There is quite a lot of attention on the iPad Pro 2 right now, even though we know nothing about the device yet – and as can be expected, there is a fair share of rumors about possible leaks and other incidents. Just recently, we’ve seen alleged pictures of the device, coming from an Apple Store in China. While the pictures look interesting and it’s hard to tell if they’re fake or not, it would be strange if Chinese stores already have their hands on the device.
After all, that’s not how Apple generally works. The company values their secrecy quite strongly, and they usually go to great lengths to ensure that their products are kept under wraps all the way until the big launch. We haven’t seen any considerable leaks before, so everything about these pictures should be taken with a grain of salt. Still, for many of Apple’s fans, it’s just fun to talk about the possible implications of that leak, and what the new iPad Pro could be like.
Meanwhile, Apple launched a new TV commercial for their current iPad Pro, focusing on its computer-like features. It seems like the company is trying to push the idea that the iPad Pro can be a replacement for a computer and not just a mobile device, which could give us some hints about what Apple are planning behind the scenes for the iPad Pro 2.
However, the ad was met with mixed responses from fans and tech critics, with many claiming that Apple are overestimating the potential of the iPad Pro to function as a desktop replacement. As some have pointed out, the device does have some great uses for those who do a lot of work on the computer, but at the same time it’s severely lacking in other departments. Graphics designers and certain types of programmers may benefit from the design of the tablet, but others will find it more frustrating than anything if they were to use it on a daily basis.
Of course, this could all change with the release of the iPad Pro 2. Some of the rumors about the device actually mention features going in that direction, so we wouldn’t be surprised if the final release is something close to that. But is the market really ready for a product like that, or are Apple ahead of the current trends?
Let’s not forget that Microsoft already tried doing that with the Surface Pro, but so far the tablet hasn’t managed to become the groundbreaking solution for personal computing that it was envisioned as. While the Surface Pro is a good line of tablets on their own, they’re not quite there yet when it comes to replacing desktop computers for work. And there’s nothing wrong with that, as Microsoft are obviously listening to customer feedback and are working on improving the situation. The next Surface Pro is already surrounded by a lot of speculation, so it will be interesting to see where the device ends up.
More importantly, it will be interesting to see how it competes with the iPad Pro 2 – whenever that’s launched – as the two tablets will be trying to fill a very similar niche in the market. Of course, we don’t expect Apple to start stealing customers away from Microsoft and vice versa, but general opinions might start changing if the next tablet in either line comes with some revolutionary new features.