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Written by Kevan M. Sizemore.
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Interesting Implications with Shiny New iPads

| ~500 words | ~2 minutes
#technology #apple #ipad

2019 Apple iPad Air

Image source: Apple

Today Apple announced the 2019 versions of the iPad Air and iPad Mini. As the owner of a 10.5" Apple iPad Pro purchased in late 2017, the most interesting part of the announcement was not the new iPads, but rather the accessories promoted along with the new 10.5" iPad Air: the first generation Apple Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil. This adds credibility to the idea Apple’s VP of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, Lisa Jackson, conveyed about creating durable products expected to have a longer lifecyle.

I use technology daily to care for personal and professional obligations and responsibilities. There was a time when I planned on updating to the latest “speeds and feeds” for fear of obsolescence or some imaginary expiration date whereafter a computer/device would likely fail. Lately, I find little compelling evidence for upgrading my desktop PCs or mobile devices every other year. I feel more comfortable holding onto things for three to five years (or longer). It is encouraging to know Apple is prolonging the availability of the accessories I use for my 10.5" Apple iPad Pro by promoting them for use with newly-released products. As an Apple customer, this adds value to my investment in their products and perhaps more importantly: it demonstrates the merit in decelerating the rate at which consumers (needlessly) upgrade to shiny new things.

Interesting Implications for Me

What was most interesting to me is how the accessories designed for the iPad Pro (circa 2017) are still being promoted/used for new product releases two years later. The reason this caught my attention was that I purchased a first generation 9.7" iPad Pro (2016) and consequently, felt disappointed when the device was discontinued a year later.

The Apple Smart Keyboard is relatively expensive compared to some of the Bluetooth options available from third parties (e.g., Belkin, Logitech). Apple (inadvertently) diminished customer investments in (expensive) 9.7" Apple Smart Keyboards; they were not suitable for use with later versions of the iPad. While some customers found it could be used, it was not a proper fit for 10.5" iPads https://brianrenshaw.com/2017/06/23/does-the-97-smart-keyboard-fit-the-105-ipad-pro/.

I’m hopeful my investments in an Apple Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil retain their value when I (eventually) upgrade to a newer model.

By the way, there is a great write-up comparing the 10.5" iPad Pro and the iPad Air here: https://www.imore.com/105-inch-ipad-air-vs-105-inch-ipad-pro-which-should-you-buy Apart from the 10.5" iPad Pro having a better camera and Pro Motion (variable rapid refresh rate) screen, and the 2019 iPad Air having a newer (presumably better) processor, they’re quite similar.

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