According to Mark Gurman, the upcoming iPad Pro line is set to undergo a revamp next year. The new premium tablets will feature an 11-inch model and a 13-inch model, replacing the current 11-inch and 12.9-inch offerings. What’s more exciting is that these new models will be equipped with OLED displays for the first time. Gurman also revealed the model numbers as J717, J718, J720, and J721.
In terms of performance, the next iPad Pro tablets will be powered by Apple’s new 3nm M3 chip, promising lightning-fast speeds. Additionally, a new Magic Keyboard accessory will be made available, complete with a larger trackpad. Users have often criticized the current version of the keyboard for its small trackpad, so this upgrade will make the iPad Pro resemble a laptop even more.
This revamp could inject new life into Apple’s iPad business, which experienced a sharp decline in sales during the pandemic. iPad sales dropped by 19.8% year-over-year in Apple’s fiscal third quarter. However, the new design and improved features of the upcoming iPad Pro might entice consumers to upgrade their tablets.
It is worth noting that consumer behavior regarding tablet upgrades differs from that of smartphones. Tablets are not updated as frequently, and the rise of larger-screened phones and foldable devices has further reduced demand for tablets. Nevertheless, Apple still maintains a strong market share of 37% in the tablet market, making the iPad Pro the top-selling tablet currently available.
In conclusion, the revamped 2024 iPad Pro models hold the potential to be a significant upgrade for consumers, potentially even replacing traditional computers for some users. However, there is still a long way to go before the iPad Pro can become the go-to computer for everyone.
