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iPad Expectations for the new entry-level iPad 2018

yazounet

yazounet

macrumors member
Original poster
Jan 11, 2014
81
72
Hey everyone.
I know there are still a lot of people out there waiting for the new iPad 2018, with all the rumors pointing this month (wishful thinking).
What do you think the specs will be like?
-a possible upgrade of the chip?
-laminated display?
-just the price drop?
-(very unlikely) Apple Pencil support?
 
I’ll never stop hoping it’s a mini in some shape or form but that’s probably even less likely to happen that than this new cheap version getting a 120hz screen and Apple Pencil support ;)

I’m quite interested to see what they do. Just a price drop wouldn’t warrant a new model.

I guess I can see them releasing a new A10 model, and then dropping the price of the current 2017 model, but then I’m wondering what are they going to call this thing...’iPad’ and ‘new iPad’? ‘iPad’ and ‘iPad 2’? No price drop at all?
 
Could it not happen at all this year? Now that I just purchased the 2017 model it would be kind of frustrating to have an updated version release that soon. But well if it actually is cheaper and in case it would support Apple Pencil I wouldn’t mind reselling the one I have and get the new one.
 
joeblow7777 said:
I’d be very happy with an A10 chip, laminated display, 128GB entry, and 3GB of RAM.
Click to expand...

3GB of RAM is not gonna happen with the memory prices (memory chip prices tripled in the last year), same with the 128GB base (flash memory gone less up, but still got up in price). Even Apple can't make that profitable on a 300 dollar device.
 
I’d prefer non-laminated and no pencil, keeping the cost down. Never found value in those features anyway. Chip and maybe even RAM upgrade perfect for me.
 
I actually love the laminated display, because it somehow feels plasticky when I play with iPad 2017. I love the sturdiness of the laminated displays. I really hope they just ditch the unlaminated display for good. I am really OK with the chip A9 as it is still not lagging. I do not think Apple Pencil will ever make it to the entry level iPads.

my hopes (realistically) :

-Laminated Display
-A10 chip
-$329 or less.

and the iPad 2017 drops to $249
 
ACST said:
3GB of RAM is not gonna happen with the memory prices (memory chip prices tripled in the last year), same with the 128GB base (flash memory gone less up, but still got up in price). Even Apple can't make that profitable on a 300 dollar device.
Click to expand...

Memory prices tripled since last year? That sounds a bit outrageous.
In any case, I would pay more than $300 USD for those specs if Apple wanted to charge more. But I know, they want us to settle for budget specs or go all out Pro.
 
I had both the latest Pro and regular iPad, and returned the Pro. No difference to me, not worth the higher cost, and didn't like the sensitivity to slight pressure of the screen. Most reported problems here were laminate-related (dark spots, yellow bands, pressure).

So actually hoping for the Retina display as current. Let the new Pro have laminated for those who prefer that, and the higher price.
 
ACST said:
3GB of RAM is not gonna happen with the memory prices (memory chip prices tripled in the last year), same with the 128GB base (flash memory gone less up, but still got up in price). Even Apple can't make that profitable on a 300 dollar device.
Click to expand...


3GB of RAM need to be happen, 2GB is not cutting right now. I have enough of Safari crashes due to low momery. The diagnosis was filled with Jetstream Event (which indicating low memory)
 
LovingTeddy said:
3GB of RAM need to be happen, 2GB is not cutting right now. I have enough of Safari crashes due to low momery. The diagnosis was filled with Jetstream Event (which indicating low memory)
Click to expand...

As I said, I would like 3GB, but 2GB really is more likely. The iPhone 8 (non-plus) has 2GB, and even though it’s intentionally overshadowed by the 8 Plus and the X, it’s still not a budget device. So it’s unlikely that the “budget” iPad will surpass it in any specs. Apple would no doubt encourage you to consider a Pro device if 2GB of RAM is insufficient.
 
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I think with the new announcement today (3/27 event), we might have the new iPad 2018 to feature Apple Pencil. I'm hoping it is the case...
(looking at the invitation made possibly with the Apple Pencil)
 
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yazounet said:
I think with the new announcement today (3/27 event), we might have the new iPad 2018 to feature Apple Pencil. I'm hoping it is the case...
(looking at the invitation made possibly with the Apple Pencil)
Click to expand...
I'd buy that right away! I find the Apple Pencil to work really great and I would love to have it to take some notes and just play with it. I'd be willing to pay 100$ for it, but I can't justify the 300$ extra for the iPad Pro...
 
Perhaps the 9.7” iPad Pro is making a comeback.

Would make sense, since Apple Pencil requires that higher-type display and at least an A9X.

They’ve brought back discontinued products in the past like the iPad 4.
 
Andres Cantu said:
Perhaps the 9.7” iPad Pro is making a comeback.

Would make sense, since Apple Pencil requires that higher-type display and at least an A9X.

They’ve brought back discontinued products in the past like the iPad 4.
Click to expand...

I do not think it is a possibility. As Google practically dominates the Education with their cloud based devices; it wouldn't be wise to relaunch a possibly expensive device. Because the most important factor when it comes to the educational devices is its price.
 
yazounet said:
I do not think it is a possibility. As Google practically dominates the Education with their cloud based devices; it wouldn't be wise to relaunch a possibly expensive device. Because the most important factor when it comes to the educational devices is its price.
Click to expand...
Right, but we’re taking about a model that was released two years ago re-released. It would definitely not cost $599.
 
yazounet said:
I think with the new announcement today (3/27 event), we might have the new iPad 2018 to feature Apple Pencil. I'm hoping it is the case...
(looking at the invitation made possibly with the Apple Pencil)
Click to expand...

It would be nice, but I doubt the Pencil has enough value for most educators, especially when we take into account the cost of Pencil.

Right now, the biggest challenge with iPad is lack of 1:1 student-to-iPad ratio. This is due to cost of the iPad. Apple recognizes this and created the shared iPad feature in 2016. The rumored $249 price is what I would expect Apple to do to drive iPad further into education.

My expectation for iPad (2018) is a non-laminated screen and extra flash storage to allow partitioning between many student users. Perhaps a rugged design (a la iPhone 5c). I wouldn't be surprised if the thing came with A9 and 2GB of RAM.
 
Andres Cantu said:
Right, but we’re taking about a model that was released two years ago re-released. It would definitely not cost $599.
Click to expand...

But i don’t think the 9.7 inch iPad Pro will cost anything under 300 dollars. I would still think minor spec bump for the currently 9.7 inch iPad.
 
Richard8655 said:
I’d prefer non-laminated and no pencil, keeping the cost down. Never found value in those features anyway. Chip and maybe even RAM upgrade perfect for me.
Click to expand...

Interesting. I find a marked difference in the feel, and responsiveness between my Air 2 and my wife's 9.7" with the unlamented screen. :apple:
[doublepost=1521229699][/doublepost]
joeblow7777 said:
I’d be very happy with an A10 chip, laminated display, 128GB entry, and 3GB of RAM.
Click to expand...

A10X, 2GB RAM, still 64GB storage entry. Most likey still unlamented. :(
 
yazounet said:
Hey everyone.
I know there are still a lot of people out there waiting for the new iPad 2018, with all the rumors pointing this month (wishful thinking).
What do you think the specs will be like?
-a possible upgrade of the chip?
-laminated display?
-just the price drop?
-(very unlikely) Apple Pencil support?
Click to expand...

Not sure, maybe better camera. I'm happy with my 10.5 pro now, (only a week old), I'll always take bigger storage space. I have 512 now, but would love a TB
 
I have nothing to base this on except the invite for their next reveal but I think they’re going to have pencil support on a budget iPad.
Again nothing to base it on but I want to be able to say I told you so when it happens ;)
 
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