I'm a tech creator
Apple's original intention to launch the iPad was to completely replace laptops, and when it first came out, it really amazed the market, especially the introduction of touch screens, abandoning keyboards, making them more convenient and intelligent, and it has indeed been recognized and chased in certain business, education and entertainment markets.
However, after several generations of changes, people are gradually Xi to the use of iPad, and the market is gradually saturated. Xi users who are used to using business laptops will still choose laptops, and iPad has gradually become synonymous with entertainment, and many people use iPad just to chase dramas and games. The original intention of children to use iPad is not to learn Xi, but more to play.
Although Apple still occupies the absolute hegemony of the tablet market, and the tablets of other mobile phone manufacturers or PC manufacturers cannot compete with Apple, the desire for user iteration is very low.
This is understandable, after all, the iteration of smartphones has fallen into a trough, and it is reasonable that tablets that are not just needed for applications are no longer sought after.
Apple's annual updates are just a small upgrade and update like the iPhone, and users' desire to choose is even more low. Without the enthusiasm of market demand, it is impossible for product shipments to increase significantly. With the mobile phone market already gradually recovering, it is clear that the time for tablets is not yet there.
Perhaps Apple also sees this dilemma, so it is also trying to change. A whistleblower with knowledge of Apple's internal situation said that Apple will carry out a comprehensive reform of its iPad series products next year to reduce consumer confusion and provide new impetus for declining sales.
Previously, Apple's chief financial officer, Luca Maestri, warned that iPad and Mac sales could see a double-digit percentage decline in the fourth quarter of 2024.
At one time, in order to grab more market share, Apple also split more categories and models of iPad, from one large to one small, adding more low-end models, high-end AIR and the strongest Pro version, in order to attract different types of consumers and eventually sell more tablets.
The cost of this is that the iPad lineup has become extremely chaotic, and consumers will also have more trouble when choosing. At present, the five main products sold on Apple's official website are: iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad (10th generation), iPad (9th generation) and iPad mini.
The difference in models also makes it unclear which accessories are compatible with which iPads, for example, the most popular Apple Pencil (USB-C) cannot be used with the iPad (ninth generation);There are also few products that are compatible with the most expensive Apple Pencil (2nd generation).
Apple plans to make the iPad Pro the definitive top-of-the-line model, with the Air as the middle layer and the 11th-generation iPad at the bottom. **iPad Pro may have a better screen, M3 chip, new design, and Magic Keyboard accessories that are only available in the Pro series. This also means that it is more expensive. Moreover, there are also rumors that Apple may also reduce the iPad lineup to only Pro and Air, just like the MacBook. But in any case, it is impossible for the iPad to regain the majesty of the past.