iPad Pricing in 2018

[jclardy]

Is anyone feeling like the pricing of iPad’s right now is in a weird spot? Apple bumped pricing up by quite a bit, and yet in terms of software capability we are still essentially only able to do the same things that we were able to do last year, with the exception of photoshop (Which is more on Adobe, and not Apple.)

Pricing starts at $799 for the 11”. But you need more than 64GB if you were to use this as your main “computer” so you are already at $949. You also need the keyboard, so now $1149. Already we are basically at the same price as the new MacBook Air (Which is already more expensive than it should be.) Add on the pencil so that you take advantage of the touchscreen and we surpass it at $1278. Go to the larger size and we are at $1500.

Now, if the iPad was capable of being a primary machine I would have no issue with this - but on the software side there is still so much lacking. No external storage support, no direct RAW photo downloads into third party apps, no desktop class browser, no mouse/trackpad support, barely useful external display support. We are slowly moving to a place where the iPad can be it’s own thing - but Apple just refuses to push it over the edge. I’m really hoping iOS 13 changes this...but I’ve pretty much been hoping for all of this since iOS 5. It’s always “next year” when the iPad becomes a desktop competitor. My issue now is that the iPad isn’t a desktop competitor, yet it is certainly priced as such. When an iPad cost $500 these limitations were acceptable, but now it costs the same as a MacBook Pro.

 

[DNichter]

Pricing starts at $329, for a very capable iPad that can do a lot of the same things the iPad Pro does. If you value what the Pro brings, you buy it. If not, the $329 iPad is a very capable computer also, with the same OS.

 

[DaveOP]

Is anyone feeling like the pricing of iPad’s right now is in a weird spot? Apple bumped pricing up by quite a bit, and yet in terms of software capability we are still essentially only able to do the same things that we were able to do last year, with the exception of photoshop (Which is more on Adobe, and not Apple.)

Pricing starts at $799 for the 11”. But you need more than 64GB if you were to use this as your main “computer” so you are already at $949. You also need the keyboard, so now $1149. Already we are basically at the same price as the new MacBook Air (Which is already more expensive than it should be.) Add on the pencil so that you take advantage of the touchscreen and we surpass it at $1278. Go to the larger size and we are at $1500.

Now, if the iPad was capable of being a primary machine I would have no issue with this - but on the software side there is still so much lacking. No external storage support, no direct RAW photo downloads into third party apps, no desktop class browser, no mouse/trackpad support, barely useful external display support. We are slowly moving to a place where the iPad can be it’s own thing - but Apple just refuses to push it over the edge. I’m really hoping iOS 13 changes this...but I’ve pretty much been hoping for all of this since iOS 5. It’s always “next year” when the iPad becomes a desktop competitor. My issue now is that the iPad isn’t a desktop competitor, yet it is certainly priced as such. When an iPad cost $500 these limitations were acceptable, but now it costs the same as a MacBook Pro.

iOS 13 is likely to change a lot of this. It seems clear after the event yesterday that Apple takes the iPad Pro very seriously.

 

[jclardy]

Pricing starts at $329, for a very capable iPad that can do a lot of the same things the iPad Pro does. If you value what the Pro brings, you buy it. If not, the $329 iPad is a very capable computer also, with the same OS.

I know, and there is the 10.5" Pro still there at $650. My point isn't so much that the low-end isn't capable, it is that the jump from $329 to $1500 doesn't really get you much. The software just isn't there to cover the price gap.

iOS 13 is likely to change a lot of this. It seems clear after the event yesterday that Apple takes the iPad Pro very seriously.

I agree completely, I think we'll finally see external storage become a usable thing in iOS 13, along with multiple instances of a single app. iPad hardware is absolutely incredible at this point, but it is just being held back by software.

 

[Kendo]

Great post and I get where you're coming from. You aren't complaining that the low-end iPads aren't capable, it's just that the high-end in terms of dollar vs what you get is a pretty big stretch. Unfortunately we see this with luxury brands like clothing (a $1,000 designer sweater will be better quality than a $100 sweater from Macy's but not 10x better quality). It is unfortunate that Apple is going this route. I remember for a long time, iPads generally stayed in the same price range year after year regardless of the improvements (just because they added a Retina Display or an A5 or Touch ID didn't mean they raised the price of the model an extra $100, it followed the same pricing structure of $499/$599/$699). They started toying with this with the 9.7 Pro and saw that people bit on the bait and slowly started upping the prices.

I think eventually it will catch up to them. I consider myself a fairly loyal Apple fan and unfortunately the new iPads are out of my price range. The funny thing is when the iPad was $500/$600 I considered it a good value and worth it early in my professional career. Fast forward 5 years later, I am established in my field and making triple the income I did 5 years ago yet I can't justify spending $950 for a mid-tier 256GB Wi-Fi model, even though I can afford things more easily than I could 5 years ago.

 

[DNichter]

I know, and there is the 10.5" Pro still there at $650. My point isn't so much that the low-end isn't capable, it is that the jump from $329 to $1500 doesn't really get you much. The software just isn't there to cover the price gap.


I agree completely, I think we'll finally see external storage become a usable thing in iOS 13, along with multiple instances of a single app. iPad hardware is absolutely incredible at this point, but it is just being held back by software.

Well throwing out $1,500 is a bit disingenuous. If you don't feel the jump from $329 to $799 is worth it, then you don't buy it. For some like myself, it is. I value the better screen, the new design, the better speakers, the A12X is a monster, Face ID, the new gestures, increase in RAM, ProMotion, I am sure there is a ton more. The software is similar between the two, but the experience is very different. It all comes down to what an individual values.

 

[Kendo]

Well throwing out $1,500 is a bit disingenuous. If you don't feel the jump from $329 to $799 is worth it, then you don't buy it. For some like myself, it is. I value the better screen, the new design, the better speakers, the A12X is a monster, Face ID, the new gestures, increase in RAM, ProMotion, I am sure there is a ton more. The software is similar between the two, but the experience is very different. It all comes down to what an individual values.

But the thing, it wasn't always like that. For example from iPad 4 to iPad Air 1 we all used to say, "I value the thinner and lighter design, the A7, the laminated display so now I will upgrade my iPad to the new model". Meaning you're willing to upgrade and pay the same price you always paid.

These days we have to say "I value the blah blah blah and the blah blah blah so now I will spend $350 more to upgrade my iPad to the new model".

Somewhere in the past few years Apple got us to think we should pay more for improvements rather than having things improve as they naturally do with technology for the same price.

 

[DNichter]

But the thing, it wasn't always like that. For example from iPad 4 to iPad Air 1 we all used to say, "I value the thinner and lighter design, the A7, the laminated display so now I will upgrade my iPad to the new model". Meaning you're willing to upgrade and pay the same price you always paid.

These days we have to say "I value the blah blah blah and the blah blah blah so now I will spend $350 more to upgrade my iPad to the new model".

Somewhere in the past few years Apple got us to think we should pay more for improvements rather than having things improve as they naturally do with technology for the same price.

That's fair, but Apple decided to split the line up between budget and pro. Today, you have an extremely capable product for $329, with essentially the same software. If you don't see the value in the Pro features, you don't have to spend that much, you can go for the budget model and have a really good product also. I personally do feel the pricing is very high, but I see the value since it's my primary computer. My fiancee has the budget model and uses it for graphic design. She doesn't see a difference in the screen or speed and is more than happy with what it does for $329. I think it's good we have choices today.

 

[GDF]

I agree that the pricing is getting out of hand. I have upgraded my iPad every year except one and have upgraded again this year, but it is getting to expensive, when you have to upgrade the keyboard and the pen too, as it will take you into premium laptop category.

MS Surface is now a better buy, but have tried that twice and never satisfied, as it does not have the apps to make it seem like an iPad.

Will see how the new iPad and accessories perform to see if the value is there compared to my 10.5 pro, but having second thoughts that it is.

 

[boy-better-know]

Pricing is fine IMO

There is now an iPad for everyone. At the higer end you are talking about pwople who need a legitimate replacement for a computer.

 

[Freida]

Well throwing out $1,500 is a bit disingenuous. If you don't feel the jump from $329 to $799 is worth it, then you don't buy it. For some like myself, it is. I value the better screen, the new design, the better speakers, the A12X is a monster, Face ID, the new gestures, increase in RAM, ProMotion, I am sure there is a ton more. The software is similar between the two, but the experience is very different. It all comes down to what an individual values.

Read the post above yours. I've talked about this with you already, you almost always seem to defend Apple. Is there ever a point that you are not content? I agree, the new iPad is amazing but the price is not reflective and is too high. It would be easier to swallow if they kept the accessories affordable but increasing the pencil price, keyboard is now $200 (thats insane!).
So, the new Apple model is - make the device better than previous generation (obviously) but also increase the price (duh!).
Are you ok with that? Where is your limit, man

 

[DNichter]

Read the post above yours. I've talked about this with you already, you almost always seem to defend Apple. Is there ever a point that you are not content? I agree, the new iPad is amazing but the price is not reflective and is too high. It would be easier to swallow if they kept the accessories affordable but increasing the pencil price, keyboard is now $200 (thats insane!).
So, the new Apple model is - make the device better than previous generation (obviously) but also increase the price (duh!).
Are you ok with that? Where is your limit, man

For me, it's not necessarily about defending Apple, it's more about being a conscious consumer and making decisions for myself. I can't control any decisions that Apple makes, aside from not buying the product. I don't see the value in the Pencil or the Keyboard, so I didn't buy them. It's not that complicated for me, but I try not to worry about the decisions they make because what I think ultimately make no difference. I think the prices are high for sure, but they are positioning the Pro as a potential PC replacement and for people like that (me), the value is there. For the people that don't need all of those features, the $329 iPad is extremely capable. Different consumers for different products. I don't see the point in complaining to the internet about their pricing decisions. There are a ton of premium products out there that I don't see the value in. I don't buy them, and I also don't go complaining about their pricing.

 

[Freida]

For me, it's not necessarily about defending Apple, it's more about being a conscious consumer and making decisions for myself. I can't control any decisions that Apple makes, aside from not buying the product. I don't see the value in the Pencil or the Keyboard, so I didn't buy them. It's not that complicated for me, but I try not to worry about the decisions they make because what I think ultimately make no difference. I think the prices are high for sure, but they are positioning the Pro as a potential PC replacement and for people like that (me), the value is there. For the people that don't need all of those features, the $329 iPad is extremely capable. Different consumers for different products. I don't see the point in complaining to the internet about their pricing decisions. There are a ton of premium products out there that I don't see the value in. I don't buy them, and I also don't go complaining about their pricing.

Thats correct but complaining ultimately could lead to an action. If suddenly all press and customers will mention it and maybe even vote with their wallets then you can bet the next gen. will be lower priced. We used to have flagship iPhones for 500 pounds, now they are 1000 pounds. Where do people draw the line?
For price conscious customers this new direction of Apple is an issue and Apple is pricing out a lot of people that would otherwise purchase their products. In the past, it used to be - new update, same price (sometimes lower) and everyone happy.
So yeah, complaining here makes little difference but if that voice gets multiplied and is echoed overall you can bet that Apple will want to address that.

Yesterday, my partner tried to order the new iPad. 12.9, 256gb, pencil, keyboard and it came to over $2000CAD. (with tax)
That is insane amount of money

Anyway, you are right. Its all about choices and perspective. I'm actually kinda glad in one way that Apple is doing this as I don't have the tendency to buy their new stuff anymore because the higher prices make me think about it longer and then I get to conclusion that I don't want to go down that route. (unlike in the past where impulse decision sometimes happened )

 

[DNichter]

Thats correct but complaining ultimately could lead to an action. If suddenly all press and customers will mention it and maybe even vote with their wallets then you can bet the next gen. will be lower priced. We used to have flagship iPhones for 500 pounds, now they are 1000 pounds. Where do people draw the line?
For price conscious customers this new direction of Apple is an issue and Apple is pricing out a lot of people that would otherwise purchase their products. In the past, it used to be - new update, same price (sometimes lower) and everyone happy.
So yeah, complaining here makes little difference but if that voice gets multiplied and is echoed overall you can bet that Apple will want to address that.

Yesterday, my partner tried to order the new iPad. 12.9, 256gb, pencil, keyboard and it came to over $2000CAD. (with tax)
That is insane amount of money

Anyway, you are right. Its all about choices and perspective. I'm actually kinda glad in one way that Apple is doing this as I don't have the tendency to buy their new stuff anymore because the higher prices make me think about it longer and then I get to conclusion that I don't want to go down that route. (unlike in the past where impulse decision sometimes happened )

That's fair and I certainly don't want to be disrespectful of people's views. Apple products are expensive, they always have been, but they are definitely creeping up as of late. The only solution to me is not to buy them. Unfortunately, Apple is selling more products than ever. I don't expect this pricing trend to stop. I agree, that is insane. I wanted the 256 11 inch with the smart folio and a pencil. I felt the price was too high, so I went with the 64 11 inch and smart folio instead. Everyone needs to individually decide what value a product brings to them and make buying decisions accordingly. I don't fault Apple necessarily. I'm a bit different in your last point as I have pretty much accepted that I will sell and upgrade my iPad every year, comes out to about $300 a year. As my primary computer for work, I don't find it too hard to stomach, and I enjoy the new tech.

 

[Uofmtiger]

That's fair and I certainly don't want to be disrespectful of people's views. Apple products are expensive, they always have been, but they are definitely creeping up as of late. The only solution to me is not to buy them. Unfortunately, Apple is selling more products than ever. I don't expect this pricing trend to stop. I agree, that is insane. I wanted the 256 11 inch with the smart folio and a pencil. I felt the price was too high, so I went with the 64 11 inch and smart folio instead. Everyone needs to individually decide what value a product brings to them and make buying decisions accordingly. I don't fault Apple necessarily. I'm a bit different in your last point as I have pretty much accepted that I will sell and upgrade my iPad every year, comes out to about $300 a year. As my primary computer for work, I don't find it too hard to stomach, and I enjoy the new tech.

I think it makes perfect sense to complain about the pricing. Apple is raising their prices across most of their product line and it makes us either stick with their old tech or pay ridiculous prices for updated hardware with margins that continue to widen. Once you buy a bunch of Pro apps that use the original Pencil, you really can't just go back to the $329 model.

Obviously, the market dictates the price, but Apple doesn't have a competitor that also uses iOS or MacOs, so leaving them would be uprooting entire workflows. They know their ecosystem is sticky, which is why they can just continue to price-gouge. Of course, we are free to just stick with what we have or jump to another OS, so I am not saying it is lock-in, but factoring in the time/money lost to try to replace the apps I use everyday with Windows' versions (assuming I move to their main competitor) isn't ideal.

That being said, I want that larger iPad Pro...so we will see if it is worth selling a kidney or not.

 

[DNichter]

I think it makes perfect sense to complain about the pricing. Apple is raising their prices across most of their product line and it makes us either stick with their old tech or pay ridiculous prices for updated hardware with margins that continue to widen. Once you buy a bunch of Pro apps that use the original Pencil, you really can't just go back to the $329 model.

Obviously, the market dictates the price, but Apple doesn't have a competitor that also uses iOS or MacOs, so leaving them would be uprooting entire workflows. They know their ecosystem is sticky, which is why they can just continue to price-gouge. Of course, we are free to just stick with what we have or jump to another OS, so I am not saying it is lock-in, but factoring in the time/money lost to try to replace the apps I use everyday with Windows' versions (assuming I move to their main competitor) isn't ideal.

That being said, I want that larger iPad Pro...so we will see if it is worth selling a kidney or not.

I think not purchasing would do more, but in the end, it probably won't make a ton of difference either way considering how well their products sell today. I disagree about pro apps and pencil though, my fiancee uses Affinity apps on her $329 iPad with the pencil and loves it. It's definitely a better option for a ton of people. Apple sells premium products, people just need to decide whether or not the value is there for them and make a decision. Complaining about it to a forum really does nothing, that's my only point.

 

[sunking101]

Pricing is fine IMO

There is now an iPad for everyone. At the higer end you are talking about pwople who need a legitimate replacement for a computer.

An iPad will never replace a computer. It has always been and remains an iPhone with a bigger screen and no phone app. It's a consumption device pure and simple.
Look at the Huawei MediaPro M5 8.4"
It has a 2K laminated display, 4GB of RAM, stereo speakers, huge battery life and 32GB of inbuilt with expandable SD storage.... all for $249. They do bigger screens for those who need it. Seriously, for a consumption device who needs more? You are getting much more for your (less) money.

 

[RickInHouston]

iOS 13 is likely to change a lot of this. It seems clear after the event yesterday that Apple takes the iPad Pro very seriously.

But not at the expense of their laptop business. They won't cannibalize that.

 

[Pangalactic]

pricing

Apple

Can't use them in the same sentence, sorry

 

[jclardy]

But not at the expense of their laptop business. They won't cannibalize that.

While that has been true for the past 5 years, I'm not so sure anymore. Say a new customer comes in - does apple care whether they buy an $1899 iPad Pro or an $1899 MacBook Pro? They would probably prefer the iPad, because then they know they have secured future revenue from the App Store/iTunes, iCloud storage for backup and $330 in accessory purchases. Also they have more lock-in with iOS since you can't install apps from anywhere else, so your likely upgrade path is another new iPad in 2-3 years.

 

[macduke]

I think for what it is the pricing is a bit much now. I was expecting a $100 increase, $150 at most, and got $200. I'm not sure that an iPad is as useful to me as an iPhone. Like, if I had to pick just one, it would be iPhone all day. They're pricing it like they moved to OLED. Functionally, there isn't a $470 difference between the 11" iPad Pro and the 9.7" iPad. You could buy two 9.7" iPads if you were crazy enough and probably get more done from a multitasking perspective and still save money, lol. But that would be dumb. Still, I feel like the pricing is really weird now. Can't wait to see how much they jack up the price on the iMac next year.

 

[jsmith1]

Buying an iPad with 2gb of ram is throwing your money away, doesn’t matter if 350 or not, Apple just threw out something for bottom tier to use up old hardware


Really getting disgruntled with their approach now, if they want tiers, give people paying premium prices, premium components ALL THE WAY THROUGH....not just few enhancements and fill up with yesterday’s parts to use up

 

[Uofmtiger]

I think not purchasing would do more, but in the end, it probably won't make a ton of difference either way considering how well their products sell today. I disagree about pro apps and pencil though, my fiancee uses Affinity apps on her $329 iPad with the pencil and loves it. It's definitely a better option for a ton of people. Apple sells premium products, people just need to decide whether or not the value is there for them and make a decision. Complaining about it to a forum really does nothing, that's my only point.

I think people discuss everything on forums. If we can't discuss things we are not happy about with a product, then what is the point of a forum anyway? Just to give tips that are available on blogs? Whether or not Apple listens is another story. I think it may be a place they can go to see what people are saying if the sells #s decrease (which I am not saying they will). I would guess that they have some people reading forums like MacRumors, but I don't work there, so I can't say for sure.

I think the $329 iPad Pro is the same thing as the original iPad? I am not sure, but if it is, then there is definitely no reason for someone with the old Pro to update to this model. I was referring to people with older iPad Pros that wanted an upgrade.

Personally, I will be interested to see how these new iPads sell after the initial rush from iPad fanatics. Can they keep charging this much or will we see major discounts? I can wait until Photoshop is released and some of the initial bugs are worked out to find out. For my needs, the old iPad Pro is fine unless it doesn't work with Photoshop.

 

[boy-better-know]

An iPad will never replace a computer. It has always been and remains an iPhone with a bigger screen and no phone app. It's a consumption device pure and simple.
Look at the Huawei MediaPro M5 8.4"
It has a 2K laminated display, 4GB of RAM, stereo speakers, huge battery life and 32GB of inbuilt with expandable SD storage.... all for $249. They do bigger screens for those who need it. Seriously, for a consumption device who needs more? You are getting much more for your (less) money.

It is a replacement for a computer for some people. I didn’t say it was for you.

 

[Uofmtiger]

It is a replacement for a computer for some people. I didn’t say it was for you.

Of course, the Original iPad fit that description, as well. It was my mom's only computer.