Rumored 10.5-inch iPad may align with dimensions of iPad mini, resolution of iPad Pro
Apple's rumored plans for a 10.5-inch iPad -- not much larger than 9.7-inch models -- may make more sense when considering the size of the iPad mini, and the resolution of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
When Apple revealed the 12.9-inch Pro in Sept. 2015, the company made a point of highlighting that the new tablet's width matched the Air 2's height, Studio Neat's Dan Provost commented on Wednesday in a blog post. This allowed two full-sized windows to be displayed side-by-side in iOS 9's iPad multitasking.
If the 10.5-inch iPad keeps the same resolution as the 12.9-inch model -- 2,732 by 2,048 -- but given the pixel density of the iPad mini at 326 pixels per inch, the width of a 10.5-inch iPad would be the same height as the Mini.
Apple is rumored to be launching three new iPads this quarter, the other two being updated 9.7- and 12.9-inch models. The 10.5- and 12.9-inch units may sport an A10X precessor, relegating the 9.7-inch size to budget status.
There have been no indications that Apple is planning to update the Mini, which could mean that the Mini 4 will remain the most recent "small" iPad or get cut completely.
When Apple revealed the 12.9-inch Pro in Sept. 2015, the company made a point of highlighting that the new tablet's width matched the Air 2's height, Studio Neat's Dan Provost commented on Wednesday in a blog post. This allowed two full-sized windows to be displayed side-by-side in iOS 9's iPad multitasking.
If the 10.5-inch iPad keeps the same resolution as the 12.9-inch model -- 2,732 by 2,048 -- but given the pixel density of the iPad mini at 326 pixels per inch, the width of a 10.5-inch iPad would be the same height as the Mini.
Apple is rumored to be launching three new iPads this quarter, the other two being updated 9.7- and 12.9-inch models. The 10.5- and 12.9-inch units may sport an A10X precessor, relegating the 9.7-inch size to budget status.
There have been no indications that Apple is planning to update the Mini, which could mean that the Mini 4 will remain the most recent "small" iPad or get cut completely.
Comments
And a 10.5" iPad would now be subject to the Office licensing standards (where Office must be paid for screen sizes greater than 10.1").
And, would Apple really make a family as densely packed as 9.7", 10.5", and 12.9"?
This all seems a bit hard to believe.
2) That's the user and Microsoft's problem. Apple isn't bundling MSOffice.
3) 9.7 will be like the SE, 10.5 and 12.9 are the new form factor.
4) I don't see a reason why the Mini won't be retained at the same outward everything. I do think the 5.5" phone will soon become slightly larger with less bezel and be close enough to replace the Mini for 'hand size'
4.1) Apple makes ~2X the profit on a iPhone than an iPad Mini. I see writing on the wall.
But, perhaps Apple see's no real competition in the tablet category and are going w/ with the regular size Air (eliminating the Mini) and have the 2 Pro designs with value added, keyboards and pens. This way they can keep the entry price north of $500. (They can trim bezels add features to their heart's content.)
Some product symmetry there; one MacBook (eventually eliminating the MacBook Air), two MacBook Pro's 13" and 15" (eventually eliminating the MBP "esc"). And again, keeping the price of admission north of $1,000.
P.S. Perhaps Apple is looking at the sales of the iPhone Plus. I.e, people are going w/ Plus size iPhones and forgoing iPad Mini's and Air's. I know my daughter said she's going all in w/ the iPhone 7 Plus and maxing out on the memory/storage size. I have a Mini and I'm seriously thinking of doing the same thing. iPhone Plus, no iPad's, MacBook, ATV, AppleWatch, AirPods.
As for why a 10.5" (or similar) size for a new iPad, perhaps it is as simple as wanting to differentiate the pro lines from the lower priced iPads. It is no doubt confusing for some consumers that one 9.7" iPad starts at $399, and the other at $599, but both look exactly the same. They can introduce the lower priced pro to a slightly higher size (and I am sure Apple will have an explanation for "why this size" - perhaps the 2xMini screens side-by-side), and keeping the likely still very popular 9.7" Air 2 size (updated to get it current again).
While we all wish Apple would update the Mini, it could be that it has seen the greatest impact in the sales decline, and so the Mini 4 will continue to be sold as the iPad entry point for a lower price, taking over from the Mini 2 (which undoubtably will be retired). The Mini 4 could stay in the lineup for a couple of years in this manner - it is not like the A8 is a slouch.
FWIW, below is an image of an iMac 27" 5K Display (5120 x 2880, 218 PPI) shown on an iPad Pro 12.9" Display (2732 x 2048, 264 PPI) using the Screens App. It handles the larger display quite nicely. I'm hoping the next iPad Pro has the capability run the same things on the iPad alone (without the Mac).
But the most important reason: do not leave a gap in the market. It leaves space for your competitors.
P.S. That was along time ago, BTW.
I currently have a Mini too and I love it. I got it, just as you say, for reading, organizing Notes and also, I feel more comfortable looking at it when I'm out having lunch or dinner as opposed to pulling out a laptop. But I am carrying around two devices - Mini and iPhone.
I take your point to keep the Mini in the line-up until sales dwindle. Apple, obviously, has the sales statistics, but it seems to me the Plus' sales are going up and the iPad Mini's are going down. Just guessing, of course. Anyway...
Best.
In this case though the ipad mini has not been upgraded for some time, and it is not clear if there is a replacement. If Apple abandons this size it will leave space for competitors with consumers that want a reader size, full featured tablet and thus want something smaller than an ipad but bigger than a phablet. Why give competitors a chance?
Otherwise I'll just keep my 12.9" 1st-gen iPad Pro.
Great commentary from everyone, glad to be here. Cheers!