iPad Pro New iPad Pros?

[Ludatyk]

What is going to be the distinguishing factor between the new "iPad" and "iPad Air" products?

I think the distinguishing factor will be the price? Right? But in terms of internally... I’m sure Apple will limit hardware features (laminated display, True Tone, etc.) for the new “iPad” so it can hit the $329 price point.

But I just think it’s crowded. I like how they streamlined the MacBook lineup this year... There’s only the MacBook Air and Pro, gone is the MacBook. Now, as rumors lead to they will be updating the entry iPad to 10.2-inches.

iPad Mini at 7.9, iPad 10.2, iPad Air 10.5, iPad Pro 11-12.9. I’m just wondering when will it stop? Will they eventually push the screen real estate of the iPad Mini? Or perhaps make it smaller? Make a larger iPad Pro?

At this point the entry level iPad has a A10 chip.. updating the iPad to a A12 that’s seen in the new iPad Mini would seem like the way to go this fall.

 

[bensisko]

A 6 GB iPad Pro would be a huge advantage over a 4 GB model for longevity.

Not everyone wants or needs a 1 TB iPad Pro just to get 6 GB.

Assuming they upgrade the Pros to 6 and don’t wait until next year for that (if there is a Pro upgrade).

 

[aevan]

As expected, the 2018 iPad Pros can only support up to 4Kp60 on external monitors, including on the new USB-C compatible LG 5K Ultrafine monitor. However, it should be noted that DisplayPort.org states that technically it can support 5K over USB-C. (I'm not talking about Thunderbolt here.) This makes me wonder if the the new 2019/2020 iPad Pros would be able to do this.

First Apple needs to find a way to make monitor support useful on an iPad in the first place. I mean, 5K is nice, but other than watching videos in 5K, I don’t see the point. I mean, yeah, developers can add second screen support, but I haven’t found a good use yet. Mostly because of controls, you can’t really control the second screen in any way. If Apple added some option to switch to the second screen and use iPad as a trackpad, it would open up some use cases (you can do something similar with Wacom Cintiqs), but I don’t see Apple doing anything similar soon.

 

[Ludatyk]

A 6 GB iPad Pro would be a huge advantage over a 4 GB model for longevity.

Not everyone wants or needs a 1 TB iPad Pro just to get 6 GB.

Huge advantage? Not so sure about that.. i doubt it will entice current 2017/2018 iPad Pro users to upgrade to it, if that’s the only thing Apple updates.

I just think there’s honestly no point, iPP currently has a A12X. If Apple plan on updating the iPP, and additional to updating the new iPhones to A13... they will be updating the new iPP to A13X.. right? Seems too soon.

 

[EugW]

Assuming they upgrade the Pros to 6 and don’t wait until next year for that (if there is a Pro upgrade).

Exactly. That's why some people like myself will simply wait. Some predictions:

100% chance: SoC update (probably named A13X)
75% chance: 6 GB across the board
50% chance: Fall 2019 release
50% chance: Entry level 128 GB
50% chance: DisplayPort 1.4
5% chance: 5G
0% chance: OLED screens

As mentioned earlier, I'd buy a 6 GB 11" at full price over a 4 GB 11" at refurb price any day.

Huge advantage? Not so sure about that.. i doubt it will entice current 2017/2018 iPad Pro users to upgrade to it, if that’s the only thing Apple updates.

I just think there’s honestly no point, iPP currently has a A12X. If Apple plan on updating the iPP, and additional to updating the new iPhones to A13... they will be updating the new iPP to A13X.. right? Seems too soon.

As some have said before, if you already have a 2018, there isn't as good a reason to upgrade to the 2019. But with 2017 and earlier, there is much more reason to upgrade. FaceTime (esp. when paired with the Smart Keyboard) and USB-C are distinct advantages IMO. With my Lightning iPad Pro running iPadOS 13, to get external USB flash drive support I have to plug in a Lightning to USB 3 adapter, plug an AC adapter into the wall outlet, plug in a USB to Lightning cable into the AC adapter and the Lightning to USB 3 adapter to provide power, and then plug in the USB flash drive into the Lightning to USB 3 adapter. With the 2018 iPad, you just plug in the flash drive and that's it.

I have a 2017 iPad Pro 10.5". My wife wants an iPad. If the new iPad Pros get 6 GB, I will buy a new iPad Pro and give her my 2017.

If the new iPad Pros stay at 4 GB, I'll probably just keep my 2017 iPad Pro, get her a lower end iPad, and call it a day.

 

[Ludatyk]

Exactly. That's why some people like myself will simply wait. Some predictions:

100% chance: SoC update (probably named A13X)
75% chance: Fall 2019 release
75% chance: 6 GB across the board
50% chance: Entry level 128 GB
50% chance: DisplayPort 1.4
5% chance: 5G
0% chance: OLED screens

75% chance of a Fall update to the iPad Pro? That’s way too high, IMO. Perhaps, 75% chance of a update to the iPad, it currently has a A10 chip.

Now, I think there’s a 75% chance of a Spring update to the iPP. Maybe, I missed the point on this 6GB your hanging you’re hopes on... why so interested with it?

 

[EugW]

75% chance of a Fall update to the iPad Pro? That’s way too high, IMO. Perhaps, 75% chance of a update to the iPad, it currently has a A10 chip.

Either way is fine with me. Maybe I'll change that prediction to 50% then.

Now, I think there’s a 75% chance of a Spring update to the iPP. Maybe, I missed the point on this 6GB your hanging you’re hopes on... why so interested with it?

Computing device longevity and effectiveness is usually mostly dependent on two factors: RAM and CPU speed. BTW, the expectation of 6 GB is not a big stretch, since the 2018 already supports 6 GB in one of its models.

 

[playtech1]

It feels like 2020 will be an 'S' year for iPad Pros, with the same design but A13x and -possibly - a few minor other spec bumps.

But I could see the wider lineup being rejigged, with the basic iPad / Air / Mini looking ripe for a shake up.

My best guess is that the iPad / Air combine into the rumoured 'cheaper' 10.2 iPad.

That iPad and the Mini would also have a facelift to be like smaller iPad Pro, with FaceID (I bet the cost of FaceID hardware is no longer what it was - plus Apple may well have overestimated phone demand so has plenty of capacity there).

That would mean you end up with four iPads - Mini, Regular, Small Pro, Large Pro - not that different to now, but with a consistent design language across the range.

A12x in Mini and Regular, A13x in the Pros.

 

[EugW]

A12x in Mini and Regular

No chance in Hades.

 

[playtech1]

No chance in Hades.

If not an A12x, then perhaps a regular A13 (with 'x' models limited to the Pro). My thinking is that if Apple is combining the base iPad and the Air, then a regular A12 won't cut it as an upgrade. Also, we are talking 2020 here and the A12 will be a 2 year old CPU at that point.

 

[Ludatyk]

Computing device longevity and effectiveness is usually mostly dependent on two factors: RAM and CPU speed. BTW, the expectation of 6 GB is not a big stretch, since the 2018 already supports 6 GB in one of its models.

Yeah, I'm aware of the 6GBs in the 1 TB models. But longevity for Apple devices has a good track record, look at the iPad Mini 4th generation... released in 2015, supported by iPadOS. I can't really speak on effectiveness... not sure what activities you do on you're iPP, but 4GB iPads usually hold up well to multitasking/exporting.

With my Lightning iPad Pro running iPadOS 13, to get external USB flash drive support I have to plug in a Lightning to USB 3 adapter, plug an AC adapter into the wall outlet, plug in a USB to Lightning cable into the AC adapter and the Lightning to USB 3 adapter to provide power, and then plug in the USB flash drive into the Lightning to USB 3 adapter. With the 2018 iPad, you just plug in the flash drive and that's it.

I would suggest getting a 2018 iPad Pro, there's plenty of deals online or perhaps a refurbished model.. that would solve your problem. I understand, you want to get THE latest model and hold onto it for 5+ years. But the 2018 iPad Pro will be at least supported for 3 to 4 years, but then again I'm not sure what's your upgrade cycle. I previously had the 2017 12.9-inch iPP, and I was planning on just keeping that model. It worked perfectly fine.

But as soon as I went to the store and check out the newest model. The 2018 iPP hardware won me over, eventually I post my 2017 iPP on Craigslist and sold it within 2 or 3 days.

 

[bensisko]

My best guess is that the iPad / Air combine into the rumoured 'cheaper' 10.2 iPad.

I've thought about that, but I think it would be odd that they would reintroduce, then effectively kill, the Air in the same year. At best that sounds like poor planning.

 

[rumz]

An argument against new iPad Pros (at least in relation to release of iPad OS) is that iPad OS will be released around the iPhone event. The only reason to show a new iPad at the iPhone event is if there isn't a compelling update to the iPhone / Watch. Also, a consumer iPad with iPadOS might be a better shot to target the masses instead of putting a focus on the Pro.

The iPad Pro (12.9", first generation) was introduced at a September event in 2015 along with new iPhones (iPhone 6s). Perhaps the 6s wasn't very compelling? I upgraded to it from a 6-- funny enough-- based on the bump in RAM alone. Made a massive difference in performance for me.

Based on 2019 rumors and how most new rumors tend to be about 2020 iPhones... it's anyone's guess how compelling an update the new iPhone will be outside of the new camera [/QUOTE]

 

[JPack]

It feels like 2020 will be an 'S' year for iPad Pros, with the same design but A13x and -possibly - a few minor other spec bumps.

The 2020 iPad Pro is expected to use mini-LED and have a ToF sensor on the back. According to Kuo, of course.

Unless you're referring to the iPad Pro expected in Q4'19-Q1'20.

 

[rumz]

Huge advantage? Not so sure about that.. i doubt it will entice current 2017/2018 iPad Pro users to upgrade to it, if that’s the only thing Apple updates.

I just think there’s honestly no point, iPP currently has a A12X. If Apple plan on updating the iPP, and additional to updating the new iPhones to A13... they will be updating the new iPP to A13X.. right? Seems too soon.

Even if all they did was bump RAM and drop in an A13X... why not? Just stop selling the 2018 model and replace it with the 2019 spec bump. People talk about how the current capability of the iPad Pro isn't being utilized. Is that a reason to stop moving forward? What apps are currently available and what apps could come in the future are 2 different things. What dose it look like when Photoshop is finally released on the iPad?

It's partly a question of-- in my mind-- whether it's feasible for them to get that done in a timely manner. It could be the A13X isn't ready the same time as the A13 and hence a gap between iPhone and iPad Pro updates. Or maybe Apple just needs something to talk about in the spring to keep the news cycle fresh.

And here's the thing, IMO... even if they don't release this till 1H 2020, I don't think it'll be any more of an upgrade than the one some of us are suggesting could be released this fall. People with 2018 iPad Pros are still likely to not be terribly interested in upgrading to the 2020 model. I don't see Apple overhauling the design for several years. I *could* see them releasing a 5G version not long after the iPhone 12 or whatever the 2020 model is. (As JPack just mentioned, there could be other major improvements, such as with screen technology and cameras and such, that we're not likely to see before end of 2020). In that case-- they either go a full 2+ years between releases, or do a spec bump as soon as that A13x is ready.

Heh... at the end of the day... I really just want a 2019 iPad because I'm running first gen, and you've got a 2018 so 2019 doesn't sound compelling or necessary I nearly grabbed a 2018 a week ago. But since I don't have an urgent need for it, I'm just waiting a bit longer to see what happens this fall-- which, yes, could be nothing.

 

[EugW]

And here's the thing, IMO... even if they don't release this till 1H 2020, I don't think it'll be any more of an upgrade than the one some of us are suggesting could be released this fall. People with 2018 iPad Pros are still likely to not be terribly interested in upgrading to the 2020 model. I don't see Apple overhauling the design for several years.

Agreed. It's unlikely a 2020 H1 iPad Pro release would generate much increased interest over a 2019 Q4 release.

 

[Ludatyk]

Even if all they did was bump RAM and drop in an A13X... why not? Just stop selling the 2018 model and replace it with the 2019 spec bump. People talk about how the current capability of the iPad Pro isn't being utilized. Is that a reason to stop moving forward? What apps are currently available and what apps could come in the future are 2 different things. What dose it look like when Photoshop is finally released on the iPad?

I'm not trying to indicate that Apple should stop innovating, stop updating. My point is, is it realistic to see Apple upgrade RAM and drop a A13X chip in it THIS fall? Judging from history of iPad Pro releases, since 2015... it's been sporadic. Never a fall to fall update.

I don't think it'll be any more of an upgrade than the one some of us are suggesting could be released this fall. People with 2018 iPad Pros are still likely to not be terribly interested in upgrading to the 2020 model.

The topic was surrounding if it was just an upgrade bump of 6GB. Of course, that wouldn't entice 2018 iPP users... whether if Apple waited until 2020. If it was more to it... 5G, 2 camera setup (occasional, people use iPad for the camera), A13X (showing upcoming apps utilizing it). Then, obviously... it would be of interest to 2018 iPP users.

 

[JPack]

I'm not trying to indicate that Apple should stop innovating, stop updating. My point is, is it realistic to see Apple upgrade RAM and drop a A13X chip in it THIS fall? Judging from history of iPad Pro releases, since 2015... it's been sporadic. Never a fall to fall update.

Remember the time people swore up and down, that we would NEVER see an iPad Pro launch at WWDC? Because WWDC was for "software news only"? Then it happened in June 2017.

Markets conditions change. Hardware capabilities change. If Apple is really treating iPad Pro as a productivity device like MacBook, an annual update is expected.

 

[bensisko]

What dose it look like when Photoshop is finally released on the iPad?

Well, at the iPad Keynote last year Adobe said "early 2019", so.... Adobe Max 2022?

 

[rui no onna]

I'm not trying to indicate that Apple should stop innovating, stop updating. My point is, is it realistic to see Apple upgrade RAM and drop a A13X chip in it THIS fall? Judging from history of iPad Pro releases, since 2015... it's been sporadic. Never a fall to fall update.

Note though, while there hasn't been a fall-to-fall update for the iPad Pros thus far, both 2015 iPad Pro (A9X/4GB) and 2018 iPad Pro (A12X/4-6GB) were released in fall just a couple months after the 6S (A9/2GB) and XR/XS (A12/3-4GB).

The topic was surrounding if it was just an upgrade bump of 6GB. Of course, that wouldn't entice 2018 iPP users... whether if Apple waited until 2020. If it was more to it... 5G, 2 camera setup (occasional, people use iPad for the camera), A13X (showing upcoming apps utilizing it). Then, obviously... it would be of interest to 2018 iPP users.

There's probably a larger install base of 2015-2017 iPad Pro models than there is of 2018. Given they still haven't updated to the 2018 iPP now, I expect they're waiting for a (slightly or significantly) bigger upgrade.

 

[Riwam]

Exactly. That's why some people like myself will simply wait. Some predictions:

100% chance: SoC update (probably named A13X)
75% chance: 6 GB across the board
50% chance: Fall 2019 release
50% chance: Entry level 128 GB
50% chance: DisplayPort 1.4
5% chance: 5G
0% chance: OLED screens

As mentioned earlier, I'd buy a 6 GB 11" at full price over a 4 GB 11" at refurb price any day.


As some have said before, if you already have a 2018, there isn't as good a reason to upgrade to the 2019. But with 2017 and earlier, there is much more reason to upgrade. FaceTime (esp. when paired with the Smart Keyboard) and USB-C are distinct advantages IMO. With my Lightning iPad Pro running iPadOS 13, to get external USB flash drive support I have to plug in a Lightning to USB 3 adapter, plug an AC adapter into the wall outlet, plug in a USB to Lightning cable into the AC adapter and the Lightning to USB 3 adapter to provide power, and then plug in the USB flash drive into the Lightning to USB 3 adapter. With the 2018 iPad, you just plug in the flash drive and that's it.

I have a 2017 iPad Pro 10.5". My wife wants an iPad. If the new iPad Pros get 6 GB, I will buy a new iPad Pro and give her my 2017.

If the new iPad Pros stay at 4 GB, I'll probably just keep my 2017 iPad Pro, get her a lower end iPad, and call it a day.

If your wife reads your posts, she won't be happy how you intend to pass her what is not good enough for you.
So I suppose she does not check this forum...

 

[bensisko]

I'm not trying to indicate that Apple should stop innovating, stop updating. My point is, is it realistic to see Apple upgrade RAM and drop a A13X chip in it THIS fall? Judging from history of iPad Pro releases, since 2015... it's been sporadic. Never a fall to fall update.

Well, Apple's only product with regular upgrade cycles is the iPhone and the OS (full version releases) - everything else is up to Apple (probably based on availability of new technology, engineering resources, etc.).

Which actually makes me wonder... despite the recent drop in sales, the iPhone is still Apple's flagship product. If it ever loses flagship status, will the iPhone upgrade cycles become less regular?

 

[rui no onna]

If your wife reads your posts, she won't be happy how you intend to pass her what is not good enough for you.
So I suppose she does not check this forum...

Plenty of people don't care as long as they have a working iPad that's fast enough for *their* usage.

My aunt would rather get a Louis Vuitton bag than the latest iPad model.

My mom's frugal and would rather sock away the money and happily accepts my hand-me-downs.
[doublepost=1564781723][/doublepost]

Well, Apple's only product with regular upgrade cycles is the iPhone and the OS (full version releases) - everything else is up to Apple (probably based on availability of new technology, engineering resources, etc.).

Which actually makes me wonder... despite the recent drop in sales, the iPhone is still Apple's flagship product. If it ever loses flagship status, will the iPhone upgrade cycles become less regular?

It boils down to competition. Unless other manufacturers like Samsung stop releasing yearly updates, Apple has to follow suit if they want to stay relevant (and maybe regain their $1 trillion market cap).

Hard to imagine either iPad or Mac becoming Apple's best seller, though. More people need phones than tablets or PCs (which can be shared in a houesehold). Also, the phone is mobile and more prone to accidental damage and battery degradation so they're likely to be replaced more frequently even when performance plateaus.

 

[JPack]

"People would be annoyed if iPad Pro went to a 12-month refresh cycle."

"The 2018 iPad Pro is so powerful, it doesn't need a refresh yet."​

"The 2017/2018 iPad Pro users won't be interested in a light refresh."​

I don't think Apple's goal is to preach to the choir. If you have an iPad Pro, Apple has already won you over. Apple's larger goal is to win over Surface, Yoga, and Latitude users. And eventually some PC notebook users. With that in mind, a faster, better iPad Pro is always welcome as a marketing tool.

Personally, I find it really hard to believe iPadOS would dry-launch in Q4 on 2018 hardware.

 

[RogerKmilw]

What does everyone think about new iPad pros coming in October this year or is it possible the new model listings are for other iPads and the Pro won't get refreshed until next year... maybe spring?

Im thinking of buying a iPad pro now but I am debating that I should wait if a new model comes out in October which will hopefully have a stronger chassis less prone to bending... worth waiting for or something that's been overblown?

There will not be new iPads Pro (screw you Schiller) until 2020. This I am 99% certain of.
[doublepost=1564783059][/doublepost]

New iPad Pros will be launched with iPad OS. It's almost a given.

Not a chance