All iPads time to replace the first Ipad Air with a newer one - but which one?

[topp3]

My old Ipad Air 2013 now seems too slow - back then it was simple to choose model, there was just one with different memory options - more or less

Now it is more complicated to choose, where the stores are selling Ipad 2018, Ipad Pro 10,5" and the redesigned Pro 11" & 12.9" models.

One option is to buy the latest pro model which is great I am sure but for simple tasks there may be a better price/performance option.

Comments based on experience are most appriciated - or links the similar discussions.

 

[RayB4]

It depends very much on what you want to do with it.
I updated from the Air 1 to the 6th Gen and it suits me fine as the 6th Gen does everything I need from a tablet. I am retired so I don’t need it for work but I am chairman of our local U3A (an organisation for retired people here in Europe) and I need to do simple spreadsheets, word documents and sometimes PowerPoint presentations, a subscription to Office 365 works for me. Also emails and web browsing and a couple of other things doesn’t ask too much of the basic iPad. Other people ask much more from their devices than I do and will therefore go for the more powerful IPPs so you need to work out want you want it for and is it worth spending quite a lot more for an IPP.

 

[fokmik]

https://www.macrumors.com
A new rumour so, i suggest to wait a little bit more

 

[pika2000]

My old Ipad Air 2013 now seems too slow - back then it was simple to choose model, there was just one with different memory options - more or less

Now it is more complicated to choose, where the stores are selling Ipad 2018, Ipad Pro 10,5" and the redesigned Pro 11" & 12.9" models.

One option is to buy the latest pro model which is great I am sure but for simple tasks there may be a better price/performance option.

Comments based on experience are most appriciated - or links the similar discussions.

The Pro model, despite the price, in the end is still an iPad. It's up to you whether the new form factor, quad speaker, USB-C, FaceID, and no headphone jack are worth the premium.

Right now, imo the best bang for the buck iPad is the 10.5" iPad Air. It's the spiritual successor of the iPad Air 2. Pencil support is great as well. The $499 price point should be a huge clue.

Or get a refurbished 10.5" iPad Pro. The A10X is quite a beast in performance (close to the A12) and the quad speaker is really nice for watching content. I have this iPad personally, and it's a performance champ so far, with no signs of slowing down.

 

[EugW]

Since you already have an iPad, I would wait until fall.

 

[topp3]

The Pro model, despite the price, in the end is still an iPad. It's up to you whether the new form factor, quad speaker, USB-C, FaceID, and no headphone jack are worth the premium.

Right now, imo the best bang for the buck iPad is the 10.5" iPad Air. It's the spiritual successor of the iPad Air 2. Pencil support is great as well. The $499 price point should be a huge clue.

Or get a refurbished 10.5" iPad Pro. The A10X is quite a beast in performance (close to the A12) and the quad speaker is really nice for watching content. I have this iPad personally, and it's a performance champ so far, with no signs of slowing down.

Thanks; I will look either for a good deal for the 10,5 pro or the latest air model. Of Cause the 11" or the upcoming models are very appealing but also with higher price tags

 

[AutomaticApple]

Thanks; I will look either for a good deal for the 10,5 pro or the latest air model. Of Cause the 11" or the upcoming models are very appealing but also with higher price tags

Go for the iPad Air 3.

 

[Resqu2]

I’d love to recommend the IPP but with Apple ignoring the unresponsive screen issues I just can’t. Mine started about 9 months after purchasing just like most all the other reports. I have a box from Apple to send it in but by all reports they can’t fix it. I’m considering taking it to Best Buy and trading it on something else.

 

[rumz]

Thanks; I will look either for a good deal for the 10,5 pro or the latest air model. Of Cause the 11" or the upcoming models are very appealing but also with higher price tags

The reason to wait is not necessarily the *possibility* of new Pros... there’s talk of another iPad supposedly with a 10.2” screen. This could be a replacement for the 6th gen iPad and who knows— it might hit the sweet spot for you in terms of features, performance *and* price.

If you can wait, wait. If you need to replace your Air now or just don’t want to deal with it anymore— the options you’ve been recommended will still be great.

 

[TheIntruder]

iPads are no longer subject to the old iron-clad grip Apple had with MAP pricing; finding discounts is easy, especially the cheap "iPad" aimed at the mass market, and particularly during Black Friday, when most major retailers make it part of their sales.

Given the anticipated launch of a new '"iPad", and the possibility of new Pros, it's not a bad idea to wait. Discounts should grow larger heading into the holiday season, and the old models will need to be cleared from inventory as well.

The latter part of this year is shaping up to be a good time for a major iPad replacement cycle. I'm also using an Air, which still holds up pretty well, but given the better value iPads available now, and the end of software support, it's ripe for replacement.

 

[Closingracer]

Since you already have an iPad, I would wait until fall.

Why do people suggest waiting ... I might as well wait for fall 2025 for the new set iPhone because you know better y’all .... you can get a 64GB iPad Air for $449 at microcenter ($50 off). Even at full price it’s not a bad iPad... you can get the 6th iPad for $249 at Amazon. Still a good iPad for the OP

 

[EugW]

Why do people suggest waiting ... I might as well wait for fall 2025 for the new set iPhone because you know better y’all .... you can get a 64GB iPad Air for $449 at microcenter ($50 off). Even at full price it’s not a bad iPad... you can get the 6th iPad for $249 at Amazon. Still a good iPad for the OP

Not sure why you’re so offended by people suggesting to wait a couple of months to see what shakes out.

Your ridiculous exaggerations are not helping your argument at all.

 

[Closingracer]

Not sure why you’re so offended by people suggesting to wait a couple of months to see what shakes out.

Your ridiculous exaggerations are not helping your argument at all.

It kind of does. You can always wait ... but if you need one now just buy it. The waiting game is dumb especially when you know it’s going to be only a minor spec upgrade at best with the pros. That triple camera thing is dumb and won’t be coming to the iPads ... if you’re in the market for a “iPad” 9.7 might be worthwhile to wait. You’re better off buying a 11 or 12.9 on sale then buy a new rumored one at full MSRP... the air won’t be updated this year since it’s brand new... you’ll see at most a new “iPad” .

 

[AutomaticApple]

It kind of does. You can always wait ... but if you need one now just buy it. The waiting game is dumb especially when you know it’s going to be only a minor spec upgrade at best with the pros. That triple camera thing is dumb and won’t be coming to the iPads ... if you’re in the market for a “iPad” 9.7 might be worthwhile to wait. You’re better off buying a 11 or 12.9 on sale then buy a new rumored one at full MSRP... the air won’t be updated this year since it’s brand new... you’ll see at most a new “iPad” .

The regular iPad is listed as “Don’t Buy” on the MacRumors Buyers Guide: https://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#iPad

 

[Closingracer]

The regular iPad is listed as “Don’t Buy” on the MacRumors Buyers Guide: https://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#iPad

I would agree but for the “iPad”. The air and pros you’ll be fine for years with it now. If they are on sale it’s worthwhile to pounce on them if the sales are good .

 

[Newtons Apple]

I would agree but for the “iPad”. The air and pros you’ll be fine for years with it now. If they are on sale it’s worthwhile to pounce on them if the sales are good .

Seems many disagree with YOUR choice.

 

[Closingracer]

Seems many disagree with YOUR choice.

Doesn’t mean I’m wrong . I never cared about popular opinion. The iPad Pro updates won’t come in 2019 and even if it does it’s a spec upgrade .... anything major won’t come until at least late 2020 early 2021. Getting a 2018 iPad Pro on sale is a better bang for your buck . I don’t care much for apple to be biased towards them at all... the iPad Pro 2018 11 64GB on sale > then a iPad Pro 11 64GB 2019 model should one be released. Unless you want the “newest” there isn’t a good reason to buy a 2019-2020 iPad Pro. The 2018 will basically be the same and you can find it cheaper now

 

[rui no onna]

Doesn’t mean I’m wrong . I never cared about popular opinion. The iPad Pro updates won’t come in 2019 and even if it does it’s a spec upgrade .... anything major won’t come until at least late 2020 early 2021. Getting a 2018 iPad Pro on sale is a better bang for your buck . I don’t care much for apple to be biased towards them at all... the iPad Pro 2018 11 64GB on sale > then a iPad Pro 11 64GB 2019 model should one be released. Unless you want the “newest” there isn’t a good reason to buy a 2019-2020 iPad Pro. The 2018 will basically be the same and you can find it cheaper now

Maybe last week. Not so much this week. I'm sure as hell not buying a 512GB-1TB LTE 2018 iPad Pro at a mere $100-150 discount.

Besides, if new iPad Pros are announced, prices will drop on 2018 Pros. If no new Pros are released, there's still Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals that will likely be as good or better than the deals we've seen so far.

 

[Jedimindtrick]

Doesn’t mean I’m wrong . I never cared about popular opinion. The iPad Pro updates won’t come in 2019 and even if it does it’s a spec upgrade .... anything major won’t come until at least late 2020 early 2021. Getting a 2018 iPad Pro on sale is a better bang for your buck . I don’t care much for apple to be biased towards them at all... the iPad Pro 2018 11 64GB on sale > then a iPad Pro 11 64GB 2019 model should one be released. Unless you want the “newest” there isn’t a good reason to buy a 2019-2020 iPad Pro. The 2018 will basically be the same and you can find it cheaper now

All the signs are pointing to a new iPad Pro THIS fall, ONE month from now...no one has suggested “waiting to 2025” as you put it.
If I were coming from an 6 year old iPad Air 1, I’d gladly wait till the fall - you’ve waited this long, what’s ONE more month. By then, you’ll either have the option to buy the newest equipment, OR get a far better deal on the 2018 model once the news of a 2019 upgrade is announced. As someone who’s owned every single iPad/Pro (I own a small business, our sales reps use them) Amazon prices always drop the lowest once a new model is announced.
To each his own, but your comments are as you know for sure when and what the new iPad Pros are going to be (which you don’t), and that by getting a cheaper price on the older one is clearly a better value - which is debatable at best. Resale value on a newer one will be much higher, which is clear cut indicator of how much value consumer electronics hold.

To the OP @topp3, if your on a budget, I’d recommend you consider the new iPad mini. I own every iPad/Pro, and this one is my favorite. It just came out in March, and its geekbench scores are by far the best value for the price tag of $399. An Amazon certified renewed iPad Pro 10.5 256gb is also a steal at $439 (ProMotion display!! You want that in your next iPad!)

 

[EugW]

All the signs are pointing to a new iPad Pro THIS fall, ONE month from now...no one has suggested “waiting to 2025” as you put it.

One month from now is still summer. But yeah, the strongest possibilities are about 5 weeks from now or else about 9-10 weeks from now. In other words, about 1 to 2.5 months from now.

If I were coming from an 6 year old iPad Air 1, I’d gladly wait till the fall - you’ve waited this long, what’s ONE more month. By then, you’ll either have the option to buy the newest equipment, OR get a far better deal on the 2018 model once the news of a 2019 upgrade is announced. As someone who’s owned every single iPad/Pro (I own a small business, our sales reps use them) Amazon prices always drop the lowest once a new model is announced.

Yep. While I wouldn't recommend buying a used iPad Air 1 in 2019, it's more than usable for a couple of months.

To the OP @topp3, if your on a budget, I’d recommend you consider the new iPad mini. I own every iPad/Pro, and this one is my favorite. It just came out in March, and its geekbench scores are by far the best value for the price tag of $399. An Amazon certified renewed iPad Pro 10.5 256gb is also a steal at $439 (ProMotion display!! You want that in your next iPad!)

The iPad mini's pricing may be attractive, but I would suggest that the OP try it for a while in-store. I personally would have a very hard time using an iPad mini. It's simply too small for my preferences. I personally much prefer the combo of a Plus/Max sized iPhone plus a 10.5" to 11" iPad Pro. YMMV though.

 

[Closingracer]

Maybe last week. Not so much this week. I'm sure as hell not buying a 512GB-1TB LTE 2018 iPad Pro at a mere $100-150 discount.

Besides, if new iPad Pros are announced, prices will drop on 2018 Pros. If no new Pros are released, there's still Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals that will likely be as good or better than the deals we've seen so far.

You’re not going to find $400 off an iPad during Black Friday ... I also never said you have to buy one now. I been saying IF there is a good deal on one then go buy it. This waiting game is nonsense because you can say hmm it’s a spec upgrade I can wait another year. If you need an iPad go buy one ... if you don’t then don’t.

 

[Jedimindtrick]

One month from now is still summer. But yeah, the strongest possibilities are about 5 weeks from now or else about 9-10 weeks from now. In other words, about 1 to 2.5 months from now.

Haha, well I live in Ohio, no one refers to mid September as “summertime” here. But sure, the rumors are sometime in September or October the new iPad Pros with the triple lens cameras are excepted to be announced.

 

[Closingracer]

All the signs are pointing to a new iPad Pro THIS fall, ONE month from now...no one has suggested “waiting to 2025” as you put it.
If I were coming from an 6 year old iPad Air 1, I’d gladly wait till the fall - you’ve waited this long, what’s ONE more month. By then, you’ll either have the option to buy the newest equipment, OR get a far better deal on the 2018 model once the news of a 2019 upgrade is announced. As someone who’s owned every single iPad/Pro (I own a small business, our sales reps use them) Amazon prices always drop the lowest once a new model is announced.
To each his own, but your comments are as you know for sure when and what the new iPad Pros are going to be (which you don’t), and that by getting a cheaper price on the older one is clearly a better value - which is debatable at best. Resale value on a newer one will be much higher, which is clear cut indicator of how much value consumer electronics hold.

To the OP @topp3, if your on a budget, I’d recommend you consider the new iPad mini. I own every iPad/Pro, and this one is my favorite. It just came out in March, and its geekbench scores are by far the best value for the price tag of $399. An Amazon certified renewed iPad Pro 10.5 256gb is also a steal at $439 (ProMotion display!! You want that in your next iPad!)

There is no signs of a new iPad Pro this fall.... we had waited more then a year for EACH one so far and those are signs not this forum and some dumb rumors.

 

[Closingracer]

Haha, well I live in Ohio, no one refers to mid September as “summertime” here. But sure, the rumors are sometime in September or October the new iPad Pros with the triple lens cameras are excepted to be announced.

Lol that rumor .... one rumor out of maybe one that bases that in this fall? If they are updating an iPad it’s not the pro ....

 

[Jedimindtrick]

There is no signs of a new iPad Pro this fall.... we had waited more then a year for EACH one so far and those are signs not this forum and some dumb rumors.

“Some dumb rumors” except it’s being reported on almost every Apple related website (reputable sites The Verge, not some no name site), which
I’ll take their word for it over yours. Either way, it’s still worth waiting a few weeks to know, ESPECIALLY if you’re advocating for buying last years model.

Recommending that someone buy any product a before it’s widely speculated that an upgraded model is launching within a matter of weeks is possibly the worst buying advice you can give.