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rui no onna

Contributor
Oct 25, 2013
14,917
13,261
You’re not alone. Ever since the redesigned iPads came out 4 years ago I’ve periodically placed a cellular iPP 12.9 with 512GB in a cart along with all the accessories I’d need and looked at the price only to say $%# no. At some point soon probably, iOS will make the 2017 iPP’s obsolete but until then I just can’t stomach the cost to upgrade despite having the disposable income to afford it.

Some of OP’s wishlist items would only lead to even higher prices, and I just can’t see how that would be worth it without some major improvements in iPadOS.

I've had 3 years to get used to the new pricing. The 2018 iPP 1TB LTE was $1899 at launch vs 2021 iPP 1TB 5G $1999 so pretty much around the same price. :p

At least for my usage, the 2021 iPP is a worthwhile upgrade over the 2017 iPP. Multitasking and multiple Safari tabs was getting problematic on 4GB RAM after updating to iOS 13, and iOS 15 has even worse memory management. The 2021 iPP hardware has a lot of breathing room so I think I might even end up keeping the M1 iPP as long as my Windows laptops.

My mom is happily using my old 2017 iPP for Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO Max and Disney+.
 

Zdigital2015

macrumors 601
Jul 14, 2015
4,143
5,622
East Coast, United States
Liyer
-magsafe
-oled
-15 or 16-inch iPad Pro
-m2 chip
-12-core cpu
-12-core gpu
-16-core neural engine
-32 gb ddr5 ram
-up to 8 tb ssd
-better camera
-better speaker
-better microphone
-bluetooth 5.2
-wifi 6e
Literally 80% of what you have listed isn’t going to happen. Making fantasy spec choices is fun when you’re 22, but after a while it’s best to just leave it to the youngin’s.
 

Dealmans

Suspended
Mar 12, 2022
1,405
1,213
AT $1799AUD for my 12.9" M1 256GB wifi I don't think I would be replacing it after 1 year, it's a great iPad and I use it heaps but is overpriced imo. Lucky I can get GST tax back and a instant tax right off.
My 65" Sony TV was $1950.
 
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Mr. Dee

macrumors 603
Dec 4, 2003
5,990
12,840
Jamaica
You’re not alone. Ever since the redesigned iPads came out 4 years ago I’ve periodically placed a cellular iPP 12.9 with 512GB in a cart along with all the accessories I’d need and looked at the price only to say $%# no. At some point soon probably, iOS will make the 2017 iPP’s obsolete but until then I just can’t stomach the cost to upgrade despite having the disposable income to afford it.

Some of OP’s wishlist items would only lead to even higher prices, and I just can’t see how that would be worth it without some major improvements in iPadOS.
Apple is using a corner the market strategy. If we can’t get you with a entry level MacBook Pro, we’ll get you with an iPad Pro and accessories that cost the same or more. For me though, the iPad is primarily a consumption device. I occasionally get away with updating my finances in Excel and submitting my time sheet. But it’s mostly watching YouTube, Amazon Prime, liking post on Facebook.

It doesn’t dispute that it can’t meet the needs of a user who is accustomed to using a laptop. I’m just not one of them, especially at that price.
 

nfl46

macrumors G3
Oct 5, 2008
8,537
9,504
I’m good with my 2021 M1 iPad Pro. Until they get serious about the software, I see no reason for me to upgrade to the 2022 version.
 
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Mcckoe

macrumors regular
Jan 15, 2013
170
352
Maybe a slightly better screen: slightly larger(in the same frame), QDOLED. M1 is plenty fast, more memory(though you’d need a major OS upgrade to make it worthwhile), faster USB controller, and a better network chip(WIFI) with additional antennas.

I currently have the 12.9” M1, besides for the halo effect and blooming when the brightness is turned way up(or your in a really dark area). The thing is a masterpiece; in and out of remotes like nothing, plays everything, streams everything, and with a magic keyboard… the first working laptop replacement I’ve found.
 

aevan

macrumors 601
Feb 5, 2015
4,539
7,236
Serbia

Not happening this year, maybe in, like 2024, if then.

Also, Pro XDR (Mini LED) is probably better for an iPad, anyway.

-15 or 16-inch iPad Pro

Would love that, that would get me to upgrade but, again, not this year.



Sure, but it's not like iPads take even the advantage of the M1 :)


-32 gb ddr5 ram

Haha, no way :)

At best, all models will start at 16Gb and that will be the same throughout the line. But knowing Apple, it will stay 8/16.


2022 iPad Pro will be great, but have your expectations in check. You're setting yourself up for a massive disappointment with these expectations. If anything, it's iPadOS that could use an upgrade, iPad's hardware is already coming from the future :)
 
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bondr006

macrumors 68030
Jun 8, 2010
2,904
16,823
Cary, NC - My Name is Rob Bond
Wish lists should be realistic
I will stick with my M1 iPP 11 but I do have a more realistic wish list...

1. Real external monitor support that includes a real desktop type environment similar to the Samsung DeX mode.

2. Keep improving the multitasking experience. This goes hand in hand with #1.

3. Keep improving the Files App. It is very good now, but still needs a little work, as does Safari and Notes.

4. I'd like to see a little more flexibility with the home screen icons, folders, and widgets.

5. Would like to see interactive widgets with some basic functions that don't need to open in the app.

6. The onscreen keyboard needs work for sure. Auto correct just plain sucks....

7. I think settings is a mess and needs a lot of work.

8. We need the ability to sign in to multiple accounts so families can share the device.

9. Add some more native apps like calculator and weather, and the ability to change more of the default apps.

10. Put the front camera on the top landscape/horizontal edge.
 
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slplss

macrumors 6502a
Nov 2, 2011
946
1,010
EU
Having the M1 I won’t buy an iPad for 5 years, no need for more power and the XDR couldn’t be better. Only thing that has plenty room for development is iPad OS. OLED is nice on iPhone, but I prefer miniLED on bigger screen.
If I had 2018 Pro I think I’d still keep it for another year.
 

slplss

macrumors 6502a
Nov 2, 2011
946
1,010
EU
I’m too busy waiting for the 2032 iPad Pro which:
- shoots holograms onto my eye balls
- comes with own fusion reactor
- comes with Apple Space Wand 3 support
- exports 200K Pro Res files fast while in zero gravity
- supports Magic Mindboard neuro-link for ‘typing’
- is able to deploy rotary blades and fly home using Apple Drone - if I ever leave it behind
- sends out alerts if robot killer squad is nearby (due to ongoing post-2028 robot uprising)
And can vacuum clean a place. WTF Apple, even Roomba that costs third of the price can do that!
 
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MBX

macrumors 68020
Sep 14, 2006
2,030
817
Only if it comes in 15 or 16 inch version. Otherwise M1 is still overpowered for next 2 years or more without more pro apps.
 

gnomeisland

macrumors 65816
Jul 30, 2008
1,097
833
New York, NY
An 11” iPad Pro with better screen technology than my 2018 iPad Pro, and I’m ready to upgrade. Otherwise I’ll stay with my 2018 for another year!
The exception might be if new the software coming out this year (Capture One is a certainty) consistently pushes the performance envelop of my 2018 iPP. There are certainly moments where I tax mine already, but not enough to justify upgrading just for an M1 and more RAM.
 
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bscheffel

macrumors 6502
Jul 17, 2008
367
682
I have a 2018 iPP that I will be upgrading in 2022 to ..... a new 2022 MacBook Air when released...

I can no longer justify buying iPad Pro hardware when the software experience is the same as on $329 base iPad.

12.9" iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard = M1, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage @ 3+lbs = $1,548
13.3" MacBook Air = M1, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage @ 2.8lbs = $999

Why pay greater than 50% more for an iPad Pro that weighs more than a MacBook Air AND runs the limited iPadOS?

I will buy a MacBook Air AND have enough money left over to buy either a base iPad or almost iPad Air for my consumption device for what I would pay for the Pro+keyboard.

Yes the iPad Pro has better cameras and better screen but that isn't worth over $500 to still be running a limited OS.

Apple keeps jacking up the iPad Pro price without adding any new "Pro" features. It's time to stop paying for a Ferrari that is only allowed to drive on roads approved by Apple (App Store) and that isn't allowed to go more than 30 miles an hour (many many OS limitations compared to MacOS).
 
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RickTaylor

macrumors 6502a
Nov 9, 2013
816
332
I will buy it if it has a 14-15" model. I use my 12.9" iPad as a virtual white board. My handwriting is not great, and being able to write larger helps.

None of the other features interest me. My current iPad runs just fine as it is.
 

iPadified

macrumors 68020
Apr 25, 2017
2,014
2,257
There is no need for a Mac Pro unless MacOS has some pro feature/S

Let those who needs a really high end iPad Pro get one. It is for the very few just like the Mac Pro and high end Studio. For the rest of us, release a 12.9 inch Air.
 

Sheepish-Lord

macrumors 68030
Oct 13, 2021
2,529
5,148
I have a 2018 iPP that I will be upgrading in 2022 to ..... a new 2022 MacBook Air when released...

I can no longer justify buying iPad Pro hardware when the software experience is the same as on $329 base iPad.

12.9" iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard = M1, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage @ 3+lbs = $1,548
13.3" MacBook Air = M1, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage @ 2.8lbs = $999

Why pay greater than 50% more for an iPad Pro that weighs more than a MacBook Air AND runs the limited iPadOS?

I will buy a MacBook Air AND have enough money left over to buy either a base iPad or almost iPad Air for my consumption device for what I would pay for the Pro+keyboard.

Yes the iPad Pro has better cameras and better screen but that isn't worth over $500 to still be running a limited OS.

Apple keeps jacking up the iPad Pro price without adding any new "Pro" features. It's time to stop paying for a Ferrari that is only allowed to drive on roads approved by Apple (App Store) and that isn't allowed to go more than 30 miles an hour (many many OS limitations compared to MacOS).
Exactly and often times it's more convenient for the MBA than an iPad w/keyboard since it's less adjustable and stiff. I would argue that while the camera is better spec on paper the fact it's still off center makes it a worse experience so I'll take the lower quality but better positioned camera.
I find it hard to believe Apple doesn't hear all the complaints from the iPad lineup as every one of them has issues with either software or hardware.
 

Dealmans

Suspended
Mar 12, 2022
1,405
1,213
I have a 2018 iPP that I will be upgrading in 2022 to ..... a new 2022 MacBook Air when released...

I can no longer justify buying iPad Pro hardware when the software experience is the same as on $329 base iPad.

12.9" iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard = M1, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage @ 3+lbs = $1,548
13.3" MacBook Air = M1, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage @ 2.8lbs = $999

Why pay greater than 50% more for an iPad Pro that weighs more than a MacBook Air AND runs the limited iPadOS?

I will buy a MacBook Air AND have enough money left over to buy either a base iPad or almost iPad Air for my consumption device for what I would pay for the Pro+keyboard.

Yes the iPad Pro has better cameras and better screen but that isn't worth over $500 to still be running a limited OS.

Apple keeps jacking up the iPad Pro price without adding any new "Pro" features. It's time to stop paying for a Ferrari that is only allowed to drive on roads approved by Apple (App Store) and that isn't allowed to go more than 30 miles an hour (many many OS limitations compared to MacOS).
Wrong. Not everyone uses a keyboard I don't, some just want the biggest iPad with best screen.
13" air does same as 16" MacBook Pro so there goes your iPad analogy
 

bscheffel

macrumors 6502
Jul 17, 2008
367
682
Wrong. Not everyone uses a keyboard I don't, some just want the biggest iPad with best screen.
13" air does same as 16" MacBook Pro so there goes your iPad analogy
If you are fine paying laptop prices for a consumption oriented tablet more power to you.

Yes - MacBook Air 13" runs the same OS as MacBook Pro 16" and the price differential can be large depending on config. The difference is there are MANY people who have workflows that require the beefy hardware of the Pro.

I imagine there is a minuscule number of people if any whos iPad Workflow REQUIRES them to have an M1 iPad with 8+ GB RAM as opposed to the base iPad.
 

rui no onna

Contributor
Oct 25, 2013
14,917
13,261
If you are fine paying laptop prices for a consumption oriented tablet more power to you.

Yes - MacBook Air 13" runs the same OS as MacBook Pro 16" and the price differential can be large depending on config. The difference is there are MANY people who have workflows that require the beefy hardware of the Pro.

I imagine there is a minuscule number of people if any whos iPad Workflow REQUIRES them to have an M1 iPad with 8+ GB RAM as opposed to the base iPad.


I find it interesting how the iPad Pros always get lambasted for pricing but the $1000+ iPhone Pros are considered just normal nowadays.

Personally, I don’t need M1. I probably would’ve been just as happy with A15+6GB RAM. However, 4GB and lower just reloads way too much for my taste even for “simple” things like web browsing.
 

bscheffel

macrumors 6502
Jul 17, 2008
367
682
I find it interesting how the iPad Pros always get lambasted for pricing but the $1000+ iPhone Pros are considered just normal nowadays.

Personally, I don’t need M1. I probably would’ve been just as happy with A15+6GB RAM. However, 4GB and lower just reloads way too much for my taste even for “simple” things like web browsing.
I absolutely agree that you can compare the price of an iPhone Pro with an iPad Pro and scratch your head over why they are the same price.

I think the difference is expectations... iPhone Pro does everything that people expect a smartphone would do (and then some). Apple keeps pushing iPad Pro as computer replacement so people's expectation is that it can do what a computer (read: laptop) can do. They have backed off of that marketing lately which really seemed to peak with the "what is a computer" iPad ads. People would actually view iPad Pro as a massive deal if they expected it to have the same functionality as an iPhone with a giant screen.
 
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