All iPads Serious Question: Is it a good time to buy a new iPad now?

[BeautifulWoman_1984]

Hey guys,

I did some searching online, but I couldn't find a clear answer anywhere...

I'm wanting to buy this https://www.apple.com/au/ipad-10.2/specs/ However, I don't know if there is a newer version of this iPad coming out soon... ? ? ?

Also, I really like the 3.5mm headphone jack... I've looked at all of Apple's iPad/iPhone products and it definitely seems like Apple are slowly getting rid of the 3.5mm headphone jack... Why is this?

EDIT:
If I buy an iPad that doesn't have the 3.5mm headphone jack and I want to use my 3.5mm headphones... what can I do?

Thank you so much!

 

[Shirasaki]

The entire industry has deemed headphone jack obsolete and will do everything they can to eliminate them from all eligible devices. It is their enemy now.

Dongle is where the headphone jack lover should go onwards.

Not sure if there will be a newer version coming but it seems that this iPad wont be updated anytime Soon.

 

[ericwn]

There might be a new entry level iPad coming out later this year. They update it relatively often.

Headphone jacks aren’t included in most devices anymore, at least at Apple, as they market wireless headphones for years. A dongle can still provide access to that port if needed.

 

[Isamilis]

You can go to buyers guide section

In the future, it looks like Apple and industry force consumer to use wireless.

 

[akash.nu]

Also, I really like the 3.5mm headphone jack... I've looked at all of Apple's iPad/iPhone products and it definitely seems like Apple are slowly getting rid of the 3.5mm headphone jack... Why is this?

Correction- not slowly getting rid. They have already eliminated it from all of their devices except for some MacBook models.

EDIT:
If I buy an iPad that doesn't have the 3.5mm headphone jack and I want to use my 3.5mm headphones... what can I do?

Thank you so much!

You can buy lightning to 3.5mm dongles if you really need to.

Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter

Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter

The Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter lets you connect devices with an audio jack to Lightning accessories. Buy now with fast, free shipping, or visit an Apple Store today.

store.apple.com

USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter

Buy USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter

The USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter lets you connect a standard 3.5mm audio plug to your USB-C devices. Perfect for headphones or speakers.

store.apple.com

 

[Digitalguy]

the headphone jack is present in every lightning iPad and there is no reason why it would go away other than a move of the entire iPad line to USB C. At that point the solution is a USB C dongle (or hub if you need to both charge and use the jack...)
Having said that the entry level iPad should stay with lightning for at least another 2 generations (move to new form factor but still lightning this year, and move to A14 next year)

 

[HarryWild]

Hoping for the future M3 SoC in 2022 iPad Pro 11" with 10GB RAM and OLED or Mini LED screen. M3 is rumor to be 3nm, 30% less battery consumption and 4X faster the the current M1 SoC! No wonder iPas OS has not added much, waiting for 2022 iPad Pro to be released. M2 for the new MacBook Pro!

 

[Wizec]

I think it’s a good time to buy.

I just bought an iPad Pro 2021 for myself and an iPad Air 4 for my son for school.

They are both fantastic. I got free AirPods with the iPad Air 4.

if you qualify, I suggest looking into the educational pricing. It’s an even better deal. Personally I would suggest the iPad Air over the 10.2”. It’s just a really nice step up in quality and performance overall.

 

[Shirasaki]

Hoping for the future M3 SoC in 2022 iPad Pro 11" with 10GB RAM and OLED or Mini LED screen. M3 is rumor to be 3nm, 30% less battery consumption and 4X faster the the current M1 SoC! No wonder iPas OS has not added much, waiting for 2022 iPad Pro to be released. M2 for the new MacBook Pro!

Oh wow smh M3 is such an AMAZING deal that Apple did not use on new MacBook Pro. /s
Can’t wait for iPad to run iPadOS 4X faster.

 

[Soccerrick10]

Correction- not slowly getting rid. They have already eliminated it from all of their devices except for some MacBook models.

Not totally correct - the newest iMacs have headphone jacks. But, agreed, the trend is to eliminate them.

 

[thefourthpope]

Hey guys,

I did some searching online, but I couldn't find a clear answer anywhere...

I'm wanting to buy this https://www.apple.com/au/ipad-10.2/specs/ However, I don't know if there is a newer version of this iPad coming out soon... ? ? ?

Also, I really like the 3.5mm headphone jack... I've looked at all of Apple's iPad/iPhone products and it definitely seems like Apple are slowly getting rid of the 3.5mm headphone jack... Why is this?

EDIT:
If I buy an iPad that doesn't have the 3.5mm headphone jack and I want to use my 3.5mm headphones... what can I do?

Thank you so much!

I sometimes see the good advice on here that the time to buy is when you need it. If you need the iPad now, then there’s no sense in waiting. Next year’s iPad will always be…next year’s iPad.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I sometimes see the good advice on here that the time to buy is when you need it. If you need the iPad now, then there’s no sense in waiting. Next year’s iPad will always be…next year’s iPad.

Spot on. Trying to keep up with tech is a waste of time and is rather foolish, in my opinion.

BW, if you see an iPad that looks like it meets your needs, buy it. Don't turn this buy thread into one that goes over a year and you still haven't bough the item you asked about. Make a decision and then act on it promptly. Still asking questions a year from now isn't going to be prompt.

 

[firedept]

Buy if your needs require it now. iPads generally are good for a few years or more.

 

[akash.nu]

Not totally correct - the newest iMacs have headphone jacks. But, agreed, the trend is to eliminate them.

Oh really?!

I didn’t check the new iMac to be honest. But I can see why they’ve kept it on the iMac, since it’s stationary and used in studios a lot where plugging in audio output devices is part of the essential workflow.

 

[freakomac]

It’s always a good time to buy an iPad

 

[1BadManVan]

Guess it depends how quickly you want to get into an iPad. There’s definitely a newer version of the base model coming soon

 

[Phil77354]

Hey guys,

I did some searching online, but I couldn't find a clear answer anywhere...

I'm wanting to buy this https://www.apple.com/au/ipad-10.2/specs/ However, I don't know if there is a newer version of this iPad coming out soon... ? ? ?

Also, I really like the 3.5mm headphone jack... I've looked at all of Apple's iPad/iPhone products and it definitely seems like Apple are slowly getting rid of the 3.5mm headphone jack... Why is this?

EDIT:
If I buy an iPad that doesn't have the 3.5mm headphone jack and I want to use my 3.5mm headphones... what can I do?

Thank you so much!

You won't find a 'clear answer' anywhere because there is no single answer that is the right one for all!

If you're wanting to buy it (which is what you said), then the base model iPad is a great device.

If you are uncertain about which model to get, or how much memory to get, or whether or not you should get wi-fi or cellular, then there are pros and cons to each and lots of folks here will give you their advice.

 

[roberthodgson]

I bought the 12.9” M1 and I do mot miss the headphone jack. I use the Beats solo pro head set

 

[jjudson]

I haven't used a headphone jack in dog's years -- and I just bought a new iPad Pro last week.

At some point, ya just gotta leap...

 

[BeautifulWoman_1984]

Thank you for all your replies!

I haven't posted in this thread because I've been doing my own research.

Only question I have now is:
I use the headphone jack all the time so I was just looking at the options for which dongle I'd need to buy. What happens when I need to use the headphone jack dongle and charge the iPad at the same time?

 

[Shirasaki]

Thank you for all your replies!

I haven't posted in this thread because I've been doing my own research.

Only question I have now is:
I use the headphone jack all the time so I was just looking at the options for which dongle I'd need to buy. What happens when I need to use the headphone jack dongle and charge the iPad at the same time?

You need a dongle with pass through so you can charge your iPad without losing headphone jack. This is the only way forward. Apple will not bring back headphone jack.

 

[BeautifulWoman_1984]

You need a dongle with pass through so you can charge your iPad without losing headphone jack. This is the only way forward. Apple will not bring back headphone jack.

Thank you for your reply Shirasaki!

What do you mean "dongle with pass through"? Is this a special kind of dongle I'd need to buy to use the headphone jack and charge the iPad at the same time?

 

[Shirasaki]

Thank you for your reply Shirasaki!

What do you mean "dongle with pass through"? Is this a special kind of dongle I'd need to buy to use the headphone jack and charge the iPad at the same time?

Yes. You can search on amazon or google and there should be a few on sale. Don’t bother about “designed for iPhone” or something similar in title, pay attention to the port. Don’t buy lightning one if you have USB-C port on your iPad.

Worst case scenario would be a dongle that converts USB-C into lightning, then get a lightning dongle after that, but I have no idea if that will work.

 

[BeautifulWoman_1984]

Yes. You can search on amazon or google and there should be a few on sale. Don’t bother about “designed for iPhone” or something similar in title, pay attention to the port. Don’t buy lightning one if you have USB-C port on your iPad.

Worst case scenario would be a dongle that converts USB-C into lightning, then get a lightning dongle after that, but I have no idea if that will work.

Thank you again for your reply Shirasaki!

Can you show me some specific examples just so I know that I'm looking at the correct dongle?

 

[Shirasaki]

Thank you again for your reply Shirasaki!

Can you show me some specific examples just so I know that I'm looking at the correct dongle?

Scosche USB-C 3.5mm Headphone Adapter & Pass-Through Charging - Black

The Scosche USB-C to 3.5mm adapter makes it possible to listen to music through your favourite headphones while charging your USB-C smartphone. Listen to music or talk through analog headphones while you charge your device.

www.mobilezap.com.au

CableCreation USB C to 3.5mm Headphone and Charger Adapter, 2 in 1 Type-C to Hi-Res 3.5mm Audio with PD Fast Charge, Compatible with iPhone 15/15 Pro, Galaxy Series, Mate 60 Pro, and More

USB C to 3.5mm Headphone and Charger Adapter, CableCreation 2 in 1 Type-C to Hi-Res 3.5mm Audio with PD Fast Charge, USB C Audio Adapter support various scene, USB c to aux adapter bring more enjoyment to life, USB c headphone adapter USB C HEADPHONES

www.amazon.com

Anker USB C Hub for iPad Pro, PowerExpand Direct 6-in-1 Adapter, with 60W Power Delivery, 4K HDMI, Audio, USB 3.0, SD and microSD Card Reader (Not Compatible with iPad Pro and iPad Mini 2021)

Model Number: A8362 PowerExpand Direct 6-in-1 USB-C PD Media Hub The Slim and Expanded Hub for iPad Pro Massive Expansion Make the most of your iPad Pro with the addition of 6 ports, allowing you to transfer data in seconds, stream media in unrivaled clarity, and provide high-speed pass-through c...

www.amazon.com

(This one is more multipurpose rather than just offering headphone jack)

Linklike USB C to 3.5mm Audio Adapter and Charger, 60W Fast Charging, Realtek DAC, Compatible with Samsung, Google Pixel, iPad Pro

Linklike USB C to 3.5mm Audio Adapter and Charger, 60W Fast Charging, Realtek DAC, Compatible with Samsung, Google Pixel, iPad Pro

www.amazon.com

You can take a look at those.
Also you can take a look at this article.

The best USB-C headphone adapters for 2023 | Digital Trends

No headphone port? No problem. You can still listen in on headphones with your device via a USB Type C adapter. Here are some of the best ones available.

www.digitaltrends.com

Despite being a dongle, I think most of those have a relatively small profile and can easily be carried around for various wired entertainment purposes. Just don't lose them.