iPad Pro Do we suspect an A13X iPad Pro refresh in Fall? Or is Apple done with iPads for 2019? [Merged]

[cannono]

The buyers guide here on Macrumors cites Ming Chi Kuo as expecting a processor (but not body) refresh for 2019 iPad Pro... but also cites him as expecting major refresh in early 2020 with new camera tech and possible new backlight tech.

But Apple also recently refreshes full size iPads at least once a year. They refreshed the base model in March 2018, and totally redesigned the Pro in autumn 2018, after having refreshed the Pro the year before. Then in early 2019 we got a new mid-level mashup, named iPad Air but in a body based loosely on the iPad Pro 2017.

The Pro models now, if treated like MacBook Pro, might be expected to get an internal refresh this fall if Apple doesn’t want to go all of 2019 without an A13X to match the expected A13 coming to iPhone in September.

So what is it?

Is Apple going to bring A13X out at their fairly common (but never guaranteed) October event this year, to match last year’s launch for holiday and to keep Pro fresh each year now? Or do you suspect that’s too sudden and they’ll go for a more early-to-mid 2020 jump for Pro models to make it more substantial?

 

[aevan]

We don’t know, of course, but if they follow the pattern with previous iPad Pros, early or mid 2020. Which is my guess.

 

[Newtons Apple]

You have been around these forums for 5 years so . . . . . .

 

[Freakonomics101]

iPadOS 13 makes me feel like my iPad Pro 10.5 with a keyboard case and the smart mouse for a Mac is a watered down MacBook Air. I’m excited to see what Apple has in store for the iPad and the operating system.

I don’t see Apple cutting back on iPads, at all. It would be a very illogical decision.

If they can apply the features of the smart mouse to the iPad, that would be sweeeeet. I love the scrolling feature on it but doesn’t work with my iPad..... yet.

 

[The Game 161]

Be surprised if we do to be honest...think early 2020 is more likely

 

[HappyIntro]

I feel like early 2020 is most likely; the current iPad lineup is full, fresh, and perfectly fine for a strong upcoming holiday buying season. There's something for everyone who might be interested in an iPad this year, so I see an A13X upgrade as not necessarily worth the effort, as it probably wouldn't drive sales much higher...unless there's another cool update to iPad Pros that I haven't heard of yet. Of course I'd love them to update it nonetheless if the A13X is available for a Fall launch.

 

[EugW]

I feel like early 2020 is most likely; the current iPad lineup is full, fresh, and perfectly fine for a strong upcoming holiday buying season. There's something for everyone who might be interested in an iPad this year, so I see an A13X upgrade as not necessarily worth the effort, as it probably wouldn't drive sales much higher...unless there's another cool update to iPad Pros that I haven't heard of yet. Of course I'd love them to update it nonetheless if the A13X is available for a Fall launch.

I betcha they’ll get 6 GB RAM across the board.

 

[HappyIntro]

I betcha they’ll get 6 GB RAM across the board.

Oh yeah, that would indeed be a worthy upgrade, along with the A13X it would help keep the iPad Pros way out in front of non Pro iPads, for those that seek out the fastest performance.

 

[sracer]

I betcha they’ll get 6 GB RAM across the board.

I think that is the silent refresh that'll happen in November.

 

[Shirasaki]

Compared to lacklustre iPhone, iPad Pro is sold ok in my opinion. This redesign also brings iPad Pro on par with iPhone lineup with the Face ID and brand new edge to edge design. Apple Pencil 2 effectively kills the biggest hurdle for iPad users of charging it in a super weird way.
Like others, I think iPad Pro may get a quiet RAM refresh of 6GB or more for better performance and larger storage support (top of the line can support 2TB with 12GB RAM if Apple wants). iOS 13 is a huge stimulus package inspiring people on the edge of buying an iPad to supplement or replace their computer, so the holiday sale figure in 2019 will be very interesting to follow.

 

[iPadified]

Probably next year. I think though that they should have a stronger focus on keeping the iPad refresh cycle similar to iPhone. It gives interest and a signal value that the iPad is a serious platform. The Pro line should also be more customisable in terms of RAM and screen size (15 inch would be nice now that multiple windows is easier to work with).

Not refreshing the Mac line regularly (yearly) has made people question Apple commitment to Macs and rightfully so.

 

[Shirasaki]

Probably next year. I think though that they should have a stronger focus on keeping the iPad refresh cycle similar to iPhone. It gives interest and a signal value that the iPad is a serious platform. The Pro line should also be more customisable in terms of RAM and screen size (15 inch would be nice now that multiple windows is easier to work with).

Not refreshing the Mac line regularly (yearly) has made people question Apple commitment to Macs and rightfully so.

If this is the case, Apple is essentially creating a monitor that is versatile and multifunctional with iPadOS and OLED, yet at the same time portable. Ok, to sum it up, Apple can build a portable monitor with iOS capability. That is insane.

 

[FrozenDarkness]

wait why wouldn't apple refersh this in the fall? Most likely will get A13X. Apple is likely, IMO, to go at least 2 generations with similar tech.

 

[Khedron]

If this is the case, Apple is essentially creating a monitor that is versatile and multifunctional with iPadOS and OLED, yet at the same time portable. Ok, to sum it up, Apple can build a portable monitor with iOS capability. That is insane.

Yes, the future of Apple is iPadOS monitors driving sales of $1000 stands

 

[pika2000]

Personally, I would prefer seeing Apple do a two year cycle for the iPad Pros, just like how they jumped from A10X to A12X. Doing a yearly refresh offers too tiny of improvements for the price. It’s more acceptable for the entry level consumer iPads, but imo the Pro should carry better longevity.

 

[iPadified]

If this is the case, Apple is essentially creating a monitor that is versatile and multifunctional with iPadOS and OLED, yet at the same time portable. Ok, to sum it up, Apple can build a portable monitor with iOS capability. That is insane.

I am confused. Where do I say it is a portable monitor with iOS capability? I asked for a 15 inch iPad. Hardly insane if you use the iPad more than consumption.

 

[maflynn]

wait why wouldn't apple refersh this in the fall? Most likely will get A13X. Apple is likely, IMO, to go at least 2 generations with similar tech.

That's kind of my thinking and I'll admit that I don't follow when apple rolls out new ipads

Looking at the buyer's guide we have the following
11/10.5" IPP It was refreshed last year, but previously it was June and March

The 12" IPP. It was refreshed last October, June and November, so we have two instances of being 4th Quarter

What does this tell us? It could come later this year, or next ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[EugW]

Personally, I would prefer seeing Apple do a two year cycle for the iPad Pros, just like how they jumped from A10X to A12X. Doing a yearly refresh offers too tiny of improvements for the price. It’s more acceptable for the entry level consumer iPads, but imo the Pro should carry better longevity.

A longer cycle is fine but even if it was yearly, that doesn’t mean you’re forced to buy every year. Apple updates the MacBook Pros about every year and nobody complains about that.

 

[maflynn]

Looks like e have a news story that apple is manufactoring the latest iteration of iPad
Mass Production of iPad 7 Said to Begin This Month, Followed by 16-Inch MacBook Pro in Fourth Quarter

The new iPad likely refers to the rumored 10.2-inch model that is expected to succeed the low-cost 9.7-inch iPad, while multiple sources have claimed a 16-inch MacBook Pro is coming in 2019, including well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

I think if apple rolls out a 9.7 this fall, that may mean we'll not see any updates to the iPad Pro - Again I've not followed iPad news in the past and so I'm using my imperfect logic which lacks any prior knowledge of what apple did in the past.

 

[Shirasaki]

I am confused. Where do I say it is a portable monitor with iOS capability? I asked for a 15 inch iPad. Hardly insane if you use the iPad more than consumption.

No. You did not mention anything related to using iPad as portable monitor.
However, MacBook Pro has 15” screen size lineup, and a lot of PC laptops on sale are offering 15” screen. I cannot help but imagine Apple selling iPad Pro 15” as an alternative to conventional standalone monitor to professionals who needs large screen and a bit of portability on the go while hooking iPad up as a monitor in a pinch.

 

[AutomaticApple]

The buyers guide here on Macrumors cites Ming Chi Kuo as expecting a processor (but not body) refresh for 2019 iPad Pro... but also cites him as expecting major refresh in early 2020 with new camera tech and possible new backlight tech.

But Apple also recently refreshes full size iPads at least once a year. They refreshed the base model in March 2018, and totally redesigned the Pro in autumn 2018, after having refreshed the Pro the year before. Then in early 2019 we got a new mid-level mashup, named iPad Air but in a body based loosely on the iPad Pro 2017.

The Pro models now, if treated like MacBook Pro, might be expected to get an internal refresh this fall if Apple doesn’t want to go all of 2019 without an A13X to match the expected A13 coming to iPhone in September.

So what is it?

Is Apple going to bring A13X out at their fairly common (but never guaranteed) October event this year, to match last year’s launch for holiday and to keep Pro fresh each year now? Or do you suspect that’s too sudden and they’ll go for a more early-to-mid 2020 jump for Pro models to make it more substantial?

Early 2020 probably.

 

[maflynn]

I think I'm going to roll the dice and opt for the 11" model now rather then wait. With the back to school promotion going on now, I can get a new beats to use (or sell). I'm thinking that we'll not see any IPP this year based on the rumors of the 9.7 iPad release

 

[ejin222]

I think I'm going to roll the dice and opt for the 11" model now rather then wait. With the back to school promotion going on now, I can get a new beats to use (or sell). I'm thinking that we'll not see any IPP this year based on the rumors of the 9.7 iPad release

Got my 2018 12.9 Pro recently, $150 off. Hope they don't update the Pro line up as you said. Would be upset if they give it a better processor or base storage options! I love having FaceID on the iPad so much more than TouchID. You will enjoy it~

 

[maflynn]

You will enjoy it

Thanks, I think I will, though I'm less concerned about the processor and more about them strengthening the case due to bending, a spec bump may including a silent update to make the case less bendy

 

[TheRealAlex]

Personally, I would prefer seeing Apple do a two year cycle for the iPad Pros, just like how they jumped from A10X to A12X. Doing a yearly refresh offers too tiny of improvements for the price. It’s more acceptable for the entry level consumer iPads, but imo the Pro should carry better longevity.

A9X was a 2 Core CPU
A10X was a 4 Core CPU (But lacks HMP heterogeneous multiple processing)
(There was no A11X)
A12X was a 8 Core CPU and a huge advancement in everway.

IMO Apple will skip the A13X and announce next year, a 5G A14X CPU in partnership with Qualcomm for iPhone 5G and iPad Pro 5G

There is No point in designing a new chipset and SoC for a low selling relatively iPad Pro line. The 2019 iPhone will get a A13 but no 5G that’s all.

A11 was a skip year, it had no A11X brother same as A13 it will have no A13X Brother.