News Analysis: Apple might soon launch a new, smaller iPad model to complement its current offering. But the company needs to wait before it even considers launching such a device.
Rumors of a small, potentially 7-inch iPad will not go away.
In fact, a new slate of reports have emerged, claiming Apple could be getting
close to releasing a miniature version of its tablet for those who want to save
money but still get a capable product. There is even speculation that the new
tablet could boast a camera (or two) to provide even more functionality to
consumers.
Some Apple fans are undoubtedly excited at the prospect of
Apple releasing a new iPad to complement its current offering. But the reality
is that Apple doesn't need to release a smaller version of its iPad right now.
In fact, it's arguable that it even needs to release a small iPad at all. Its
current offering is perfect for what it's trying to accomplish. It shouldn't
try to waste its time cluttering its market.
Read on to find out
why
Apple doesn't need to release a new iPad yet.
1. The current iPad works fine
The
current iPad is a fine product that is satisfying almost every desire consumers
have. It makes them more productive. It gives them iPhone-like experiences.
And perhaps most importantly, it gives them a reliable companion while they're
away from the home or office. Apple doesn't need to release a new iPad to fill
a void in the consumer space. Its current iPad is doing a fine job of filling
all those gaps already.
2. There is room for improvement
As nice as the current iPad is, Apple still needs to fix some
issues. For one, multitasking, which is arguably one of the most desired iPad
features, can't be coming to the device soon enough. Beyond that, the current
9.7-inch model needs a camera or two. And it would be nice if the company
brought the entry-level price down before the holidays to capture some
consumers who aren't willing to spend $500 for a tablet. Simply put, Apple's
current iPad has some room for improvement. It's a better idea for Apple to
focus on the current model rather than getting bogged down with a new model.
3. The competition hasn't come along
The vast majority of tablets that could actually worry Apple
are still months away. Because of that, Apple shouldn't show its hand right
now. It might want to release a 7-inch tablet at some point in the future, but
it shouldn't do it now when the rest of the competition hasn't delivered their
products. Apple is a master at making other devices seem obsolete. It should
follow that strategy again in the tablet space; wait for the competition to
release their products and then deliver a device that bests them. There is no
rush.
4. The time hasn't come to go small
Some might think that the iPad needs to get smaller to appeal
to the market. But at this point, that isn't true. Considering how well the
iPad is selling, it would seem that consumers are just fine buying a 9.7-inch
tablet from companies. And given how poorly the 5-inch Dell Streak is selling,
it would also seem that those same consumers aren't too keen on such a small
footprint. Customers might want smaller devices eventually, but at least right
now, that isn't the case.
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