“Last year the sole change in the iPad lineup was the launch of a 9.7-inch ‘Pro’ version. Apple’s tablet was more or less ignored after that, as sales continued to drop,” Gene Steinberg writes for The Tech Night Owl. “While iOS 10 added a few tricks to advance iPad multitasking, being productive with multiple apps and documents is still not near as flexible as on a Mac or a PC.”
“So there will be an update for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and perhaps a refresh for the 9.7-inch model that was introduced last year. The larger iPad could gain the display enhancements of its smaller counterpart, such as True Tone,” Steinberg writes. “There’s also talk of an all-new form factor, with a 10.5-inch display fitted into a case little different from the 9.7-inch model. It’ll benefit from an edge-to-edge display.”
“Now I feel a little more optimistic about the iPad, because of Apple’s new promotional campaign. That may be designed to whet your appetite for the new models, or just move existing product, although there have been reports of constrained supplies that might herald product refreshes,” Steinberg writes. “I just wonder whether a 10.5-inch iPad (Pro?), even if it comes in a case with a similar size and weight compared to the smaller iPad Pro, would be enough to fuel sales. Does it really make that much of a difference to anyone?”
Much more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Yes, it will.
Soon, it will become very clear for millions upon millions that it’s finally time to replace their aged iPad 2 units!
SEE ALSO:
Apple to reveal all-new 10.5-inch iPad Pro in early April event at new Steve Jobs Theater, sources say – March 14, 2017
Apple’s all-new 10.5-inch iPad Pro to feature 2,024-by-1,668 display; same physical size as current 9.7 inch iPad Pro – February 27, 2017
Why a 10.5-inch iPad makes mathematical sense – January 12, 2017
Ming-Chi Kuo: Three new Apple iPads on the way, including new model with 10-10.5-inch display – January 9, 2017
We need iPad in 50 different sizes to keep the tech columnists busy.
No this will not matter much. Tablets have declined in sales not because of fractional inches in screen size from one tablet model to another, but because smartphones screens have gotten so big.
People now have less and less reason to use a tablet when their smartphone is effectively a tablet, just way more portable and functional, save for a physical keyboard.
While bigger screen size in a tablet is great, even the 12.9″ iPad Pro can’t compete with the utility of a large screen iPhone.
So no, I predict this will not spark some huge sales wave. Apple will get some decent sales numbers for 6 months and thigs will taper off.
I mean I love my iPhone 7 Plus and all that but it’s not a replacement for my iPad. I can’t wait to replace an old iPad 3. Updates like speed, bigger display and other enhancements only wet the appetites for those who need replacements. I’m thinking Apple will do quite well with these refreshes.
This was the case for me. My iPad Mini use dropped precipitously after I got my 6+. I’d love to see a 6-inch iPhone. The rumored 5.8″ iPhone X sounds great.
Does the iPad OS have a filesystem that allows you to keep your ducements in a folder of your choice, on the hard drive? Just curious bc if it doesnt have a traditional filesystem then its never gonna be a computer I’m interested in. Apple can force everyone else to use the cloud, as if internet access is 100% reliable everywhere on earth, which, by the way it ISNT. Not even on college campuses.
Files in iCloud are available in a graphical file system on the iPad and iPhone.
When iCloud works — which is seldom.
That has not been my experience. No issues with iCloud for me. Period.
Sadly no. IMO its the biggest weakness / lacking fundamental feature since the beginning of iOS. All we need is a “common folder” area where all apps can open and save files too. Instead of this “Open in” nonsense.
BTW, “Open In” is a feature for apps to pass files to other apps, but apps have to be coded to support it so it kinda sucks.
Before the resident grammar dude complains, I meant “save files to”. You can calm down now 🙂
I don’t care what folder documents save to, as long as I have access. I have many documents saved locally on my iPad and in the cloud. I can access all of them when I need them. Works for me.
Only if has a USB 6.0 fiber port and VR goggles built in.
I think that when a keyboard is being used by an iPad user, if there was a “mouse mode” available, that would help sales.
When I am typing at a desk, it is convenient and almost normal to reach for a mouse to click a toolbar button, or highlight text. I think that in a “with keyboard” configuration, IOS should support the single click, drag and highlight functions from a mouse/trackpad/trackball.
I know I can touch my screen to click a button, and I can try to highlight text to format it, but it is just easier with the mouse. With the control of a cursor on screen, there is also enhanced precision (somewhat like using the stylus, ahem Apple Pencil).
Just thinkin’….
I don’t know, maybe this makes it more like a Microsoft Surface, but better?
Does a 10.5-inch iPad solve Apple’s problem?
No, but it solved Madonna’s.
Oh, wait. That was just a pad that solved her problem. No “i.”
(Brought to you by Carl’s Jr.)
Nope
Still going to keep on using my iPad 2.
Never going to upgrade until there is a file system.
I use my iPad 2 as a third monitor for pallets etc, and I have all my music at work.
iPad 2 still works for me.