Apple Replaces iPad Air 2 with iPad 9.7 Inch Model

iridiumstem on 21/03/2017 - 23:59
Last edited 22/03/2017 - 01:44

iPad Air 2 was replaced with iPad 9.7 model today.

It doesn't look that much different from the iPad Air 2, A9 vs A8X wouldn't be much drastic difference. Amount of RAM is never mentioned by Apple, so that'd be out when people start receiving it. I'd assume the same amount as iPhone 6s (2GB) though. It seems to be slightly thicker and slightly more weighty. Cellular model still has the plastic bar (unlike the Pro model). Just editing this in, like thelastnoob has mentioned, the screen is worse (no laminated screen nor anti-reflection coating).

The price seems to be starting at low price for an iPad. 32GB WiFi model starts at $469 and that's the RRP on Apple Store. I honestly hope this will drive the price of older Air 2 down and have really cheap iPad deals with eBay 20% promotions.

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Comments

  • try2bhelpful on 22/03/2017 - 00:13
    +1

    The comparison, for anyone who's interested.

    http://www.apple.com/au/ipad/compare/

    I find myself a tad disappointed with what is released. I was hoping for new ipads that gave us more screen real estate for the same footprint size. Sounds like my little Mini will continue its valiant work for a while longer.

    • iridiumstem on 22/03/2017 - 00:16

      This is a "cheaper" replacement to Air 2 (note how Pro line is still there). I used the word cheaper with quotation marks, because we technically had Air 2 at cheaper price (albeit with AMEX promotion). I think they'd release a newer Pro line model later.

      Apparently, the weight and size of the device is very similar to Air 1. I am guessing they are using the older chasis from Air 1 with new internals, like iPhone SE, but that's just a guess from the weight, size and existence of cheaper model that used some parts of an older model (iPhone SE).

  • thelastnoob on 22/03/2017 - 00:15

    the new iPad is the same height and width as the iPad Air 2 that it replaces (240 x 169.5mm), but it's also slightly thicker at 7.5mm (vs 6.1mm).

    It's also put on a bit of weight, with the Wi-Fi only model tipping the scales at 469g (1.03 pounds) and the 4G connected option coming in at 478g (1.05 pounds).

    Another difference is that the new 9.7-inch iPad does not have a fully laminated display or anti-reflective coating per its tech specs.

    • captobvious on 22/03/2017 - 01:10
      +1

      Probably a remarketed ipad air 1 for the fanboys/girls.

    • PVA on 22/03/2017 - 10:32

      When Apple usually touts that a new device is massively slimmer and it's only, say, 0.1mm this going to 7.5 is a huge increase.

  • golferpat on 22/03/2017 - 00:19

    So its just a cheap iPad Air 2 essentially?

    • iridiumstem on 22/03/2017 - 00:30

      Practically? Air 2 I think is better than this in few regards (screen for example, like thelastnoob mentioned above comment up or weight and size). It feels like a cheaper model for education sector and such to me. Screen would be noticible, but performance wise, I don't think it'd be that much different.

  • VEPeezy on 22/03/2017 - 01:32

    This is a weaker version of the iPad Pro 9.7" I am guessing

    • iridiumstem on 22/03/2017 - 01:39
      +1

      It feels like they are doing line up adjustments so that it's more straight forward. Yep, it's a "budget" line for iPad lineup. I'd assume they'd release new iPad this year and the distinction will be clearer.

      I think it's more straight forward now. iPad, Macbook -> iPad Pro, Macbook Pro.

      • VEPeezy on 22/03/2017 - 01:49

        Actually you're right! I wonder if they'll keep the "Air" lines, since everything is practically "Air" now… iPhone 7 is so light, featherweight compared to the iPhone 6.

        MacBook Pro is now so light, as light as my old Macbook Air from 2011!

        They also came up with a red iPhone 7 - they seem to be revamping their product line.

        • iridiumstem on 22/03/2017 - 02:02

          I am sure iPhone 6 was lighter than 7, 6s and 6s+ was disproportionally heavy, just saying.
          http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/138283-apple-iphone-7-vs-iph…

          I think they will get rid of Macbook Air line. New Macbook line is practically what Air line was.

          The iPad Air line felt more like a marketing term than anything to me, since there were no other iPad line up in the same generation (other than Mini line). It kinda felt unnecessary, as in, even if you get rid of "Air" name and replace it with something else, it'd not remove any value since there were only one lineup for 9.7 inch tablet. Just my thoughts on iPad Air naming convention.

        • golferpat on 22/03/2017 - 09:18
          +1

          They probably had to drop the light part of the name considering it got heavier!

        • iridiumstem on 22/03/2017 - 09:50
          +1

          @golferpat: if they acted like that, the new Macbook Pro would've been called New Macbook or new Macbook Dongles.

  • pencilman on 22/03/2017 - 01:34
    +7

    My thoughts -
    Apple Market research asked the question "why aren't people flocking to pay $1000 for the 9.7 inch iPad Pro".
    Answer: "because the iPad Air 2 looks the same, works the same for most apps, so no justification to pay more"
    Solution: "Differentiate the 2 by making the new iPad thicker and heavier with reduced screen quality at a cheaper price, so making a clearer separation from the premium iPad pro"

    So now when you go to the store to compare the models, the iPad pro will feel and look tangibly better - lighter and thinner with better screen. Then psychologically the purchaser will be more willing to pay the higher price….

    • Ryanek on 22/03/2017 - 09:25

      Bingo!

  • quarrymaster on 22/03/2017 - 07:59

    This new iPad (2017) is like a love child of the iPad Air and Air 2. The iPad has the same footprint, (thicker) thickness, and (heavier) weight of the Air, but the same volume rocker (no mute/rotate lock switch) and Touch ID as the Air 2.

    All those keyboard cases that clip in, not compatible!

    But a good Air replacement for schools.

    • iridiumstem on 22/03/2017 - 08:10

      Someone mentioned the term "iPad SE" on one of the page I was reading for info, which I thought was a reasonable comparison.

      • quarrymaster on 22/03/2017 - 20:50

        If they shoved the updated bits inside the exact same shell as the iPad Air (1st Gen), then yeah. As it is, not quite.

        • iridiumstem on 22/03/2017 - 21:00

          It's simliar concept though, cheaper device lineup that uses parts from older device lineup.

          Screen seems to have no change whatsoever from Air 1 and chasis, well SE had changed certain aspects of the chasis as well (no diamond cutting and a new colour). Other than the volume rocker though, the chasis is closer to Air 1 than Air 2 (weight and dimension wise). It has relatively new SoC in it, and the price is cheaper compared to other line ups of the model.

          Of course there are bits and pieces that are different, but concept wise, I think it's similar.

  • DarkOz on 22/03/2017 - 08:15

    Was going to get another iPad Air 2 last month but held back because of the expected new iPad release. Nothing new in this NEW iPad but can't really complain because it's faster and cheaper. I don't mind the thickness and weight so much. I ain't gonna put it in my pocket and walk around with it. Mainly for the kids to watch internet TV and games.

  • Skramit on 22/03/2017 - 11:05

    Disappointing. Clearly an attempt to push more customers in to the Pro by making the base model featureless.

    • quarrymaster on 22/03/2017 - 20:54

      It's actually a fantastic upgrade for hold outs still using the iPad (1st Gen), iPad 2, New iPad (3rd Gen), iPad (4th Gen) and even the iPad Air (1st Gen).

      I use an iPad Pro but for me 90% of the time I hardly use anything that can't be satisfied by the iPad Air 2. To be fair however, once you've got used to True Tone, it's hard to go back.

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