pro is 1.5+ years old, it is still the flagship tablet for "getting things done". Before anyone says, "but TrueTone", yes it is nice to have for some (I don't want it) but it's absence on the 12.9 Pro in no way detracts from it. But that's my opinion.

4GB RAM. Some brush that off as simply accommodating the larger screen. But if you do the math, the break-even point is around 3GB... that means that a 3GB 12.9 Pro would be comparable to a 2GB 9.7 Pro. The fact that the 12.9 Pro has 4GB means that it has more "headroom" than the other iPads.

Except for a few unique use cases, there isn't anything that is taxing the 12.9 Pro. Think about that. 1.5+ years later, it easily handles the latest version of iOS and apps as it did on day-1. That is pretty remarkable.

Another big "tell" in support of the longevity of the 12.9 Pro is the 2017 iPad. Apple just released that a few months ago. They're not going to make any major changes to iOS that would cause it to bog down so soon after it was released.

IMO, any updated iPad hardware will focus on providing unique capabilities (when compared to previous gens). Something along the lines of the smart connector... for example: USB C port, etc.

Besides, after all of the agonizing you did with what to buy, didn't you end up recently purchasing an Air 2?

 

[gobikerider]

Basing decisions on a device's "age" is a bit out of step with what is actually going on.

Even though the 12.9 Pro is 1.5+ years old, it is still the flagship tablet for "getting things done". Before anyone says, "but TrueTone", yes it is nice to have for some (I don't want it) but it's absence on the 12.9 Pro in no way detracts from it. But that's my opinion.

4GB RAM. Some brush that off as simply accommodating the larger screen. But if you do the math, the break-even point is around 3GB... that means that a 3GB 12.9 Pro would be comparable to a 2GB 9.7 Pro. The fact that the 12.9 Pro has 4GB means that it has more "headroom" than the other iPads.

Except for a few unique use cases, there isn't anything that is taxing the 12.9 Pro. Think about that. 1.5+ years later, it easily handles the latest version of iOS and apps as it did on day-1. That is pretty remarkable.

Another big "tell" in support of the longevity of the 12.9 Pro is the 2017 iPad. Apple just released that a few months ago. They're not going to make any major changes to iOS that would cause it to bog down so soon after it was released.

IMO, any updated iPad hardware will focus on providing unique capabilities (when compared to previous gens). Something along the lines of the smart connector... for example: USB C port, etc.

Besides, after all of the agonizing you did with what to buy, didn't you end up recently purchasing an Air 2?

Lol no silly I've owned my Air 2 since 2014, I'm in the market for a new iPad but will be waiting I don't see the point in spending top dollar for a device that may be replaced in 3 weeks regardless of how good it still may be. I do agree the iPad Pro issue isnt really its age more so the fact that they are charging full price for a device that has a possibility to be replaced in a few weeks or atleast surpassed by a new 10.5 inch model.