So I've had some thoughts recently about what the iPad lineup could look like this year, what to expect from the event on the 23rd & generally where Apple may be headed with product announcements in the future. Figured I'd share them here, see what others think and get a discussion going since we're probably only about a week away now...
One other thing I was thinking about was the product cycle. I really think that Apple is trying to go back to more normalized release of the product lines. With the iPads & Macs especially, having them be updated prior to the new school year is beneficial to both parties. Covid definitely has had some impact with production & releases last year.
Something along the lines of:
- iPad (9th gen)
- Announced on the 23rd. Will take the form factor of the iPad Air 3 & get its leftover parts bin (10.5" screen, Touch ID, laminated screen, possible A13 & 4GB RAM).
- I know it's an unpopular opinion on here that it won't be updated but there are a few leaks pointing that it will. Yes that isn't much to go off of, BUT the stock of most models of the iPad 8th generation is either sold out or extremely limited (Apple, Amazon, Walmart, Target, B&H etc).
- iPad Air (4th gen)
- Unchanged this year.
- iPad Pro (5th gen)
- Announced on the 23rd. Most importantly updated with the rumored mini-led screen, new A series chip & other rumored year over year improvements.
- Most rumors only mention the 12.9" so I'm not sure what is to come of the 11". It could be deprecated since the Air is pretty close spec wise, but knowing Apple I bet it sticks around to fill every price point. I can also see mini-led potentially not being included with the 11".
- iPad Mini (6th gen)
- Most likely the 23rd as well with rumored year over year updates.
One other thing I was thinking about was the product cycle. I really think that Apple is trying to go back to more normalized release of the product lines. With the iPads & Macs especially, having them be updated prior to the new school year is beneficial to both parties. Covid definitely has had some impact with production & releases last year.
Something along the lines of:
- March: iPads
- June: Macs
- September: iPhones & Apple Watch
- October: other products/if necessary