The iPad has been around for 16 years, but two new products Apple is rumored to launch this year could have a major impact on reshaping the future of tablets.
iPhone Ultra and MacBook Ultra could pose a threat to iPad over time
When Steve Jobs first introduced the iPad, he called for a third device alongside the iPhone and Mac. 16 years of successful iPad operation proves him right.
But two new Apple products launching later this year could change the equation.
The iPhone Ultra and MacBook Ultra each pose a threat to the iPad.
The iPhone Ultra is Apple’s first foldable iPhone. When folded, it looks like a pocket-sized iPhone. However, once deployed, it is expected to look and operate similar to the iPad mini.
MacBook Ultra is the rumored name for Apple’s upcoming MacBook Pro overhaul that adds a touchscreen to the Mac.
Neither product will have a significant impact on iPad sales from the start. But over time, they may prove to be the first in a series of dominoes to be successful.
The iPad needs to evolve or risk being cannibalized by Apple’s other products
I love my iPad. In fact, I’ve been using an iPad Pro as my main computer for over 10 years. However, I think this product could face a real identity crisis in the coming years.
If foldable iPhones become popular, there is no doubt that Apple will release even larger iPhones in the future.
The price of foldables will also come down over time. And ultimately, a foldable iPhone will expand its user base and eliminate the need for a separate iPad.
Similarly, if Apple were to commit to introducing touchscreens across its Mac lineup over time, the iPad would lose its current significant advantage.
This year’s iPhone Ultra will be a niche early adopter product, so it will also have exposure to the Mac.
But five years from now? Unless the iPad evolves and adapts in surprising new ways, there’s no telling how bright the future holds for this product.
A foldable iPhone will eventually offer much of the utility that today’s iPad offers. Add to this the arrival of touchscreen Macs, and the iPad could be on a very different trajectory.
Will Apple evolve the iPad in an attractive way to keep it relevant? Or will the product become much more niche than it is now? I don’t know, but as a heavy iPad user, I’d love to know.
What do you think about the future of iPad in Apple’s lineup? Let us know in the comments.
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