All iPads How often do you upgrade your iPad?

[subjonas]

Of course I’d upgrade if my iPad breaks or becomes super slow or something, but as I got into the iPad game relatively late (2015), that hasn’t happened yet. Other than that I’d only upgrade if/when there is a new feature that I feel would add value to my life, that is worth the cost. It helps if there is a sale.

This happened recently. My first and only upgrade so far—from a first gen 12.9 256gb to a second gen 512gb. I really wanted that extra storage as my 256gb was filling up. Also I kind of wanted Touch ID 2. But what really sold me was the fact that the second gen was the last gen with bezels and Touch ID, which I strongly prefer. So I waited for a really good sale, then bought it.

I have a mini 4 as well, but I’m not too interested in upgrading to the 5 at this point. The 4 still performs pretty well, and the mini 5 doesn’t add anything I really want or need (even though I draw and the 5 supports pencil, I don’t think I would often draw on the small size). But with the mini, releases are few and far between, which complicates things. Meaning, though my 4 works well now, I’m not sure if it will carry me over all the way to the mini 6 in x years. And if I have to buy a mini 5 later, I wonder if I should just buy it sooner to maximize enjoyment of the extra speed and the possibility of drawing. I suppose it will come down to discount sales. If there is a really good sale, I’ll probably bite.

 

[MrRabuf]

About the same rate I upgrade my iPhone and computers... about every 5 years.

 

[Jeilders]

Every time a new one comes out. My Granddaughter gets the hand me down.

 

[fricotin]

Still using my Air2, may upgrade this year. Then again...

 

[nburwell]

Usually every couple of years. Although last year I went from my 10.5" IPP to 11". I'll keep my 11" for at least another year or two.

 

[sracer]

Curious how often people upgrade or plan to upgrade going forward

I used to upgrade at the first generation of a RAM increase. That helped me avoid a few clunkers. Recently though, because of the state of iOS, there is really no benefit of the Pro models over the base model (in terms of getting things done).

Having said that, with iOS 13, that might change. If or when I upgrade will depend upon: (A) what iOS 13 offers, (B) what devices Apple produces, and (C) my needs/wants at the time.

 

[muzzy996]

This 2nd gen IPP 12.9 is my first iPad I have purchased for myself. I had intended to upgrade every other year but will be waiting to see what Apple does with the next update to the pro line. I don’t believe there will be enough functional differences between ipad OS on the 2018 models vs the 2017 to justify the investment in the newer pro plus all of it’s peripherals so the next pro models really need to add something to push me over the edge.

 

[bpeeps]

I'm surprised at all the comments here showcasing 1 to 2 year upgrade cycles. There must be some heavy selection bias in who is clicking the thread to reply. For me, I upgrade every 3 to 4 years or when there's a substantial upgrade that I've been waiting for. Original iPad to iPad Air 2 to iPad Pro 2018. I probably would have went from the Air 2 to a iPad Pro 10.5 inch but I knew Face ID would be coming to the iPad at some point, so I waited for that release instead.

 

[The Game 161]

This 2nd gen IPP 12.9 is my first iPad I have purchased for myself. I had intended to upgrade every other year but will be waiting to see what Apple does with the next update to the pro line. I don’t believe there will be enough functional differences between ipad OS on the 2018 models vs the 2017 to justify the investment in the newer pro plus all of it’s peripherals so the next pro models really need to add something to push me over the edge.

This is the thing will be hard to see how they can make it so much better to be worth upgrading over the current pros.

More ram? It’s nice but for most ram won’t make that big of a difference. It’s why the update cycles aren’t every 12 months. I believe it’s what 14-18 months currently?

 

[Kiimora]

The journey so far; iP3, Air 2, Pro 10.5 then 11. I will see what the 10yr anniversary Pro release has to offer next year, in the interim am looking forward to iPadOS

 

[adrianlondon]

Never!

Bought the first gen iPad mini as it could do FaceTime whereas my 3GS couldn't (no front camera). I have a Macbook and an iPhone and have no use for an iPad any more. Maybe that'll change in the future but currently the only time I turn on my iPad (happily chugging away on iOS9) is to ensure iMessages and FaceTimes can be received whilst both my phone and laptop are in the middle of installing beta software Yes, I could upgrade them separately but I' impatient and Apple tends to release them both at the same time.

 

[rui no onna]

This happened recently. My first and only upgrade so far—from a first gen 12.9 256gb to a second gen 512gb. I really wanted that extra storage as my 256gb was filling up. Also I kind of wanted Touch ID 2. But what really sold me was the fact that the second gen was the last gen with bezels and Touch ID, which I strongly prefer. So I waited for a really good sale, then bought it.

Storage's usually my primary reason for upgrading. My very first iPad was a 32GB iPad 2 (preordered, arrived on release day). I managed to fill up the 32GB with my favorite Japanese manga right away so I ordered a 64GB version the very same weekend I received my iPad 2 (so pretty much within 2 days). That was my shortest upgrade time, lol.

I kept the 32GB since the iPad 2 was already on 1-2 months backorder and I didn't want to give up my manga reader. When the 64GB finally arrived, I gave the 32GB to my mom.

I skipped the 1st gen 12.9. At the time, I needed the 256GB Pro 9.7 more. Quite happy with how things worked out. The A10X 512GB 12.9 LTE was a much better use of $1400 than the A9X 256GB LTE.

 

[rumz]

I think i need more professional help than you do lol

I upgrade my phone every year and tend to upgrade my Apple Watch every year and i have two iPad pros which may seem overkill but the 11 inch for work works well and the bigger 12.9 for at home use gets equal usage.

I will be keeping my 11 inch pro for 3 years as i got it through sky here so i can keep it or return it and get a new model.

I said i may upgrade the 12.9 every year but depends on the features and money wise it’s not wise upgrading my phone, watch and iPad every year but i can’t help myself.

But if there is one product i may start to not upgrade each time is the 12.9 iPad as for what i use it for it works great and lets face it the iPad will not slow down anytime soon and the upgrade is so small generally from iPad to iPad. It’s hard to see as it stands what apple can improve it enough on the next gen of iPads i must admit.

Main reason I don't update the watch every year is that I buy the stainless steel model... if they had a trade-in program I'd do it but i don't like hassling with selling things and things like higher capacity devices and stainless steel watches lose a larger portion of their value over a year...

But yes, you definitely make me look at least mildly more sane

 

[subjonas]

Storage's usually my primary reason for upgrading. My very first iPad was a 32GB iPad 2 (preordered, arrived on release day). I managed to fill up the 32GB with my favorite Japanese manga right away so I ordered a 64GB version the very same weekend I received my iPad 2 (so pretty much within 2 days). That was my shortest upgrade time, lol.

I kept the 32GB since the iPad 2 was already on 1-2 months backorder and I didn't want to give up my manga reader. When the 64GB finally arrived, I gave the 32GB to my mom.

I skipped the 1st gen 12.9. At the time, I needed the 256GB Pro 9.7 more. Quite happy with how things worked out. The A10X 512GB 12.9 LTE was a much better use of $1400 than the A9X 256GB LTE.

More storage the better. I always go for max. But generally, storage is not enough reason for me to upgrade by itself, because I know if I managed with the same amount of storage before, then I can continue to manage at least until the next time I upgrade. But for the actual upgrade, I need something more compelling.

1400?? That’s not USD, right? I got my 2nd gen 512gb wifi for about USD$750 Of course, it was after the 3rd gen was released.

 

[glindon]

iPad, iPad 2, iPad retina, iPad 4, iPad mini (1st gen), iPad Air, iPad Air 2, iPad Pro (1st gen 12.9), iPad Pro (2nd gen 9.7), iPad Pro 10.5, iPad Pro 2018 12.9.

I don’t think they’re releasing a 2019 iPad Pro from what I’ve heard so might get the 2020 iPad Pro when that comes out. Haven’t decided if I want to go with 11” or 12.9” for my next iPad. Honestly it really depends on what the upgraded model is. I still don’t think iOS is using all the power of my 2018 and iPadOS 13 isn’t going to change that either. It would have to be something pretty amazing to be honest especially since iPad prices (for the Pro model) have gone through the roof. My 2018 with cellular, 512, pencil, and Smart Keyboard was about $2000. I think the OG 12.9 pro was about $1500 for the 256 cellular (the only option with cellular when it came out). I could kinda justify getting the mid tier cellular model at $730 each year but at $2000 I’m kinda buying the equivalent of 2 or 3 iPads a year.

 

[Richard8655]

Processor and possibly RAM improvements are the sole reasons for me. Since I don't travel with my iPad, large data files (music, videos) are easily accessible over local WiFi network from my 1TB Mac. Photos reside on iCloud. Military store significant discount is the added enticement every year.

 

[iOSpecialist]

Got a mini 4 in 2015 and upgraded to a 10.5 pro in spring 2018. I’m thinking I might upgrade when the base model has 6 gigs of RAM. I really didn’t want to upgrade to the 11 inch because of the bending issues so hopefully that’s fixed in the next generation. For me, I’d say I think about upgrading when the new model has something that would really change the way I use my device. If I got the 11 inch today, nothing would change about how I use it so that’s why upgrading wouldn’t be worth it.

 

[rumz]

iPad, iPad 2, iPad retina, iPad 4, iPad mini (1st gen), iPad Air, iPad Air 2, iPad Pro (1st gen 12.9), iPad Pro (2nd gen 9.7), iPad Pr
I don’t think they’re releasing a 2019 iPad Pro from what I’ve heard so might get the 2020 iPad Pro when that comes out. Haven’t decided if I want to go with 11” or 12.9” for my next iPad. Honestly it really depends on what the upgraded model is. I still don’t think iOS is using all the power of my 2018 and iPadOS 13 isn’t going to change that either. It would have to be something pretty amazing to be honest especially since iPad prices (for the Pro model) have gone through the roof. My 2018 with cellular, 512, pencil, and Smart Keyboard was about $2000. I think the OG 12.9 pro was about $1500 for the 256 cellular (the only option with cellular when it came out). I could kinda justify getting the mid tier cellular model at $730 each year but at $2000 I’m kinda buying the equivalent of 2 or 3 iPads a year.

I have this theory...remember how there was a bit of news last year about how Apple was going to sort of slow things down a tad and focus on performance and stability for their OS releases last year and hold off on some software features that had originally been planned for 2018? I get the impression that the current gen iPad Pro was intended to run what we’re now seeing as iPad OS. It was a common narrative in reviews that the 2018 iPad Pro had some seriously impressive hardware but that it was very much held back by the software.

You’re probably right that the current iPad Pro will run iPad OS without a hitch for years to come and that a refresh isn’t necessary this year— but I wouldn’t mind if they moved to an annual cycle and did a spec bump every other year

 

[rui no onna]

More storage the better. I always go for max. But generally, storage is not enough reason for me to upgrade by itself, because I know if I managed with the same amount of storage before, then I can continue to manage at least until the next time I upgrade. But for the actual upgrade, I need something more compelling.

Lol, for me 64GB was already managing it. That was favorite manga only plus the latest chapters from my TBR pile. No videos, no music and no games. Even then, halfway through my 64GB iPad 3's life, I couldn't even update apps without deleting something. That was always frustrating because I already had the collection culled to absolute favorites (from a 2TB manga collection stored on a 12TB NAS).

1400?? That’s not USD, right? I got my 2nd gen 512gb wifi for about USD$750 Of course, it was after the 3rd gen was released.

Non-discounted launch pricing for 2017 12.9 512GB LTE + 10% tax + CA recycling fee came out to around USD 1400.

There weren't really any deals on it before the 2018 Pro launch and I just couldn't wait another 12+ months. I started reading American comics around mid-2016 and was itching something fierce for 12.9 and more storage. Was already on the lookout then for deals on the 1st gen 12.9 256GB LTE but it never really got discounted. There were deals on wifi-only models but not LTE. Honestly, I was prepared to purchase the 2017 Pro 256GB LTE for $1400 on day one so it was a very, very pleasant surprise to see Apple upgrade it to 512GB at same pricing.

The 2017 Pro 12.9 served a need that the 2016 Pro 9.7 wasn't adequately addressing so I don't regret the purchase at all. I really like having both 10" and 13" class sizes. The smaller iPad is still my go-to device and I actually prefer its size for reading manga and ebooks in 2-column landscape. I love the bigger iPad for American comics, magazines and PDFs, though, as well as the occasional desk use.

Haven't updated to the 2018 Pros yet. For me, the A12X/6GB/1TB are nice-to-haves but ultimately unnecessary for my usage as well as being unnecessarily expensive (~$1900 after tax for 11" and ~$2100 after tax for 12.9" from authorized retailer without any contracts and that's before AppleCare and accessories).

 

[Unami]

about every 4-6 years. had a 1st generation in 2010 then updated to the air 2 in 2014 - which is still going strong today and doing everything I throw at it - and will probably wait until fall 2020 for the next one.

 

[maflynn]

I seem to fall into a 4 year cycle. I'm working off the 10.5 iPad pro and past the 3 year mark. I've kind of been itching for the next generation (be it the one out now or this fall) but, this is a big but. I'm not sure I'm wanting to spend 800+ I'm not sure I'm getting something that will be markedly different then what I have now.

 

[unibility]

I’ve been on a 2 year cycle but I’m really liking the 11 inch model. Especially with 1TB.

 

[subjonas]

Lol, for me 64GB was already managing it. That was favorite manga only plus the latest chapters from my TBR pile. No videos, no music and no games. Even then, halfway through my 64GB iPad 3's life, I couldn't even update apps without deleting something. That was always frustrating because I already had the collection culled to absolute favorites (from a 2TB manga collection stored on a 12TB NAS).


Non-discounted launch pricing for 2017 12.9 512GB LTE + 10% tax + CA recycling fee came out to around USD 1400.

There weren't really any deals on it before the 2018 Pro launch and I just couldn't wait another 12+ months. I started reading American comics around mid-2016 and was itching something fierce for 12.9 and more storage. Was already on the lookout then for deals on the 1st gen 12.9 256GB LTE but it never really got discounted. There were deals on wifi-only models but not LTE. Honestly, I was prepared to purchase the 2017 Pro 256GB LTE for $1400 on day one so it was a very, very pleasant surprise to see Apple upgrade it to 512GB at same pricing.

The 2017 Pro 12.9 served a need that the 2016 Pro 9.7 wasn't adequately addressing so I don't regret the purchase at all. I really like having both 10" and 13" class sizes. The smaller iPad is still my go-to device and I actually prefer its size for reading manga and ebooks in 2-column landscape. I love the bigger iPad for American comics, magazines and PDFs, though, as well as the occasional desk use.

Haven't updated to the 2018 Pros yet. For me, the A12X/6GB/1TB are nice-to-haves but ultimately unnecessary for my usage as well as being unnecessarily expensive (~$1900 after tax for 11" and ~$2100 after tax for 12.9" from authorized retailer without any contracts and that's before AppleCare and accessories).

Yeah for sure if there was a specific need that the storage wasn’t meeting, or making it very cumbersome to manage, then I would have upgraded just for storage too. But in my case, there were always manageable workarounds.

I was just surprised about that price because I didn’t remember it ever being that high for the second gen, even at full price with tax and everything (unless you add the pencil and/or smart keyboard). Anyway, it can definitely be worth paying that much if the device fills a big need/want. I happily paid full price for my first gen 12.9. It was my first iPad. I had no interest in iPads before then because they were not good digital sketchbooks—too small and no good stylus. When the 12.9 and Apple Pencil was announced, I almost soiled myself. I didn’t get one at launch though, I think maybe because I couldn’t afford it, can’t remember. I didn’t get one until they upped the storage to 256gb, which was a nice bonus. I was planning to hold onto it until it became unusable or until there was a new must-have feature. But when I saw Apple did away with the big bezels and Touch ID (features I prefer), I decided to get the second gen just for extra longevity. As it wasn’t really a functional upgrade, I was totally fine waiting for a sale.

After my first gen 12.9 I also got an iPad mini for casual consumption. I like owning two iPads as well. Both are uniquely good at their tasks and integral.

 

[DevinNj]

'Santa' brought my son an iPad for Christmas this past year which should last him at least 3 years, knock on wood. I'm using his mini 2 without any major issues. I like it more than I thought I would, so I'm thinking mini 5 for myself which should get me 2-3 years use.

 

[geekiemac]

I'll upgrade when I can do more than what my iPad allows me to do. (...)
TL;DR No real answer, all depends on what software is available on iOS that allows me to do more of my everyday work and hobbies.

Same answer. The trigger is me wanting to do more things than my iPad allows me to.