Given the choice, Tim Cook clearly would prefer customers to buy the most expensive versions of Apple products. Ultra version of Apple Watch, Max version of AirPods, non-mini HomePod, and all other Pro versions. The problem is that customers generally feel the opposite. Nowhere is this more true than in the tablet market.
Sure, some creative professionals may be using iPad Pro for work. The iPad Air has its fans, and even the iPad mini may see some unit changes after last week’s (unfortunately minor) update. However, the majority of iPad users choose the standard model. That’s because they’re cheap and the way you use a tablet doesn’t require a super-fast processor or high-end screen. For most people, the decision is easy.
Given the disproportionate popularity of the vanilla iPad, it feels strange that Apple announced updated versions of all but that model this year. I got the new Pro and Air in the spring. A new mini will be released in the fall. But there’s no sign of an 11th generation iPad coming, and it looks like it won’t be available until the end of 2024. it is iPad users want it! That would be like Marvel announcing that they won’t be making any more Spider-Man movies in order to properly focus on Howard the Duck.
I think this makes some sense from a strategic perspective, based on the upsell idea I outlined in the first paragraph. By lowering the price of the 10th generation iPad, Apple will maintain the loyalty of customers who prioritize value above all else, but by refusing to raise specs, Apple could lure other customers to the iPad Air. Masu.
But it still feels dangerous for Apple to ignore its most popular and important iPad. Like a pub owner getting rid of his dartboard, you risk alienating the core of your user base. Owners of standard iPads may not update their machines frequently because they don’t need the latest specs to check email from the couch. However, they do If you decide it’s time to look for a new model, what do you think about the current state of the product? Either you spend much more money than you planned, or it was last updated in 2022 and could be replaced in the near future. When presented with the option of buying an expensive iPad, some people may decide not to bother, while others may start asking their grandchildren if it’s a Samsung. I’m making an iPad. Neither outcome is good for one of Apple Park’s most beleaguered sectors.
And that’s before you get to Apple Intelligence. It’s debatable how useful this is, especially in the short-term learning phase (a product development phase that most users of Apple Maps in 2012 will remember fondly). But it’s getting more media attention, and that means more customer interest. And once again we have to ask which is more likely. Would a customer be willing to spend an extra $250 for an iPad Air knowing that the standard iPad doesn’t support Apple Intelligence? Or would a customer know that the standard iPad doesn’t support Apple Intelligence? Did they walk out of the store with a sigh? That could lead to upsells, but it could also lead to lost sales… Why Apple Misses Out on Valuable Training Data from Huge iPad Users It goes without saying that this will happen.
So it’s a risky business. It may be a risk, but Apple feels it’s worth taking. That’s because the current iPad series simply isn’t profitable. (iPad revenue has increased in quarters since the company finally released some new models earlier this year, but there are signs that it will start declining again.) Customers buy cheaper iPads once every five years. You may want to buy one, but you don’t have the mileage. , or at least very little revenue in serving that market. Apple may think it’s worth losing these customers if it can increase sales of its higher-margin iPad version. To attract high-spending customers, you may need to remove the dartboard.
Welcome to the weekly Apple Breakfast column. This column brings together all the Apple news you missed last week in a convenient bite-sized format. We call it Apple Breakfast because we think it’s perfect for your Monday morning coffee or tea, but it’s also great if you want to read over lunch or dinner.
Trending: Top articles
The worst is coming Apple fans waiting.
I’m about to find out if Apple’s big bet You will be rewarded.
Sorry, children, say Macalope and Apple. Not cool anymore.
why new iPad mini This is a problem for Apple’s other products as well.
I switched to Mobile phone Apple Watch Just to make sure you don’t need it.
How can Apple put the magic back together? Mac accessories.
Apple finally announced new iPad mini…But there’s not much new.
This week’s podcast
Apple released the new iPad mini this week! We talk about Apple’s new tablet and how Apple’s new approach to product releases can influence your decision whether to buy one.
All episodes of Macworld Podcast are available on Spotify, Soundcloud, the Podcasts app, or on our site.
review corner
rumor mill
Buttonless case leak reveals important details Next iPhone SE.
apple’s future vision: Four new products are under development.
iPhone18 You get an enhanced 2nm chip, 12GB of RAM.
Software updates, bugs and issues
there’s a new one XProtect Security Update– Here’s how to make sure your Mac has it.
That’s it for this week’s Apple Breakfast. If you would like regular round-ups, sign up for our newsletter. Facebook, Threads, or Twitter For discussion of Apple’s latest news articles. See you next Monday. Please stay Applely.
