Apple is giving you FREE 32GB of storage and you are bitching about it.
There are MANY people who get by with 16GB.
What do you expect from Apple? Every year they make the iPad faster, thinner, lighter, better CPU, better GPU, better screen, TouchID, free software......yet they charge the same price. Or even less with the 64 and 128GB model.
Put on your business hat. If Apple made the 32GB the base model I bet almost 90% would opt for that model. That would DESTROY the iPad ASP and profits.
Guess what? Without bean counters and profits Apple would not have the necessary cash to fund things like Apple Pay, App Store, TouchID, R&D, ect. Apple's profit margin is only 23%. Guess what Microsofts is? Close to 35%. When you buy an Apple product you are buying MUCH MORE than just the metal and glass. If its too much than go Android.
Personally I'm super happy with the new Air2. I'm buying 4 iPad Air2 64GB in a few weeks. 2 for my parents and 2 for my inlaws. Its an awesome deal to get the world's best tablet for $599 and get 64GB. I wish my Air1 had 64GB. And if you are so hardup on cash why don't you buy the Air1 32GB for $450?
I gotta say the iPad Air1 32GB at $449 and the iPadMini2 32GB at $349 are CRAZY AWESOME DEALS for cheapskates.
Bottom line is you gotta pay TO play. Its always been this way with Apple.
But you GET what you PAY for.
Hey I'm not stupid. I know that these pricing schemes are all about keeping ASP's high. Apple knows damn good and well there are people who need more than 16 GB but don't need 64 GB. Not offering 32GB as the base model just means more device sales at $599 vs $499. I have a feeling though that Wall Street cares more about year over year sales growth than they do ASPs. I have a hard time believing that offering 32 GB as the base model would prevent Apple from investing in all this R&D, services, etc. Apple is not hurting for profits or cash. But since Apple refuses to do this then for gods sake don't send out software updates that require 8GB storage.
I don't get the point of the retina mini 3. What did it get besides Touch ID?
Good question, I suspect a new marketing name.
This attitude that Apple displays at times is troubling. A device like the Mini exhibits poor sales so they do nothing significant upgrade wise. This leads to a self fulfilling prophecy were sales spiral downward due to the obvious dated nature of the device. Even an update to a simple A8 would have been more inspiring.
Mini 3 is a pointless update. If they weren't gonig to give it the same specs as the Air 2 they should have just dropped the price on the mini 2 and left it at that. Touch ID isn't worth $100.
What's really annoying though is the bean counter moves on storage. The whole point of going 16 > 64 is just to increase ASPs. My guess is there's a lot of people who don't need 64GB but 16GB isn't enough. 32GB would be perfect for them but Apple doesn't offer it. Considering the fact that iOS 8 adoption has slowed because of a lack of storage for OTA updates Apple's storage configurations should be 32 > 64 > 128. And for businesses that don't need the latest specs or a lot of storage keep around a cheaper iPad with 16GB storage.
I think they are trying to get every price point a TouchID.
As long as every 8.x feature works on a Mini 3, it's a viable solution. Once they start limiting SW features, that's when it's a sucky move.
As for the 16 and 64, I think you're looking at people's use cases, and not what Apple wants to sell
Apple wants to sell iTunes Match, Radio, and iCloud storage. 16GB is perfect for that.
Those who don't want that need at least 64GB.
I thought what they did with the Mini 2 was amazing... and apparently not repeatable.
Figure next year the 8x will be in the Mini 4 (or a mid year upgrade) if it's not a battery thing. if it's not upgraded CPU and RAM wise next year, figure the Mini will be the next out the door after the iPod Touch.
Apple is giving you FREE 32GB of storage and you are bitching about it.
There are MANY people who get by with 16GB.
What do you expect from Apple? Every year they make the iPad faster, thinner, lighter, better CPU, better GPU, better screen, TouchID, free software......yet they charge the same price. Or even less with the 64 and 128GB model.
Put on your business hat. If Apple made the 32GB the base model I bet almost 90% would opt for that model. That would DESTROY the iPad ASP and profits.
Guess what? Without bean counters and profits Apple would not have the necessary cash to fund things like Apple Pay, App Store, TouchID, R&D, ect. Apple's profit margin is only 23%. Guess what Microsofts is? Close to 35%. When you buy an Apple product you are buying MUCH MORE than just the metal and glass. If its too much than go Android.
Personally I'm super happy with the new Air2. I'm buying 4 iPad Air2 64GB in a few weeks. 2 for my parents and 2 for my inlaws. Its an awesome deal to get the world's best tablet for $599 and get 64GB. I wish my Air1 had 64GB. And if you are so hardup on cash why don't you buy the Air1 32GB for $450?
I gotta say the iPad Air1 32GB at $449 and the iPadMini2 32GB at $349 are CRAZY AWESOME DEALS for cheapskates.
Bottom line is you gotta pay TO play. Its always been this way with Apple.
But you GET what you PAY for.
While I am okay with most of your points, please....please don't use the term "free" for this. It is not "free." It is simply 32GB more for the same price.....still a cost.
Anyway, I am not an iPad mini owner; however, I found the Mini 3 to be pretty stupid. I know some of you will defend Apple at all costs, (I own a iPhone 6 Plus, mid-2012 retina, iPad 2) but you have to admit that to call it new and put a 2013 chip in it is very un-Applelike. The new A8 that powers the iPhone 6 should be in that device (consumes less power). The only reason is likely cost or supply. Surely, Apple could have done better.
The iPad Air 2 looks wonderful. Although, the focus on thinness better state giving way to additional features (bump in battery life?).
Overall, I feel like most of Apple's updates this year were expected and a bit overhyped on their end. While their 2014 lineup is the best on the market, I got a feel from the executives that it would have a little more unexpected things in the pipeline. Overall, Apple will kill it this Quarter.
I'm surprised that Apple doesn't go after the NFC reader market with iPad. For the guy running a small business that is constantly moving from customer to customer such an iPad would make business life much better.
That's what 3rd parties are for.
99% of the public doesn't need a reader. why build it into the base?
isn't obvious? Its because the iPadMini has horrible gross margins.
If Apple gave the iPadMini everything the iPadAir has then they would have to make it the same price.
Funny though last year the two products were nearly identical. Last year Apple ran that "designed in California" commercial that said Apple asks,whether something deserves to exist. They obviously didn't ask that question with the iPad mini 3. There is no reason for this product to exist. Touch ID is not worth $100. If they couldn't give mini 3 the same display and internals as Air 2 then they should have just dropped the price of the mini 2 and left it at that.
This attitude that Apple displays at times is troubling. A device like the Mini exhibits poor sales so they do nothing significant upgrade wise. This leads to a self fulfilling prophecy were sales spiral downward due to the obvious dated nature of the device. Even an update to a simple A8 would have been more inspiring.
Yes, and if it's a supply constrain issue due to needing every A8 possible for iPhones then don't update the mini now, just reduce the price on the currrent model. There's no rule that says the Air and the mini have to be announced at the same time. The mini 3 pointless and is just adding complexity to Apple's product line.
Soooo, the main reason to get an iPad mini 3 is the Touch ID sensor which it could and should have had last year anyway.
Last year it was obvious that the designs where ready for Touch ID. The problem was production ramp up of the sensors.
Thanks for neutering the iPad mini update Apple, real crappy move.
I'm not a Mini user but this certainly is a bit of stupidity on Apples part. They fall into a pattern here and then wonder why sales are tanking. Look what has happened to iPod Touch which is falling behind even as a gaming platform. It looks like the Mini is in an Apple death spiral already.
That along with the removal of the 32gb option instead of making 32gb the default option annoys me.
Well this one I have to disagree with you on. The previous schedule was a complete ripoff at least now you don't feel the bruises
I know they're a business, I know they are neutering the mini and removing the 32gb option on their iDevices so that people move up the line & pay more. But I can't help but feel that this is going to bite them in the ass, they already make more money per device than anyone else.
Actually business users are probably the real market for these devices.
I believe that a big reason for slow iOS 8 adoption is the memory issue, selling 16gb devices makes no sense long term.
Nope! IOS 8 has its issues but install problems aren't that much greater than with the upgrade to iOS 7. Beyond that the adoption rate is actually pretty good considering new hardware is just starting to ship.
I think they are trying to get every price point a TouchID.
As long as every 8.x feature works on a Mini 3, it's a viable solution. Once they start limiting SW features, that's when it's a sucky move.
As for the 16 and 64, I think you're looking at people's use cases, and not what Apple wants to sell
Apple wants to sell iTunes Match, Radio, and iCloud storage. 16GB is perfect for that.
Those who don't want that need at least 64GB.
I thought what they did with the Mini 2 was amazing... and apparently not repeatable.
Figure next year the 8x will be in the Mini 4 (or a mid year upgrade) if it's not a battery thing. if it's not upgraded CPU and RAM wise next year, figure the Mini will be the next out the door after the iPod Touch.
Well considering iOS 8 has stalled out at around 50% clearly 16GB is an issue. I'm sure there are a lot of people who own iOS devices but have never used iTunes on their computer. OTA is the only thing they know.
My guess is current iPods and iPad mini won't be around much longer. Especially if the 6 Plus sells well.
Terribly disappointed that they didn't put the full iPhone 6 Plus stabilized camera in the iPad. Since it's such a "wonderful" camera platform and all.
Do you ever get the feeling we are being manipulated at these product reveals. Think about it, how many people actually use the cameras on their iPads? I'm just left with the impression that they are trying to pull focus off other aspects of the new machine.
For instance the A8X processor. Just try finding info about that chip. They claim it has an extra billion transistors relative to the A8 so those extra transistors have to be doing something.
Honestly I'm excitedly waiting for the first reviews or tear downs of this new iPad and the Mac Mini. Because frankly Apples technical information has gone from poor to useless. We can infer that the GPUs are beefed up significantly but I want details just out of curiosity.
If 16GB wasn't good enough before you would have only gotten 16GB more for your upgrade dollar. This approach just means that you get better value for your upgrade dollar. If anything this will lower the average selling price due to fewer people have a real need for the top of the line model.
I really don't understand all the hand wring over the new storage sizes, it is a much more reasonable line up.
Mini 3 is a pointless update. If they weren't gonig to give it the same specs as the Air 2 they should have just dropped the price on the mini 2 and left it at that. Touch ID isn't worth $100.
What's really annoying though is the bean counter moves on storage. The whole point of going 16 > 64 is just to increase ASPs. My guess is there's a lot of people who don't need 64GB but 16GB isn't enough. 32GB would be perfect for them but Apple doesn't offer it. Considering the fact that iOS 8 adoption has slowed because of a lack of storage for OTA updates Apple's storage configurations should be 32 > 64 > 128. And for businesses that don't need the latest specs or a lot of storage keep around a cheaper iPad with 16GB storage.
If 16GB wasn't good enough before you would have only gotten 16GB more for your upgrade dollar. This approach just means that you get better value for your upgrade dollar. If anything this will lower the average selling price due to fewer people have a real need for the top of the line model.
I really don't understand all the hand wring over the new storage sizes, it is a much more reasonable line up.
My guess is there are more people in between 16 and 32 than there were between 32 and 64. Yeah maybe 64 at $599 is a better value than 32 at $499 but if you don't need that much additional space you've spent $100 more for nothing.
99% of the public doesn't need a reader. why build it into the base?
Not so much the base machine but an add on line cellular coverage. Third parties can't build that into an iPad. Apple likely would need to partner with a bank or credit card company but I still see such a feature driving lots of sales. Anybody running a small business would benefit. Imagine an electrician, plumber or similar traveling from customer to customer each day. Another good use would be a temporary locations like sporting events festivals and the like. Taking Apple Pay at these locations would be a win for everybody and Apple could make it simple.
I don't call it pointless but I don't think it is selling as well as some suspect. Poor sales seem to result in Apple pulling this crap and the downward spiral begins.
As for constrained supplies, I just read an article where TSMC has indicated that they already get 20% of their entire revenue from their brand spanking new 20 mm founder. That is the foundry Apple chips are made in. That is very significant considering the number and different types of plants TSMC has. This I suspect that the plant is running close to full capacity producing high value chips.
Yes, and if it's a supply constrain issue due to needing every A8 possible for iPhones then don't update the mini now, just reduce the price on the currrent model. There's no rule that says the Air and the mini have to be announced at the same time. The mini 3 pointless and is just adding complexity to Apple's product line.
Politely pointed to the side door, is what I'm thinking. Frankly with the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, the iPad Mini makes less sense. I was *this close* (honest, holding fingers close together) to getting an iPad Mini before the new phone rumors appeared to solidify over the summer... gien the new phones, and on the other end the upgraded full-size iPad, it's hard for me to justify getting a Mini.
(Now, if they'd done a larger iPad Pro, hoo boy look out, I'm first in that line!)
TBH, even owning a 6 and an Air, I still want an Mini. It seems like it would be the happy medium for game playing and book reading. Glad to see the Retina Mini is now cheaper, $249 is reasonable for a refurb.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkTime
TouchID on the iPad (Mini or Air) makes them both secure. Without TouchID it is a pain to use a complicated password, with TouchID it's a breeze, just like on the iPhone. My main concern with my iPad mini has been is that it's the "insecure" device that gives access to my synchronized password safe. Now I can secure that device as well.
I've been using the iPad mini for the past year and really prefer it to the larger iPad which I used forever. The iPhone 6 is still too small to comfortably browse web sites and/or read books. It can be done, but why would you want to. After a year of using the iPad mini I have no hesitation regarding the form factor.
My only complaint is that they didn't upgrade the processor on the iPad Mini as they did with the iPad Air. That's annoying.
Yeah, I do think the Mini 3 is cheap. I want to see tests to see if the screen is now comparable with the first-gen Air (the Mini 2 had a subpar display that was not sRGB), that might help justify the price jump for such little added value, but...
My guess is there are more people in between 16 and 32 than there were between 32 and 64. Yeah maybe 64 at $599 is a better value than 32 at $499 but if you don't need that much additional space you've spent $100 more for nothing.
I think there are far more people that 16GB is enough. So if you give them 32 it is a waste too.
The iPad Mini 3's best feature is its ability to knock $100 off the price of the Mini 2. If you get a refurb one like I just did, you save a total of $180. Also 32 GB is only $50 more than 16 GB. With tax I got a cellular iPad Mini 2 with 32 GB RAM and AT&T cellular data for $433.92 including tax.
Comments
Hey I'm not stupid. I know that these pricing schemes are all about keeping ASP's high. Apple knows damn good and well there are people who need more than 16 GB but don't need 64 GB. Not offering 32GB as the base model just means more device sales at $599 vs $499. I have a feeling though that Wall Street cares more about year over year sales growth than they do ASPs. I have a hard time believing that offering 32 GB as the base model would prevent Apple from investing in all this R&D, services, etc. Apple is not hurting for profits or cash. But since Apple refuses to do this then for gods sake don't send out software updates that require 8GB storage.
Good question, I suspect a new marketing name.
This attitude that Apple displays at times is troubling. A device like the Mini exhibits poor sales so they do nothing significant upgrade wise. This leads to a self fulfilling prophecy were sales spiral downward due to the obvious dated nature of the device. Even an update to a simple A8 would have been more inspiring.
Mini 3 is a pointless update. If they weren't gonig to give it the same specs as the Air 2 they should have just dropped the price on the mini 2 and left it at that. Touch ID isn't worth $100.
What's really annoying though is the bean counter moves on storage. The whole point of going 16 > 64 is just to increase ASPs. My guess is there's a lot of people who don't need 64GB but 16GB isn't enough. 32GB would be perfect for them but Apple doesn't offer it. Considering the fact that iOS 8 adoption has slowed because of a lack of storage for OTA updates Apple's storage configurations should be 32 > 64 > 128. And for businesses that don't need the latest specs or a lot of storage keep around a cheaper iPad with 16GB storage.
I think they are trying to get every price point a TouchID.
As long as every 8.x feature works on a Mini 3, it's a viable solution. Once they start limiting SW features, that's when it's a sucky move.
As for the 16 and 64, I think you're looking at people's use cases, and not what Apple wants to sell
Apple wants to sell iTunes Match, Radio, and iCloud storage. 16GB is perfect for that.
Those who don't want that need at least 64GB.
I thought what they did with the Mini 2 was amazing... and apparently not repeatable.
Figure next year the 8x will be in the Mini 4 (or a mid year upgrade) if it's not a battery thing. if it's not upgraded CPU and RAM wise next year, figure the Mini will be the next out the door after the iPod Touch.
Dude just STFU.
Apple is giving you FREE 32GB of storage and you are bitching about it.
There are MANY people who get by with 16GB.
What do you expect from Apple? Every year they make the iPad faster, thinner, lighter, better CPU, better GPU, better screen, TouchID, free software......yet they charge the same price. Or even less with the 64 and 128GB model.
Put on your business hat. If Apple made the 32GB the base model I bet almost 90% would opt for that model. That would DESTROY the iPad ASP and profits.
Guess what? Without bean counters and profits Apple would not have the necessary cash to fund things like Apple Pay, App Store, TouchID, R&D, ect. Apple's profit margin is only 23%. Guess what Microsofts is? Close to 35%. When you buy an Apple product you are buying MUCH MORE than just the metal and glass. If its too much than go Android.
Personally I'm super happy with the new Air2. I'm buying 4 iPad Air2 64GB in a few weeks. 2 for my parents and 2 for my inlaws. Its an awesome deal to get the world's best tablet for $599 and get 64GB. I wish my Air1 had 64GB. And if you are so hardup on cash why don't you buy the Air1 32GB for $450?
I gotta say the iPad Air1 32GB at $449 and the iPadMini2 32GB at $349 are CRAZY AWESOME DEALS for cheapskates.
Bottom line is you gotta pay TO play. Its always been this way with Apple.
But you GET what you PAY for.
While I am okay with most of your points, please....please don't use the term "free" for this. It is not "free." It is simply 32GB more for the same price.....still a cost.
Anyway, I am not an iPad mini owner; however, I found the Mini 3 to be pretty stupid. I know some of you will defend Apple at all costs, (I own a iPhone 6 Plus, mid-2012 retina, iPad 2) but you have to admit that to call it new and put a 2013 chip in it is very un-Applelike. The new A8 that powers the iPhone 6 should be in that device (consumes less power). The only reason is likely cost or supply. Surely, Apple could have done better.
The iPad Air 2 looks wonderful. Although, the focus on thinness better state giving way to additional features (bump in battery life?).
Overall, I feel like most of Apple's updates this year were expected and a bit overhyped on their end. While their 2014 lineup is the best on the market, I got a feel from the executives that it would have a little more unexpected things in the pipeline. Overall, Apple will kill it this Quarter.
I'm surprised that Apple doesn't go after the NFC reader market with iPad. For the guy running a small business that is constantly moving from customer to customer such an iPad would make business life much better.
That's what 3rd parties are for.
99% of the public doesn't need a reader. why build it into the base?
Funny though last year the two products were nearly identical. Last year Apple ran that "designed in California" commercial that said Apple asks,whether something deserves to exist. They obviously didn't ask that question with the iPad mini 3. There is no reason for this product to exist. Touch ID is not worth $100. If they couldn't give mini 3 the same display and internals as Air 2 then they should have just dropped the price of the mini 2 and left it at that.
Nope! IOS 8 has its issues but install problems aren't that much greater than with the upgrade to iOS 7. Beyond that the adoption rate is actually pretty good considering new hardware is just starting to ship.
Well considering iOS 8 has stalled out at around 50% clearly 16GB is an issue. I'm sure there are a lot of people who own iOS devices but have never used iTunes on their computer. OTA is the only thing they know.
My guess is current iPods and iPad mini won't be around much longer. Especially if the 6 Plus sells well.
I can't believe they didn't price the original mini at $199.
Guess they know what they're doing ...
Do you ever get the feeling we are being manipulated at these product reveals. Think about it, how many people actually use the cameras on their iPads? I'm just left with the impression that they are trying to pull focus off other aspects of the new machine.
For instance the A8X processor. Just try finding info about that chip. They claim it has an extra billion transistors relative to the A8 so those extra transistors have to be doing something.
Honestly I'm excitedly waiting for the first reviews or tear downs of this new iPad and the Mac Mini. Because frankly Apples technical information has gone from poor to useless. We can infer that the GPUs are beefed up significantly but I want details just out of curiosity.
I really don't understand all the hand wring over the new storage sizes, it is a much more reasonable line up.
My guess is there are more people in between 16 and 32 than there were between 32 and 64. Yeah maybe 64 at $599 is a better value than 32 at $499 but if you don't need that much additional space you've spent $100 more for nothing.
The original mini is like the iPad 2 still being sold for $399. My guess is the original mini will be gone within 6 months.
Not so much the base machine but an add on line cellular coverage. Third parties can't build that into an iPad. Apple likely would need to partner with a bank or credit card company but I still see such a feature driving lots of sales. Anybody running a small business would benefit. Imagine an electrician, plumber or similar traveling from customer to customer each day. Another good use would be a temporary locations like sporting events festivals and the like. Taking Apple Pay at these locations would be a win for everybody and Apple could make it simple.
As for constrained supplies, I just read an article where TSMC has indicated that they already get 20% of their entire revenue from their brand spanking new 20 mm founder. That is the foundry Apple chips are made in. That is very significant considering the number and different types of plants TSMC has. This I suspect that the plant is running close to full capacity producing high value chips.
Politely pointed to the side door, is what I'm thinking. Frankly with the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, the iPad Mini makes less sense. I was *this close* (honest, holding fingers close together) to getting an iPad Mini before the new phone rumors appeared to solidify over the summer... gien the new phones, and on the other end the upgraded full-size iPad, it's hard for me to justify getting a Mini.
(Now, if they'd done a larger iPad Pro, hoo boy look out, I'm first in that line!)
TBH, even owning a 6 and an Air, I still want an Mini. It seems like it would be the happy medium for game playing and book reading. Glad to see the Retina Mini is now cheaper, $249 is reasonable for a refurb.
TouchID on the iPad (Mini or Air) makes them both secure. Without TouchID it is a pain to use a complicated password, with TouchID it's a breeze, just like on the iPhone. My main concern with my iPad mini has been is that it's the "insecure" device that gives access to my synchronized password safe. Now I can secure that device as well.
I've been using the iPad mini for the past year and really prefer it to the larger iPad which I used forever. The iPhone 6 is still too small to comfortably browse web sites and/or read books. It can be done, but why would you want to. After a year of using the iPad mini I have no hesitation regarding the form factor.
My only complaint is that they didn't upgrade the processor on the iPad Mini as they did with the iPad Air. That's annoying.
Yeah, I do think the Mini 3 is cheap. I want to see tests to see if the screen is now comparable with the first-gen Air (the Mini 2 had a subpar display that was not sRGB), that might help justify the price jump for such little added value, but...
My guess is there are more people in between 16 and 32 than there were between 32 and 64. Yeah maybe 64 at $599 is a better value than 32 at $499 but if you don't need that much additional space you've spent $100 more for nothing.
I think there are far more people that 16GB is enough. So if you give them 32 it is a waste too.