iPad
Since Apple released the iPad in 2010, new iPads have hit the market every year. However, for the first time in 2023, there will be no new iPad releases. Regarding the release of the iPad Air and iPad Pro, it is not surprising and may be postponed until March 2024.
About iPad
All iPad models
Currently, Apple is considering how to streamline its overcrowded product lineup. The existing iPad lineup includes the standard version of the 9th and 10th generation iPads, as well as the iPad Air (5th generation), iPad mini (6th generation), 12.9-inch iPad Pro (6th generation) and 11-inch iPad Pro (4th generation).
Such a layout makes the choice difficult, but Apple wants to reduce the confusion between the iPad Pro and iPad Air. To this end, the new product line will include the 12.9-inch iPad Air.
While some people think it's about adding more variants to an already chaotic product lineup, it's actually about better organizing and optimizing the lineup.
When it comes to MacBooks, Apple's offerings include the 16-inch and 14-inch MacBook Pro, as well as the 15-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air.
The MacBook Pro is a high-end model with a large screen and a high-performance processor, while the MacBook Air is a popular low-to-mid-range model with a slightly smaller screen and an older processor.
On the iPad, Apple has adopted a similar strategy. It is expected that in March 2024, Apple will release the 13-inch and 11-inch iPad Pro, as well as the 12.9-inch and 10.9-inch iPad Air.
The iPad Pro will be a high-end model with an OLED display and the latest M3 chip, while the iPad Air will be a low-to-mid-range model with an LCD display and an M2 chip.
In addition, the standard version of the 11th generation iPad and the 7th generation iPad mini are also scheduled to be updated in the second half of 2024.
About Apple Pencil
Apple Pencil
When the 11th generation iPad is released, the 9th generation iPad will be discontinued, and the Apple Pencil lineup will be reorganized.
Currently, only the 9th and 10th generation iPads support the 1st generation Apple Pencil. With the discontinuation of the 9th generation, only the 10th generation iPad will continue to be compatible with the 1st generation Apple Pencil, which means that the 1st generation Apple Pencil will also be discontinued.
It's worth noting that the 10th generation iPad also supports Apple Pencil (USB-C), so users can still use other types of Apple Pencil.
In addition, there are rumors that the third generation of the Apple Pencil is about to be released. According to well-known leaker Pu revealed, the third-generation Apple Pencil will be equipped with a magnetic nib that can be replaced as needed.
Such a design allows users to use a thin nib for illustration and handwriting, or a slightly thicker nib for coloring. While the magnetic nib may be a concern for falling off, it may have been designed with this in mind to prevent the nib from falling off easily.
Write at the end
In terms of product lineup, just as the standard version of the MacBook is gradually disappearing, the standard version of the iPad may also face the fate of being discontinued.
However, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman predicts that the standard version of the iPad is here to stay as the education market demands more affordable models.
In general, the information mentioned at the moment has not been officially confirmed, it is only rumors and predictions. We look forward to seeing what iPad products Apple will release in 2024 and whether they can meet the expectations of the market.
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