New versions of iPad Pro and iPad Air reportedly on the way, as Apple seeks to make iPad portfolio less confusing.
Apple is reportedly planning a major overhaul of its iPad portfolio, as the tablet family has been described as confusing due to the sheer number of different versions and models.
This is not the first time that a revamp has been mooted.
In August it was reported that Apple was planning a major revamp of its iPad Pro for 2024, as Apple sought to shake up a moribund tablet market.
Apple's full year 2023 results in November for example had revealed sales declines in the Apple Mac, iPads and wearables, home and accessories portfolios.
Apple recorded a 3 percent decline in iPad sales in fiscal year 2023, which fell to $28.3bn from $29.3bn in fiscal year 2022, which may explain Apple's interest in shaking up its tablet portfolio.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a decade ago, the iPad lineup was fairly clear: There were two main models - a big one and a little one.
The previous year's versions were sold at a discount.
Gurman noted that over time, Apple added more options.
In addition to the standard and mini iPads, there were new low-end models, a high-end Air and more powerful Pro versions - packing big screens and extra horsepower.
Gurman argues this came at a cost and the iPad lineup has become cluttered and confusing.
According to Gurman, Apple wants to reduce the confusion between the iPad Pro and the Air.
He added that in terms of screen sizes, the two models will be similar - but the Pro will have slightly more real estate.
The iPad Air will come in 10.9-inch and 12.9-inch configurations, while the Pro will be 11 and 13 inches.
This mirrors the approach with the MacBook Air and Pro, where the latter model has a slightly larger screen.
The iPad Air will still be the model below the Pro, but it will offer two screen sizes and an M2 processor.
Gurman noted that the ultimate way to simplify the iPad would be slim the portfolio down to just the iPad Pro and Air.
Apple needs a cheaper model to sell into the education market, or it risks losing more ground to Chromebooks, he noted.
It would be hard to axe the iPad mini, as some people prefer a smaller tablet, as it is easier to hold for longer periods of time when consuming media.
This Cyber News was published on www.silicon.co.uk. Publication date: Thu, 14 Dec 2023 15:43:04 +0000