iPad Pro just wow. 16GB RAM on new iPad Pro!

[VaruLV]

Why? Because the 12.9in iPad (with MacOS) is basically the same weight as the M1 Macbook Pro once you add the MK (and only slightly heavier than the MBA) and while a bit more expensive it offers a much better screen, an appealing aspect ratio, touch and pen support and can act as an iPad when detached. Plus you have a cellular option....
As for the number of ports, a hub solves the issue.
If this could not eat into the M1 Macbook sales I don't know what would

Price is far from “bit more expensive” when you factor in how much 16GB vs 16GB costs(as of this moment only super expensive 1TB/2TB iPP versions come with that much RAM) , plus exorbitant MK price, then factor in Apple pricing outside USA and lack of Apple buy-back in many countries and youve got yourself niche product that has much, much smaller market than 16GB Macbook Air.
Not everyone cares for pencil/touch or new display tech. People who need tablets buy tablets, people who need laptops, they buy laptops.
Regardless if and when iPads will be able to run mac software, its still overpriced niche tablet, no matter my personal opinions about it(I would love to get one with 16GB, but not for close to 2.4k euros with MK/Brydge and Apple care). Its not device for the masses unlike MB Air.

 

[Digitalguy]

Price is far from “bit more expensive” when you factor in how much 16GB vs 16GB costs(as of this moment only super expensive 1TB/2TB iPP versions come with that much RAM) , plus exorbitant MK price, then factor in Apple pricing outside USA and lack of Apple buy-back in many countries and youve got yourself niche product that has much, much smaller market than 16GB Macbook Air.
Not everyone cares for pencil/touch or new display tech. People who need tablets buy tablets, people who need laptops, they buy laptops.
Regardless if and when iPads will be able to run mac software, its still overpriced niche tablet, no matter my personal opinions about it(I would love to get one with 16GB, but not for close to 2.4k euros with MK/Brydge and Apple care). Its not device for the masses unlike MB Air.

You are assuming a lot of things just to prove you point....And you are speccing the iPad to fit you point. Sure with those specs the difference widens.
At that point, however, I could also assume that people are fine with a 11in screen and are actually happier to have a lighter device than the macbook air, and if you spec the the iPad 11 with on 1TB and add a $160 logitech combo touch, which is just as functional as the MK, it's 1660 vs 1650 for a comparatively specced Macbook air.
Can you spec the Mac lower? Sure, but the iPad too... You can even spec it under $1000 with the same keyboard... Do you have more configuration options with the Mac? Yes, but with iPad you can choose 2 screen sizes...
And last, but definitely not least... with such an iPad you would have BOTH a MacOS device AND an iPad, for that same price....
So again you can choose what suits you point, but the reality is that an MacOS iPad would probably appeal to many more people than you are assuming...

 

[LeeW]

Not sure why anyone is surprised at the RAM. The upgrade here is the M1 Chip, which already has 8GB or 16GB ram on-board, not like Apple made the decision to upgrade the RAM as a specific element for the new iPad.

 

[Digitalguy]

Not sure why anyone is surprised at the RAM. The upgrade here is the M1 Chip, which already has 8GB or 16GB ram on-board, not like Apple made the decision to upgrade the RAM as a specific element for the new iPad.

I think the surprise is more for the 16GB, they could have chosen on the 8GB variant. But IMO it was a way to incentivize people to buy the TB variant, and I think this will work in their favour, especially for the 1TB one.

 

[TomOSeven]

I'm kind of expecting them to drop the 11" iPad Pro next time around (just call it iPad Air) and leave all the phat features like the next m1 etc. to the 12.9".

 

[Digitalguy]

I'm kind of expecting them to drop the 11" iPad Pro next time around (just call it iPad Air) and leave all the phat features like the next m1 etc. to the 12.9".

I tend to think the contrary. The 11in gives you much more for $200 more, this idea was common because of the underwhelming 2020 pro, but at this point I think the 11in pro is here to stay...

 

[007p]

Not sure why anyone is surprised at the RAM. The upgrade here is the M1 Chip, which already has 8GB or 16GB ram on-board, not like Apple made the decision to upgrade the RAM as a specific element for the new iPad.

If that were true then there wouldn’t be the difference of 8gb/16gb and they wouldn’t have specified it. They never have for iOS based devices. The old way of thinking they would have left the ram at 8gb for the iPad across the board and not specified it. They haven’t this time, which is nothing but suspicious. There isn’t really a reason to list ram for iOS/iPadOS.

Aside from all that, this would be the first time they have actively decided to not limit the ram on the iPad. They have continued to keep the ram low on iPadOS devices, and even when there were same chips across multiple devices, they had different RAM - I.e they weren’t afraid to change the amount depending on the device. This arguably has to be more than just ‘well the M1 already had it’. At least for why there’s 8gb vs 16gb. That isn’t a requirement for M1, you can buy a MacBook with 2tb ssd and 8gb ram just fine.

 

[Apple Mac Daz]

I think the surprise is more for the 16GB, they could have chosen on the 8GB variant. But IMO it was a way to incentivize people to buy the TB variant, and I think this will work in their favour, especially for the 1TB one.

The 2TB will be a very niche market more likely, can’t see it being a big seller

 

[007p]

The 2TB will be a very niche market more likely, can’t see it being a big seller

Depends on if wwdc introduces anything that will benefit greatly from the added ram.

If so, I expect the 1tb to sell out and I’d probably just end up getting the 2tb rather than waiting

 

[Never mind]

So, let’s see now. Get the iPad Pro 12.9 inch with 16 GB of memory and 1 TB of storage or get the new unreleased possible 14 inch MacBook Pro with 512 GB storage and 16 GB of memory for close to the same amount?

Me thinks I’ll wait until the 14” comes out and then I will decide. Leaning towards the 14 inch for a full computer that the iPad Pro 2021 will not actually have. Don’t care about touch on the notebook, but I do care about all that a notebook well offer and not have on the iPad.

 

[mdjasrie]

I think Apple has some big plans for the iPad Pros this year. With these specs, big things are coming on the software side.

 

[rui no onna]

Not sure why anyone is surprised at the RAM. The upgrade here is the M1 Chip, which already has 8GB or 16GB ram on-board, not like Apple made the decision to upgrade the RAM as a specific element for the new iPad.

As has been mentioned, Apple traditionally hasn't mentioned how much RAM is on iPads. They're usually stingy on RAM.

I was expecting 8GB regardless of SoC branding (A14X/Z or M1). The 16GB option was a pleasant surprise and coupled with M1 branding, I'm very much looking forward to see what they've got planned for the iPad at WWDC.

 

[VaruLV]

You are assuming a lot of things just to prove you point....And you are speccing the iPad to fit you point. Sure with those specs the difference widens.
At that point, however, I could also assume that people are fine with a 11in screen and are actually happier to have a lighter device than the macbook air, and if you spec the the iPad 11 with on 1TB and add a $160 logitech combo touch, which is just as functional as the MK, it's 1660 vs 1650 for a comparatively specced Macbook air.
Can you spec the Mac lower? Sure, but the iPad too... You can even spec it under $1000 with the same keyboard... Do you have more configuration options with the Mac? Yes, but with iPad you can choose 2 screen sizes...
And last, but definitely not least... with such an iPad you would have BOTH a MacOS device AND an iPad, for that same price....
So again you can choose what suits you point, but the reality is that an MacOS iPad would probably appeal to many more people than you are assuming...

Its good to know that you have assumed none and devices were talking about have been spec‘d equally on your part. Which they are not.
The problem is, you seem to ignore the fact that 16GB/1TB iPP is “forced” upon those who want 16GB iPad, not so with Macbook, hence nothing in my post points to me speccing iPad to prove my point, its Apple who are doing it.
And logitechs kb offering is inferior to MK/Brydge/Macbook keyboard in a big way, are you yourself deliberately ignoring the fact that it doesnt have any sort of hinge to allow for normal, comfy lap operations? Its still essentially functionig as keyboard with stand and not complete laptop like experience. Why not water down a bit this concept a bit more - lets just buy cheap no name bt keyboard for 10$, then tablet stand for another 20$ and just the smallest 11” iPP with M1 and call it a day? Yes, now theres no more room for MBA in the market, no one should buy it, iPP it is, period.
We might as well start complaining that base MBA costs almost half of what 1TB/2TB 12.9 iPP with M1 does, which doesnt make sense to compare these two configs either and vice verse.
If you want to compare oranges to tangerines, at least aknowledge the differences in favour of both of these devices and seek common ground, be objective and dont try to water down specs of one and bump up specs of other basing your own opinion on your own assumptions just because you might want people to think the same about iPP vs MBA as you do.
I dont.

Quick edit: My assumption is that iPP wont be MBA killer and not that nobody will buy iPP, theres big difference.

 

[Digitalguy]

As has been mentioned, Apple traditionally hasn't mentioned how much RAM is on iPads. They're usually stingy on RAM.

I was expecting 8GB regardless of SoC branding (A14X/Z or M1). The 16GB option was a pleasant surprise and coupled with M1 branding, I'm very much looking forward to see what they've got planned for the iPad at WWDC.

Yes, and I think they will continue to be stingy on non pro model (the Air only got 4GB not even 6), and it's a strong sign of decoupling the pro from the rest....

 

[Digitalguy]

Its good to know that you have assumed none and devices were talking about have been spec‘d equally on your part. Which they are not.
The problem is, you seem to ignore the fact that 16GB/1TB iPP is “forced” upon those who want 16GB iPad, not so with Macbook, hence nothing in my post points to me speccing iPad to prove my point, its Apple who are doing it.
And logitechs kb offering is inferior to MK/Brydge/Macbook keyboard in a big way, are you yourself deliberately ignoring the fact that it doesnt have any sort of hinge to allow for normal, comfy lap operations? Its still essentially functionig as keyboard with stand and not complete laptop like experience. Why not water down a bit this concept a bit more - lets just buy cheap no name bt keyboard for 10$, then tablet stand for another 20$ and just the smallest 11” iPP with M1 and call it a day? Yes, now theres no more room for MBA in the market, no one should buy it, iPP it is, period.
We might as well start complaining that base MBA costs almost half of what 1TB/2TB 12.9 iPP with M1 does, which doesnt make sense to compare these two configs either and vice verse.
If you want to compare oranges to tangerines, at least aknowledge the differences in favour of both of these devices and seek common ground, be objective and dont try to water down specs of one and bump up specs of other basing your own opinion on your own assumptions just because you might want people to think the same about iPP vs MBA as you do.
I dont.

Quick edit: My assumption is that iPP wont be MBA killer and not that nobody will buy iPP, theres big difference.

I am not sure who of the 2 is comparing oranges to tangerines....
Anyway the Logitech is just as functional and good for typing, just less versatile in some respects (transition from iPad to laptop, use on the lap) and more in others (more angles, can fold). But even if you take the MK the thing doesn't change much.
You are complaining for having less choice in speccing the iPad..
I am complaining for having less choice since there is no 12in M1 Mac that weights less than 1 Kg... (that's what's important for me...)
We can talk as much as we want, and assume all we want to prove our point, but the truth is that in the end it's just a matter of personal priorities.... and our priorities will influence what we think other consider important or not...
You think that "people who need tablets buy tablets, people who need laptops, they buy laptops.".
I think that if you give people a tablet that can run both MacOS and iPadOS, a lot will prefer it, even if it costs a few hundred dollar more, but for that money it gives them the versatility of touch, pen, 120hz and aspect ratio and, in the end, saves them the money that they would need to spend on an iPad

 

[richpjr]

Apple has in the past limited the top model to have extra memory and we had no choice in that, so it should not be a surprise that they are doing it again. I am pleasantly surprised by the 16 GB max, but it makes sense for them to use the same chip as in the Mac line for economies of scale. A slightly lower margin on these chips vs the extra manufacturing cost of having to produce multiple chips is probably why.

 

[GrindedDown]

The only place i can forsee me needing to get a 1tb ipad that has 16gb of ram is if apple announces final cut for ipad with prores video support (very large files) AND you cannot edit that footage off of an external drive.

I think i plan on upgrading from my 2018 for sure, but i will wait until wwdc to see if i actually need to have a 1tb version or not. The 512 or even 256 would serve me fine otherwise.

 

[RiotMilk]

I've been pumped for this new ipad Pro because i've been on an ipad break for along time, basically since the 2012 model!

I'm currently thinking that I'll get the 256GB 12.9" from Best Buy where i have a 30 day return period option, and that way if Apple announces anything at WWDC that makes it seem like the extra ram would actually be impactful i could return and upgrade

 

[loybond]

Price is far from “bit more expensive” when you factor in how much 16GB vs 16GB costs(as of this moment only super expensive 1TB/2TB iPP versions come with that much RAM) , plus exorbitant MK price, then factor in Apple pricing outside USA and lack of Apple buy-back in many countries and youve got yourself niche product that has much, much smaller market than 16GB Macbook Air.
Not everyone cares for pencil/touch or new display tech. People who need tablets buy tablets, people who need laptops, they buy laptops.
Regardless if and when iPads will be able to run mac software, its still overpriced niche tablet, no matter my personal opinions about it(I would love to get one with 16GB, but not for close to 2.4k euros with MK/Brydge and Apple care). Its not device for the masses unlike MB Air.

I couldn't be bothered to read all the posts to figure out what you guys are debating, but all I can say is that your points are pretty valid. Higher end iPad pros are not the easy choice for the majority the way the MBA is.

 

[rumz]

So, let’s see now. Get the iPad Pro 12.9 inch with 16 GB of memory and 1 TB of storage or get the new unreleased possible 14 inch MacBook Pro with 512 GB storage and 16 GB of memory for close to the same amount?

Me thinks I’ll wait until the 14” comes out and then I will decide. Leaning towards the 14 inch for a full computer that the iPad Pro 2021 will not actually have. Don’t care about touch on the notebook, but I do care about all that a notebook well offer and not have on the iPad.

Yeah, similar boat. Have really been looking forward to seeing what the 14" MacBook Pro looks like. Also interested to see if they release a more affordable display ...

 

[Digitalguy]

I couldn't be bothered to read all the posts to figure out what you guys are debating, but all I can say is that your points are pretty valid. Higher end iPad pros are not the easy choice for the majority the way the MBA is.

FYI the subject was if a M1 iPad pro running MacOS and iPadOS would cannibalize sales from the mac or not

 

[The Game 161]

The only place i can forsee me needing to get a 1tb ipad that has 16gb of ram is if apple announces final cut for ipad with prores video support (very large files) AND you cannot edit that footage off of an external drive.

I think i plan on upgrading from my 2018 for sure, but i will wait until wwdc to see if i actually need to have a 1tb version or not. The 512 or even 256 would serve me fine otherwise.

Agreed 256GB did me is fine and if it’s 8GB of ram that’s fine

 

[loybond]

FYI the subject was if a M1 iPad pro running MacOS and iPadOS would cannibalize sales from the mac or not

Thanks for summarizing! That's a pretty theoretical idea at this point. If it were to happen, it would make the iPad a very versatile device. You'd get an iPad, mac mini/MacBook pro all in one device. That said, I don't think this is likely at all.

 

[Digitalguy]

Thanks for summarizing! That's a pretty theoretical idea at this point. If it were to happen, it would make the iPad a very versatile device. You'd get an iPad, mac mini/MacBook pro all in one device. That said, I don't think this is likely at all.

I don't think it's likely either, and that was my point, not because it's not possible, it's relatively easy to implement, but because it would eat mainly into Mac sales (many would choose to have only 1 device). Maybe at some point, depending on how the Mac line evolves, it can become an option for M iPads... But I am skeptical...

 

[Ludatyk]

Not sure why anyone is surprised at the RAM. The upgrade here is the M1 Chip, which already has 8GB or 16GB ram on-board, not like Apple made the decision to upgrade the RAM as a specific element for the new iPad.

I think you are right for the most part… the upgrade is most definitely the M1 Chip, because that was one of those announcement… my mouth just dropped. But 16GB of RAM on a iPad… when iOS/iPadOS hasn’t really been known to carry that much RAM, that’s surprising.

As has been mentioned, Apple traditionally hasn't mentioned how much RAM is on iPads. They're usually stingy on RAM.

I was expecting 8GB regardless of SoC branding (A14X/Z or M1). The 16GB option was a pleasant surprise and coupled with M1 branding, I'm very much looking forward to see what they've got planned for the iPad at WWDC.

With all the noise surrounding the 16GB of RAM on the newest iPad Pro, I‘m kinda shocked that the newest iMacs didn’t.