Yesterday saw the launch of the all-new iPad 10, as well as updated versions of the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which makes for a rather
For those paying attention to the daily goings-on at everyone's favorite fruit-themed tech company, the latest iteration of the iPad lineup has been... confusing, to say the least.
Apple chose to redesign the new entry-level (inexpensive) iPad and introduce a completely new keyboard, with more function keys and a new front-facing camera that pro (premium) consumers have wanted for a long time. The trade-off, considering this is a product intended for students and organizations, is that you won't be able to use the most-recent Apple Pencil with the product. On its own, it's a bit of a strange set of trade-offs, but for anyone who just wants "an iPad," this product is fine.
What's most confusing is Apple also chose to refresh their "Pro" line of iPads - except they neglected to bring over those features. You can now buy a baseline iPad with a better front-facing camera and a better keyboard, but you're sacrificing on everything else. You could spend three times as much to get an iPad Pro, with its superior screen and stylus, but you're missing out on the better front-facing camera and keyboard.
From a usability design perspective, and from a product lineup perspective, the new iPads and iPad Pros are a lesson that even companies with prestigious design pedigrees can swing and miss at times.















