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Why wouldn't Apple update the bezels on 12.9?

shamash

shamash

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jul 19, 2008
594
22
Portland, Oregon
I just got back from the Apple store. I'm planning on getting a new iPad once the BTS promotion begins.

I must say, I'm a bit torn and annoyed. The 12.9" size is much better for me, but the bezels on the 10.5 are so nice. It really makes for a hard decision. Why didn't Apple increase the 12.9's screen size while keeping it in the same body size and slim down the bezels?

Does anyone think they're simply saving it for a future update?
 
shamash said:
I just got back from the Apple store. I'm planning on getting a new iPad once the BTS promotion begins.

I must say, I'm a bit torn and annoyed. The 12.9" size is much better for me, but the bezels on the 10.5 are so nice. It really makes for a hard decision. Why didn't Apple increase the 12.9's screen size while keeping it in the same body size and slim down the bezels?

Does anyone think they're simply saving it for a future update?
Click to expand...
Definitely go for the 10.5! Because the primary reason to buy an iPad is for bezels! :eek::p:rolleyes:

The most probable reason why they didn't decrease the bezel size for the 12.9 is because relatively speaking there weren't THAT many 12.9 Pros sold. It would make little sense to keep the same screen size and change the chassis size. That messes up accessory manufacturers. Yes, they needed to tweak the camera opening on cases, but other than that, they can continue to use the same cases they're producing.

It is quite possible, that Apple will produce an 11.7 Pro down the line with the same size bezels as the 10.5. Maybe in 2018. If so, it doesn't make sense to tinker with the 12.9 size.
 
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silverblack said:
Because not many complained the 12.9" screen being too small?
Click to expand...

Apple isn't interested in 'complaints.' It's the least popular model likely due to the sheer size of this iPad. Apple understood the newer, smaller iteration of the 10.5 iPad would sell stronger and made the refinements their.

As another member already indicated, the bezels on the 12.9 are actually more of advantage for some for holding purposes. I would rather see Apple re-create a the same size iPad, but in a smaller 11.7 iPad footprint, which will likely be the next step for the 12.9 Pro. Apple is known for smaller refinements then they are drastic physical changes.
 
The gen 12.9 barely sold, never have I seen an Apple product so heavily and quickly discounted after a launch. Makes little sense for Apple to spend the money to tinker with its design
 
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The Game 161 said:
It's 12.9 so it doesn't need to
Click to expand...

Agree. The 12.9 is not really meant for mobile use. If you stick a smaller bezel into a large screen holding it will still be unwieldy. so you have more of your hands covering the screen.

I think they need it to make it lighter first, but I am not sure how they can reach at least the iPad 2's weight without cutting the screen size.
 
shamash said:
I just got back from the Apple store. I'm planning on getting a new iPad once the BTS promotion begins.

I must say, I'm a bit torn and annoyed. The 12.9" size is much better for me, but the bezels on the 10.5 are so nice. It really makes for a hard decision. Why didn't Apple increase the 12.9's screen size while keeping it in the same body size and slim down the bezels?

Does anyone think they're simply saving it for a future update?
Click to expand...

You hit the $64,000 question. A KGI securities analyst who correctly predicted the 10.5" iPad Pro said that Apple left the design unchanged because in 2018 they plan a whole new iPad redesign.
For example getting rid of the Home button and using OLED displays.
 
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So that they have something for you to upgrade to next year :). No, but seriously. Maybe they look at it like this. The 12.9 is massive and therefore needs the bezels. Although on the other end of that, the 12.9 is primarily used in a stationary location and therefore doesn't need bezels at all o_O. I think the logical answer is my first point.
 
The answer is probably technical.

The iPad's backlight module is edge lit. Larger or more LEDs are needed to light up the 12.9" display compared to 10.5". Apple has to wait for brighter LEDs in the same package size before adopting a narrow bezel design.

The screen to body ratio is already 77% for the 12.9" compared to 79% (10.5"). The 9.7" was 73%.
 
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I would have preferred they shrink the overall size and keep the same display size. As of right now, I am torn between the 10.5 and 12.9 because split screen is so much nicer on the 12.9. Not really sure how I’m going to choose lol
 
To profit more as usual...saves money and most people don't want to haul that elephant around anyways....good job Apple lol
 
jamesrick80 said:
To profit more as usual...saves money and most people don't want to haul that elephant around anyways....good job Apple lol
Click to expand...

In Fairness, it is Apple's goal to have the iPad Pro, especially the larger 12.9 version, to be a desktop replacement. If that's the case, then it would be more stationary, even though it has mobility capabilities.
 
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