In 2023, the iPad finds itself in a somewhat awkward position as Apple’s third tier of connected personal computing devices. While there is no denying that the iPad is a supremely capable product, with its power, responsiveness, and beautiful screens, it still feels incomplete and limited in its capabilities. Sales of iPads have also dwindled since 2020, indicating that it needs more to remain competitive.
When Steve Jobs first introduced the iPad in 2010, he envisioned it as a device that would excel at certain tasks such as email, web browsing, videos, and games, surpassing the capabilities of both the iPhone and a laptop. However, the current iPad experience seems to fall short of this vision. It feels like there should be more to Apple’s tablet after 13 years, as users often find that they can accomplish their tasks more efficiently on other devices.
One of the problems is that Apple treats the iPad as a fully mature product, without truly understanding what it should be. Many users have pointed out the lack of flexibility, the absence of fully optimized apps, and missing software that hampers the iPad’s potential. This sentiment was echoed by Jason Snell, who abandoned his iPad-only travel dream due to its limitations compared to an M2 MacBook Air. This signifies that despite the iPad’s appeal, it is still not versatile enough for a wide range of tasks.
Over the years, Apple has made efforts to enhance the iPad’s capabilities, but they have fallen short. While iPadOS 16 introduced multitasking features that resemble a laptop experience, there are still restrictions and limitations that hinder its full potential. The integration of M-series chips in some iPads also failed to showcase significant advantages. Overall, the changes implemented in recent years have felt iterative rather than revolutionary.
However, there may be hope on the horizon. According to Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter for Bloomberg, Apple is planning to release a slightly larger 13-inch iPad Pro with OLED screens and M3 chips, alongside a revamped Magic Keyboard with a larger trackpad in the coming year. This could be a sign of a Greater Purpose for the iPad, similar to the iPhone Pro and the Apple Watch, both of which utilize OLED screens and have always-on displays. Furthermore, rumors suggest that Apple might introduce a feature that turns the iPad into a touchscreen control center for the Apple Home ecosystem, further enhancing its capabilities.
It is important to note that it is not entirely clear if these upcoming iPad Pro models will be the long-awaited “first major overhaul” since the 2018 iPad Pro. If they are, it would be a significant step forward for the iPad. However, for the iPad to catch up with the rest of Apple’s devices, there needs to be a more comprehensive and revolutionary approach to its development.
In conclusion, while the iPad remains a popular and capable device, there is a sense that it is being left behind by Apple’s other products. The upcoming iPad Pro models hold the potential for significant improvements, but it remains to be seen whether Apple can deliver on its promise of a major overhaul. For the iPad to truly fulfill its intended purpose and surpass the limitations of other devices, Apple must innovate and provide a more complete and versatile tablet experience.
