Mikey Campbell
Amidst rumors claiming Apple plans to refresh its iPad line at a special event in March, the company and its reseller network are seeing stockouts of all 12.9-inch iPad Pro models, with both online and brick-and-mortar stores showing availability estimates pushed back by 2 to 3 weeks.
According to , both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular versions of Apple's 12.9-inch iPad Pro are almost completely sold out at a number of authorized Apple resellers. The stockout impacts all storage tiers and colors, from 32GB Wi-Fi only models to 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular configurations.
At B&H Photo, all 12.9-inch iPad models are on backorder save for the and models. MacMall is seeing similar shortages, with all models sold out except for limited supply of and versions.
Separate checks with Apple's own online store confirm the constraints, with all 12.9-inch iPad Pro models now showing estimated ship-by dates of 2 to 3 weeks. Additionally, Apple's in-store pickup option is pushed back exactly four weeks to Mar. 20.
It appears Apple is selling through stock on hand, as some brick-and-mortar outlets still have certain configurations available for immediate pickup. For example, the 128GB Wi-Fi + Cellular version in silver is available from our local store.
Unveiled in September 2015 and released a month later, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro was the first Apple tablet to bear the "Pro" moniker. The jumbo-sized iPad packs an A9X processor, quad-speaker stereo sound, Touch ID and more into a svelte 6.9-millimeter thick chassis.
The tablet also introduced a range of powered accessories thanks to Apple's Smart Connector. More importantly, iPad Pro incorporates special internal hardware to support Apple Pencil, the company's tilt- and pressure-sensing stylus.
After more than a year on the market, however, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is due for a refresh.
A report earlier today said Apple is planning to hold a special iPad Pro-focused media event in March. Alongside an expected 12.9-inch "iPad Pro 2" refresh, the company is rumored to release a new 10.5-inch design that could serve as the product line's flagship. A low-end 9.7-inch iPad with minor internal updates is also anticipated, with the model expected to take over iPad Air 2 as Apple's budget tablet.
The report goes on to claim Apple will introduce a revamped 7.9-inch iPad mini product, but such a release runs counter to predictions from noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Also rumored for announcement at the March event is a 128-gigabyte iPhone SE and potential (Product)Red editions of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.
-m.jpg)
Malcolm Owen
Charles Martin
Mike Wuerthele
Amber Neely
Andrew Orr
Andrew O'Hara
Christine McKee
11 Comments
Availability has been like this for about 2 weeks, except 2 weeks ago the availability for in-store pickup of wifi-only models was March 8th and cellular models March 12th. (I've been wondering when AI and others would pick up on this.)
Air 2 can still be picked up, but online delivery is two weeks.
“
Really? So it’s that outdated already?? Jesus, I though iPads weren’t selling because they lasted people longer than their phones, now they’re “outdated” in a year… but hey, whatever…
Not disputing the lead times online btw, just the way this is being spun here. You want something “due for a refresh”, take a look at the Mac desktops.
I still feel the 12.9" is a niche product...
It's close to the size and price of a Apple laptop. I can see artists drawing on it, and supposedly airlines use it rather than a manual. But, it's overkill to browse the web or read a book. Games would be better on the laptop...
I'm curious to see the rumored 10.x sized IPad. With the lighter weight, holding it in one hand should be doable.
I have the Apple Pencil... it's not that useful for everyday work. CAD on the 12.9" might work (in a pinch) but more for reading drawing than creating them.