iPad If Apple made a 12.9-inch version of the 10th Generation iPad, would you buy it?

[BanjoDudeAhoy]

No, I wouldn’t. I don’t think I’d be too bothered by the non-laminated display - it’s fine. Not great but not as terrible as some people claim.

A bunch of other things would bother me, though. Especially the price when it wouldn’t be that much more to get an actual Pro - or when I can get a used Pro for less. I bought a used 2018 12.9” iPad Pro for less than 700 Euros including the Magic Keyboard.

A 12.9” iPad Air on the other hand I would be interested in.
120 Hz is nice and all but I’ve not had the “I can’t go back to 60 Hz” experience some claim they had with it. So that’s something I’d be happy to give up to lower the price.

 

[MayfairMissy]

I would totally buy it because I use my very old 12.9 as a TV in my kitchen. 😅
It literally never leaves the room or does any tasks.
I don't need the expensive pro features for that, only the big screen.
Work or free time take place on my other devices.

 

[ReardenMetal]

No, I wouldn't.

However, I would absolutely buy a 12.9" iPad Air. I would buy it now too, as my trusty iPad Pro 10.5 is beginning to wane a bit, and the first gen Apple Pencil is less than ideal regarding usability compared to the new one.

And I wonder, with rumors swirling about a larger ~15" MBA about to hit the market (obviously not confirmed till announced), if anyone thinks Apple may release an 12.9" iPad Air soon? I think they will, but dunno when.

I don't want Face ID at all, although I like almost everything else about the 12.9" iPad Pro as a value proposition. I still have Pro Motion on my unicorn iPad Pro 10.5, and I think it's pretty nice, but could probably live without it on an iPad Air.

 

[*~Kim~*]

As someone considering a 2nd iPad instead of replacing an energy guzzling 16 year old TV, yes.

 

[BB1970]

A fun hypothetical:

Let's say that Apple announces a 12.9-inch version of the 10th Generation iPad. So, figure it has either some form of A14, a non-laminated display, only supports the first generation Apple Pencil and USB 2.0 speeds via USB-C, and has its FaceTime/Selfie camera in landscape mode, and literally all other features of the existing 10th Generation iPad. Assume that, like the 10th Generation iPad, the Smart Connector is on the side and that, therefore, Apple has a new keyboard (with function keys) specific to this would-be iPad. Assume that Stage Manager and any other feature requiring either an M1 or M2 iPad Pro or iPad Air isn't supported. Assume it's the same kind of display, but larger. Figure the price starts at $749 for 64GB with WiFi, $900 for 256GB with WiFi and with cellular versions entailing the same $150 premium that every non-Pro iPad has. For the sake of argument, let's assume identical color options to the existing 10th Generation iPad.

Figure that this iPad isn't geared towards anyone wanting or needing the more advanced features that come with an iPad Air or either size of iPad Pro. Similarly, figure that this iPad is geared towards people wanting a 12.9-inch iPad, but not needing any of the bells and whistles that come on a 12.9-inch iPad Pro other than its size.

If such a thing came out, would you buy one?

(As a disclaimer: this is only a hypothetical; I make no claim or assertion of the likelihood of such a thing ever existing or lack thereof.)

Its actually not a terrible idea. I can see it appealing to artists on a budget (are there any other kind?) and for the casual streaming service Netflix type, who don’t really need laminate screens. The 12.9 is so much more pleasurable to draw on than any smaller size. For the student who may do FaceTime, the relocated cam is a good option. I would actually be inclined to get something like this, ONLY if the price was right.

 

[darngooddesign]

Its actually not a terrible idea. I can see it appealing to artists on a budget (are there any other kind?) and for the casual streaming service Netflix type, who don’t really need laminate screens. The 12.9 is so much more pleasurable to draw on than any smaller size. For the student who may do FaceTime, the relocated cam is a good option. I would actually be inclined to get something like this, ONLY if the price was right.

It would be approx $150 to $200 USD more than the smaller one.

 

[Falhófnir]

Probably not, as the feature set would feel like a material downgrade to me. I do value the sleeker design, all the display features, the second gen pencil, the quad speakers, etc, highly enough giving up all of them would be a big ask, even if it did save a lot of money. If the recent pricing rumours for the 13" OLED iPad Pro are anything like correct though, I don't think my next iPad will be another one of these. I'm a little sceptical it will be true, as $1,099 right up to $1,799 seems a little extreme even for Apple. I hope they will keep something larger in the current iPP price range.

 

[kltmom]

Since it's not Mini-LED, this should just be $200 more than the 10th gen so $649 wifi/$799 cellular. The extra $100 upcharge on the Pros is for the Mini-LED display.

Personally not for me but I know some aunties who only want the bigger screen (for watching K-dramas) and would go for it.

My MIL, who currently uses an 8th gen iPad with only 32gb storage -- and that's all she needs; she previously used a 16gb iPad 2 up until we insisted on buying her a new iPad (!) -- would definitely like a bigger screen, but without needing any bells and whistles of the Pro line. All she does on her iPad is watch YouTube, and that's it. No email, no texting, no surfing the internet, no FaceTime...literally nothing but YouTube, where she loves to watch movies and other videos in her native language. We set up a 65 inch TV in her bedroom, but she also likes to cozy up with her iPad in bed, on the couch, etc. The weight of a larger iPad wouldn't bother her because she doesn't hold it, but props it up in one of those soft kiddie-type foam cases with the built-in stand and handle.

 

[sublunar]

Probably not, as the feature set would feel like a material downgrade to me. I do value the sleeker design, all the display features, the second gen pencil, the quad speakers, etc, highly enough giving up all of them would be a big ask, even if it did save a lot of money. If the recent pricing rumours for the 13" OLED iPad Pro are anything like correct though, I don't think my next iPad will be another one of these. I'm a little sceptical it will be true, as $1,099 right up to $1,799 seems a little extreme even for Apple. I hope they will keep something larger in the current iPP price range.

To answer the original question, I wouldn't have one either - there's plenty of refurb 12.9" iPad Pro models available at a reasonable price.

It would smack a little bit of the iPhone Plus as alluded to other people - it might have a market but possibly not as big of one than Apple might like.

Adding OLED iPad Pro at a price uplift suggests it might get called an iPad Ultra. With European exchange rates being what they are then I'd really fear what they'd ask for it in the UK.

If Apple are introducing higher price points it seems to me that one thing they could do is put something in to meet the lower price point.

I'd like to see if Apple think a 8.9"-9.7" iPad Pro with next gen design and components might be a good move. If the M3 CPU is as power efficient as the expected die shrink will offer then perhaps a smaller Pro model might also interest those who want an iPad mini Pro.

This would presumably fill in the price gap left by the 11" and 12.9" model going upmarket with OLED.

 

[LibbyLA]

No. 11” is the upper end of my comfort zone for portable devices.

 

[Pakaku]

1st-gen Pencil support is a total downgrade from my 2018 Pro. Anyone who wants a 13" 10th-Gen iPad is better off buying refurbished.

 

[Yebubbleman]

Its actually not a terrible idea. I can see it appealing to artists on a budget (are there any other kind?) and for the casual streaming service Netflix type, who don’t really need laminate screens. The 12.9 is so much more pleasurable to draw on than any smaller size. For the student who may do FaceTime, the relocated cam is a good option. I would actually be inclined to get something like this, ONLY if the price was right.

I think the main allure of it for me is that, for me, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is the only iPad large enough for a typing experience that is truly as comfortable as that of any MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. They've definitely come a long way since the 9.7-inch iPad Pro days, but I've never found any of the keyboards for any of the 9.7-11-inch iPads to be truly comfortable for long term use.

Also, for how large it is, you can really start evaluating it in terms of comparing whether you want to go out with one or a MacBook Air instead. I don't think it justifies fully replacing a MacBook Pro, but it could definitely replace a MacBook Air for a lot of low-end use cases...until you get to the location of the front-facing camera. Video calls on a 12.9-inch iPad Pro are going to be unwieldy for the fact that the camera is still not on the top in landscape mode rather than portrait mode. Incidentally, for how cool the Apple Pencil is as a drawing implement, it's not as important of a factor to the whole "can this replace my MacBook Air" conversation. I could totally see issuing out 12.9-inch Standard iPads with keyboard folios or magic keyboards or whatever would-be keyboard accessory to the kinds of users at my workplace that don't need the complexity of a Mac or a Windows PC because the pencil not being the best is a bummer, but not as critical to desktop/laptop replacement as being able to do video conferencing and collaboration comfortably.

Most basic productivity setups entail e-mail, web, productivity apps (Word/Google Docs/Pages, Excel/Google Sheets, PowerPoint/Google Slides/Keynote), file management (Files app), collaboration/chat/video conferencing. Get a 12.9-inch iPad with a camera in the right spot and you're golden! Don't need to spend anywhere near the sixth generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro's starting price!

 

[el-John-o]

It would have to be really, really cheap.

The only reason the 10th gen iPad exists is for customer who are going to buy 300, 600, 1500 of these things. Schools, mostly. They already have a ton of 1st gen pencils, they already have cases, storage caddies, etc. that fit that form factor. And because whatever the price is gets multiplied hundreds of time; foregoing a feature that isn't mission critical for even $50 is worth literally thousands.

For an individual consumer though, the price difference would have to be pretty big for there to be any meaningful reason to consider a 12.9" "10th Gen iPad". That's a lot of compromises.

 

[Yebubbleman]

It would have to be really, really cheap.

The only reason the 10th gen iPad exists is for customer who are going to buy 300, 600, 1500 of these things. Schools, mostly. They already have a ton of 1st gen pencils, they already have cases, storage caddies, etc. that fit that form factor. And because whatever the price is gets multiplied hundreds of time; foregoing a feature that isn't mission critical for even $50 is worth literally thousands.

For an individual consumer though, the price difference would have to be pretty big for there to be any meaningful reason to consider a 12.9" "10th Gen iPad". That's a lot of compromises.

Considering a 128GB 6th Generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro with Wi-Fi only (the cheapest model of 6th Generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro, mind you) is $1099; I'm thinking Apple could easily charge $600 for a 64GB version of this hypothetical 12.9-inch 10th Generation iPad. Though, I would much much rather it be $550 or $500.

 

[adib]

Probably, if it has the current-generation A-series chip That would be the A16 as of this writing. These iPads would be great as a secondary monitor and graphic tablet combo.

 

[Falhófnir]

To answer the original question, I wouldn't have one either - there's plenty of refurb 12.9" iPad Pro models available at a reasonable price.

It would smack a little bit of the iPhone Plus as alluded to other people - it might have a market but possibly not as big of one than Apple might like.

Adding OLED iPad Pro at a price uplift suggests it might get called an iPad Ultra. With European exchange rates being what they are then I'd really fear what they'd ask for it in the UK.

If Apple are introducing higher price points it seems to me that one thing they could do is put something in to meet the lower price point.

I'd like to see if Apple think a 8.9"-9.7" iPad Pro with next gen design and components might be a good move. If the M3 CPU is as power efficient as the expected die shrink will offer then perhaps a smaller Pro model might also interest those who want an iPad mini Pro.

This would presumably fill in the price gap left by the 11" and 12.9" model going upmarket with OLED.

I'm also hoping the report got its wires crossed and those prices will be for a new "iPad Ultra" or even a convertible MacOS tablet line. OTOH I suppose, particularly the larger iPad Pro is probably such a niche device most of the people who buy it will pay up anyway. I expect maybe it won't be as simple as slap on an OLED and nearly double the price, probably they will also adjust it to start with 512GB storage and maybe 16GB RAM to help justify it (i.e. bring it more in line with the MacBook Pro). Though I still think that would be a mistake.

If some of the other features trickle down to the iPad Air I could probably settle on that, though an 11" tablet isn't my preference. I can't see paying probably £1,999 for an armchair consumption device though

On a similar theme to you if they shift around a few models they could probably come up with something coherent, but i think the >11" iPads will probably always be a higher end model. Something like the following could let them keep the 12.9" around at it's present price point. The 11" Pro lacks mini LED already so discontinuing it in favour of an 11.1" ultra helps keep the number of models from growing too far.

Ultra (11.1" & 13.0" OLED)
Pro (12.9" mini LED)
Air (8.4" and 11.0" LCD)
iPad (10.9" LCD)

 

[sublunar]

I'm also hoping the report got its wires crossed and those prices will be for a new "iPad Ultra" or even a convertible MacOS tablet line. OTOH I suppose, particularly the larger iPad Pro is probably such a niche device most of the people who buy it will pay up anyway. I expect maybe it won't be as simple as slap on an OLED and nearly double the price, probably they will also adjust it to start with 512GB storage and maybe 16GB RAM to help justify it (i.e. bring it more in line with the MacBook Pro). Though I still think that would be a mistake.

If some of the other features trickle down to the iPad Air I could probably settle on that, though an 11" tablet isn't my preference. I can't see paying probably £1,999 for an armchair consumption device though

On a similar theme to you if they shift around a few models they could probably come up with something coherent, but i think the >11" iPads will probably always be a higher end model. Something like the following could let them keep the 12.9" around at it's present price point. The 11" Pro lacks mini LED already so discontinuing it in favour of an 11.1" ultra helps keep the number of models from growing too far.

Ultra (11.1" & 13.0" OLED)
Pro (12.9" mini LED)
Air (8.4" and 11.0" LCD)
iPad (10.9" LCD)

It's ludicrous because I'm fairly sure a 12.9" device is probably too unwieldy to be a pure consumption device while adding a Magic keyboard to a bigger screen iPad with the aim of something more serious than iWork or similar will still see it eclipsed by the relevant 14" MacBook Pro - especially if M1 Pro is acceptable - macOS, better keyboard and trackpad.

I'll take an academic interest in how revolutionary the M3 will be for the iPad Pro models in case they decide they aren't going for extended battery life but going back to thinner (lighter) models for usability while keeping battery life broadly the same. Maybe fewer battery cells and the OLED screen allows less weight? Could make it a thinner device (inevitably attracting the bend-gate shock Youtubers.

That's the only way I could see an M3 being a game changer for iPad without any sign of a quantum leap in iOS that would make it more usable than reasonably equipped MacBook Air.

And it's already difficult enough to make a 12.9" M2 iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard make sense up against - say - the M2 Air to the same spec and storage, will people judge a 13" OLED display + Magic Keyboard a worthier still replacement for a similar price M2 Air?

As I said earlier, what might make for an interesting new model could be for a Mini Pro tablet to show up in the 8-9" range. Perhaps the same logic might apply to the folks who really want an iPhone Mini but didn't buy one? Who knows if Apple would risk making a Mini Pro OLED tablet?