iPad Pro Why do people think there will be a 2021 iPad Pro?

[Dave245]

I switched my 2018 for a 2020 just because of the RAM increase, so if so we’re on a 2018 I’d update to the 2021 for sure.

Apple don't tend to upgrade the Ram in the 12.9" Pro that often. The 2015, 2017 iPad Pro's (12.9") had 4GB Ram. In the 2018 redesign, it was only the 1TB version that got 6GB Ram. In last years model all the storage options got 6GB.

I'm not sure if Apple will increase it to 8GB this year, they may hold off until next year or even the year after. However if they have plans to bring Final Cut Pro and Logic apps to the iPad Pro, then i think they would up the Ram and possibly the storage (maybe 2TB storage and 8GB Ram?).

 

[Jimpilot]

My 2018 11” is promised to my daughter when I upgrade to 2021 11” with 5G. So if Apple doesn’t come out with an updated 11”, they will have to deal with her ?.

 

[Apple Mac Daz]

That’s the price locked in on my Gen 2 12.9 at plunc (UK) £402.
Guess could of got more on flea bay but not worth taking chances it’s only 54 cycles on the battery as well so someone will get a decent Gen 2

 

[UltimateSyn]

I switched my 2018 for a 2020 just because of the RAM increase, so if so we’re on a 2018 I’d update to the 2021 for sure.

I probably would’ve done the same if I hadn’t gotten the 1TB 2018, which already had the 6GB of RAM. Future-proofed a little with that choice

 

[VaruLV]

Apple don't tend to upgrade the Ram in the 12.9" Pro that often. The 2015, 2017 iPad Pro's (12.9") had 4GB Ram. In the 2018 redesign, it was only the 1TB version that got 6GB Ram. In last years model all the storage options got 6GB.

I'm not sure if Apple will increase it to 8GB this year, they may hold off until next year or even the year after. However if they have plans to bring Final Cut Pro and Logic apps to the iPad Pro, then i think they would up the Ram and possibly the storage (maybe 2TB storage and 8GB Ram?).

It will be hard for me to justify selling my 2yo 2017 10.5 and get 2021 12.9 if the screen is only major upgrade, I want those 8GB.
No, I dont count 5G an upgrade worth switching.
Increased battery life to 13-15h might be temptimg if they manage that.
Tho I really want bigger 12.9 model, cant see me spending 1300-1500€(256Gb/512Gb or lte/5g) and 140-500€(pencil and keyboard case/MK/MK alternative and good multi port expansion dock) on accessories because "miniLED".
Getting 2020 Pro might be an option on sale(saving some 200€ at best probably, local pricing is high and no trade ins, only Samsung gives trade ins), yet somehow I believe they will upgrade to 8Gb in 22/23 models, which I could wait for, for I dont like creating all this e-waste upgrading yearly, heck, even 2 years imho is too soon, but I was too cheap when got my iPP on sale and didnt want to justify spending around 400€ more on base specd 12.9 with paltry 64Gb.

 

[Freida]

I know all the different features. But the context was regarding the Mini LED and eventually I shifted that I wouldn't be surprised if Apple killed it.
Last few years, the mounting rumours about something were pretty much correct so the more we hear about something the more likely we will get it.
In reality, if 12.9" gets all the new features and 11" will get just CPU bump then we can guess that next Air revision will get some of the PRO features and the 11" Pro will be killed.

Look at homepod. The big one is so much better and yet got killed. Apple seems to be slimming up

That just tells everyone that you don't know much about the iPad Pro.

The screen on the iPad Pro is 100 nits brighter. Try using the Air outside in bright sunlight. Good luck. The iPad Pro has 120Hz. ProMotion. The Air, of course, does not. iPad Pro has FaceID. iPad Air does not. Anyone needing heavy graphics work still needs the Pro.

And in a few weeks time most likely the Pro will gain the A14x (M1) processor.

Sure, they fit the same role...

 

[Apple Mac Daz]

I know all the different features. But the context was regarding the Mini LED and eventually I shifted that I wouldn't be surprised if Apple killed it.
Last few years, the mounting rumours about something were pretty much correct so the more we hear about something the more likely we will get it.
In reality, if 12.9" gets all the new features and 11" will get just CPU bump then we can guess that next Air revision will get some of the PRO features and the 11" Pro will be killed.

Look at homepod. The big one is so much better and yet got killed. Apple seems to be slimming up

Only reason the homepod got killed off is likely the price of it compared to others brands out. I have the Alexa Studio and it’s fab and so much cheaper

 

[pdoherty]

Apple don't tend to upgrade the Ram in the 12.9" Pro that often. The 2015, 2017 iPad Pro's (12.9") had 4GB Ram. In the 2018 redesign, it was only the 1TB version that got 6GB Ram. In last years model all the storage options got 6GB.

I'm not sure if Apple will increase it to 8GB this year, they may hold off until next year or even the year after. However if they have plans to bring Final Cut Pro and Logic apps to the iPad Pro, then i think they would up the Ram and possibly the storage (maybe 2TB storage and 8GB Ram?).

So it seems your prediction is they will, and they won’t.

 

[Freida]

I'm sure Apple would find a way to make it a bit cheaper if it was just the price.

Anyway, I get your point and I assume you get mine. Somewhere there is a middle ground in all this and we will soon find out. : )

Only reason the homepod got killed off is likely the price of it compared to others brands out. I have the Alexa Studio and it’s fab and so much cheaper

 

[Mac... nificent]

if 12.9" gets all the new features and 11" will get just CPU bump then we can guess that next Air revision will get some of the PRO features and the 11" Pro will be killed.

That's pure speculation. The sales between the two models are not that lopsided, plus, Apple calls both models the Pro for a reason. They are not about to make one Pro and one semi-Pro. That is what the Air is for. When they came out with a big update for the Air (and left the Pros alone) that only tells me that the new Pros will have a huge update soon as well.

 

[Freida]

Speculation of course but given history very plausible.
iPhone Pro had often the same "issue" where bigger sized model would just get little extra. Apple does this often so lets see. Seeing that all the "speculation" is only about 12.9" I would dare to say that Mini LED is coming only to 12.9" but we shall see next week.

That's pure speculation. The sales between the two models are not that lopsided, plus, Apple calls both models the Pro for a reason. They are not about to make one Pro and one semi-Pro. That is what the Air is for. When they came out with a big update for the Air (and left the Pros alone) that only tells me that the new Pros will have a huge update soon as well.

 

[Mac... nificent]

Speculation of course but given history very plausible.

"Given history" goes both ways.

I feel that they are not mentioning the 11" because it will go away and become 11.2 or 11.3-ish in size (maybe bigger). The mini will become a new Pro model, and it will become 10.4 or 10.5-ish in size (Apple likes to reuse sizes). The mini at this size would be very compelling as it would be 'small notebook' size and almost the same size as the Pencil (unless the 3rd gen Pencil changes size). They may not release the mini until next year though. Knowing this they will bump up the 11" now in preparation for the mini Pro coming out soon.

Very few people (comparatively) now buy the mini, but if it became a Pro (with mini LED screen and USB-C) then it would be very tempting, especially since all of the Pros should come with the M1 style A14x chip. In this configuration, I could see someone buying the Mini Pro over the Air 4. I also think that they will be coming out with a new desktop keyboard, but may not announce it.

 

[Freida]

I never understood the mini in the first place. As SJ said its just too small to have a screen this small. I think the reason why Apple did release it was because there was certain pressure but SJ never believed in it. They just did a great job making it useful but its not a mass market device.
I've used it a lot in the past (my ex had it) and to me it was the perfect device to control homekit etc. at home but too small for anything else. If I wanted to do something more I always reached out for my Air etc.
The trend has changed and these days the iPhones are much bigger (display wise) than they used to be so now it kinda defeats the purpose to have the mini.
We shall see what they come up with though. I wouldn't mind getting one for the homekit control center at home. Its a niche product though which is why they don't really update it too often. Might be the next iPod thing fate

"Given history" goes both ways.

I feel that they are not mentioning the 11" because it will go away and become 11.2 or 11.3-ish in size (maybe bigger). The mini will become a new Pro model, and it will become 10.4 or 10.5-ish in size (Apple likes to reuse sizes). The mini at this size would be very compelling as it would be 'small notebook' size and almost the same size as the Pencil (unless the 3rd gen Pencil changes size). They may not release the mini until next year though. Knowing this they will bump up the 11" now in preparation for the mini Pro coming out soon.

Very few people (comparatively) now buy the mini, but if it became a Pro (with mini LED screen and USB-C) then it would be very tempting, especially since all of the Pros should come with the M1 style A14x chip. In this configuration, I could see someone buying the Mini Pro over the Air 4. I also think that they will be coming out with a new desktop keyboard, but may not announce it.

 

[Mac... nificent]

I never understood the mini in the first place. As SJ said its just too small to have a screen this small.

Almost all of my clientele that buy the mini are either women who like to carry their iPad in their purse, or buy the iPad for a child.

The trend has changed and these days the iPhones are much bigger (display wise) than they used to be so now it kinda defeats the purpose to have the mini.

Yes, exactly, all the more reason why I think it will become a slightly larger Pro model. If it were a Pro model it would have many more uses than it currently does.

 

[Devin Breeding]

I never understood the mini in the first place. As SJ said its just too small to have a screen this small. I think the reason why Apple did release it was because there was certain pressure but SJ never believed in it. They just did a great job making it useful but its not a mass market device.
I've used it a lot in the past (my ex had it) and to me it was the perfect device to control homekit etc. at home but too small for anything else. If I wanted to do something more I always reached out for my Air etc.
The trend has changed and these days the iPhones are much bigger (display wise) than they used to be so now it kinda defeats the purpose to have the mini.
We shall see what they come up with though. I wouldn't mind getting one for the homekit control center at home. Its a niche product though which is why they don't really update it too often. Might be the next iPod thing fate

Well I can’t speak for all corporations, but I used to manage a PerSmart and in 2016-2017 they bought several iPad minis for every one of their stores to use for many of our applications. The size worked well but personally I think it would have made more sense to buy larger iPhones and combine our phone and inventory systems with them as well. ??‍♂

I’m sure with the lower prices on the standard iPad and Air now there is almost 0 incentive for anyone to buy the mini. The size being about the same as a paperback it is good for reading book though.

 

[Freida]

Yeah, its a weird product for today's standards. I wonder what direction Apple will take with it. Maybe PRO design so its all just screen? Would that be even worth it? Someone mentioned women & kids but that trend has shifted a bit. Those women that may have had mini before will probably opt for Max iPhone as having 2 devices in one is always better than 2 separate ones. And kids? Yeah, sure - I could see it there but that is not a big market I guess.
All iPads are updated fairly regularly except the mini so there must be a reason why Apple doesn't give it much love. My guess is that it just doesn't sell that well these days. When I worked for Apple (ages ago) most people weren't really buying the mini back then either so I really don't see that trend to reverse.

Well I can’t speak for all corporations, but I used to manage a PerSmart and in 2016-2017 they bought several iPad minis for every one of their stores to use for many of our applications. The size worked well but personally I think it would have made more sense to buy larger iPhones and combine our phone and inventory systems with them as well. ??‍♂

I’m sure with the lower prices on the standard iPad and Air now there is almost 0 incentive for anyone to buy the mini. The size being about the same as a paperback it is good for reading book though.

 

[Jimpilot]

Yes, exactly, all the more reason why I think it will become a slightly larger Pro model. If it were a Pro model it would have many more uses than it currently does.

And a slight increase in size means new cases, keyboards etc. $$$

 

[Mac... nificent]

And a slight increase in size means new cases, keyboards etc. $$$

While true this doesn't mean that Apple is conspiring, as most of those accessories will be sold by 3rd party companies.

 

[Jimpilot]

While true this doesn't mean that Apple is conspiring, as most of those accessories will be sold by 3rd party companies.

Don’t mean it as a bad thing, just good marketing, but they have a pretty good accessory business. Although their iPad cases of late not as good as 3rd party companies

 

[LibbyLA]

That just tells everyone that you don't know much about the iPad Pro.

The screen on the iPad Pro is 100 nits brighter. Try using the Air outside in bright sunlight. Good luck. The iPad Pro has 120Hz. ProMotion. The Air, of course, does not. iPad Pro has FaceID. iPad Air does not. Anyone needing heavy graphics work still needs the Pro.

And in a few weeks time most likely the Pro will gain the A14x (M1) processor.

Sure, they fit the same role...

Almost all of my clientele that buy the mini are either women who like to carry their iPad in their purse, or buy the iPad for a child.


Yes, exactly, all the more reason why I think it will become a slightly larger Pro model. If it were a Pro model it would have many more uses than it currently does.

Fits in my purse, but I’m not out and about with my purse all that often. I use it when I’m out working with my cellular trail cameras. My phone (Galaxy Note 9) doesn’t get good service in some places, the AT&T Mini gets signal everywhere I need it. It’s on the upper end of reasonable size to tote around at the camp. A larger iPad isn’t going to be an option for that.

I use both my iPP 11 and my Mini every day, the older iPP 10.5 somewhat less frequently. Horses for courses.

 

[Mac... nificent]

Don’t mean it as a bad thing, just good marketing, but they have a pretty good accessory business.

Yep, there's a reason why they keep pushing Lightning

 

[AutomaticApple]

Time is ticking OP! Tomorrow will be a deal-breaker.

 

[bhodinut]

Two pilots I know use the mini 5 in the yokes of their Falcon jet. It's for weather maps and charts as needed. They can't use a bigger ipad.

 

[iamMacPerson]

It will be hard for me to justify selling my 2yo 2017 10.5 and get 2021 12.9 if the screen is only major upgrade, I want those 8GB.
No, I dont count 5G an upgrade worth switching.
Increased battery life to 13-15h might be temptimg if they manage that.
Tho I really want bigger 12.9 model, cant see me spending 1300-1500€(256Gb/512Gb or lte/5g) and 140-500€(pencil and keyboard case/MK/MK alternative and good multi port expansion dock) on accessories because "miniLED".
Getting 2020 Pro might be an option on sale(saving some 200€ at best probably, local pricing is high and no trade ins, only Samsung gives trade ins), yet somehow I believe they will upgrade to 8Gb in 22/23 models, which I could wait for, for I dont like creating all this e-waste upgrading yearly, heck, even 2 years imho is too soon, but I was too cheap when got my iPP on sale and didnt want to justify spending around 400€ more on base specd 12.9 with paltry 64Gb.

Personally I bought my 2017 10.5" right when they came out. Day 1 pre-order. It served me pretty well but the replacement unit I got from Apple for a dying battery about two years ago developed a bright 'white' spot above the home button and they didn't want to do anything to fix it a couple months after it was swapped. It's been driving me crazy. Plus the battery was starting to go again. According to the battery app I had installed (my iPad was jailbroken) it had about 84% health remaining after 300 cycles. Apple offered $300 for it so I took it in today and got a gift card. I bought before the prices went up so without AppleCare or tax I paid $750 for it. I figure I got my use out of it.

Personally I hope the 11" gets mini LED otherwise it'll be a tough decision to make. I feel the 12.9 is just too big for what I use the iPad for but what other killer feature will the Pro 11" have that the Air doesn't? Problem is I need at least 128GB of storage and at that point I would have to get Air 256GB which puts me $50 away from the 128GB 11" Pro.

 

[Jimpilot]

Two pilots I know use the mini 5 in the yokes of their Falcon jet. It's for weather maps and charts as needed. They can't use a bigger ipad.

At my airline we all have iPad Airs 3rd generation. They don’t mount on the yoke but on the side either window or shelf. On my aircraft we have Velcro on back of iPad and side panel of the jet. Works well. The iPad replaces everything in the old large pubs bag. we use the extra space to fill our bags up with SNACKS ??