Apple’s strongest competitor in the tablet market was the company’s previous generation iPads, rather than its Android models. Users who want to buy a new iPad no longer only look at the price and features of current models; Old iPad Pro models, which can be purchased with a similar budget, also become a serious alternative in the decision process. The real competition in the iPad family is within Apple itself. Apple’s iPad product range has a very clear price range today.
The standard iPad starts at $349, the iPad mini starts at $499, and the iPad Air starts at $599. On the iPad Pro side, the starting price is $999. However, the real debate arises especially on the line between iPad Air and older iPad Pro models. iPad Air is sold with 11-inch and 13-inch screen options. The model has a Liquid Retina display, M4 chip, Apple Intelligence support, horizontally positioned 12 MP Center Stage front camera, Apple Pencil Pro support and Magic Keyboard compatibility.
However, the device does not include ProMotion display technology, TrueDepth camera system and Face ID. The Touch ID line is preserved on the unlocking side. Older generation 11-inch iPad Pro models can be found in the second-hand or refurbished product market at prices close to the iPad Air. iPad Pro options with M1 or M2 processors stand out with advantages such as Face ID, 120 Hz ProMotion screen, Thunderbolt connection, more powerful speaker system and brighter screen in a similar budget.
This table puts the new iPad Air directly against the old Pro models in the purchasing decision. There is a similar pressure on the standard iPad side. Apple’s $349 iPad model comes with the A16 chip, 11-inch Liquid Retina display, USB-C, 12 MP rear camera, horizontally positioned 12 MP Center Stage front camera and Magic Keyboard Folio support. However, Apple Intelligence support is not available in this model. In addition, for the user who wants to use the iPad with the keyboard, the total cost exceeds the basic price of the device.
At this point, MacBook Neo is also included in the table. MacBook Neo, introduced by Apple in March, became the company’s most affordable laptop with a starting price of $ 599. Coming with features such as a 13-inch Liquid Retina display, A18 Pro chip, up to 16 hours of battery life, macOS Tahoe, Apple Intelligence, Magic Keyboard and large Multi-Touch trackpad, the device creates a different option especially for users considering the iPad keyboard combination.
This comparison does not have the same meaning for every user. iPad still has a separate usage area with its touch screen, Apple Pencil support, portability and tablet experience. However, in scenarios such as basic productivity, writing, education, document editing and daily computer use, there is a more obvious intersection between MacBook Neo and iPad. There is a similar uncertainty on the iPad mini side. The 8.3-inch screen iPad mini appeals to users who want a compact tablet with the A17 Pro chip and Apple Intelligence support.
However, the expectation of a foldable iPhone is one of the issues that may affect the long-term appeal of the small-screen iPad. Apple has not yet offered such an iPhone model for sale, but when this category emerges, the position of the iPad mini may be discussed again. iPad Pro, on the other hand, stands out in a separate place in the product range. The model, starting at $999, offers Apple’s top-level tablet experience with an Ultra Retina XDR display, ProMotion, M5 chip, TrueDepth camera system, Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro support.
For this reason, the real pressure is felt on the iPad Air and standard iPad side rather than the Pro model. Apple’s main problem on the iPad side is the motivation to upgrade rather than the Android tablet competition. iPad Pro models released between 2018 and 2022 still have powerful hardware. For many people using these devices, the reason to switch to a new iPad is not as obvious as it used to be. Users who will buy a new device can also choose an old Pro model instead of the current mid-level iPad with the same budget.
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