Redesigned 11-inch and new 13-inch iPad Air

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Hardware vs iPadOS limitations

  • Many see the new high‑end chips as wasted on iPadOS, which lacks terminals, code compilation, macOS apps, multiuser, and easy sideloading.
  • Some would immediately buy an iPad if it ran macOS or had a full desktop‑class OS; several call current devices “neutered consumption” hardware.
  • Others note workarounds via SSH to remote Linux/VMs and tools like iSH, but acknowledge these are compromises.

Target users and workflows

  • Several argue iPads are well suited for “non‑hacker” work: slides, blogging, Notion, Zoom/Slack, office tasks, and cloud‑based dev via SSH.
  • Strong niche support: creators (Procreate, music apps, photo/video editing), pilots (Foreflight), sound engineers, teachers, schools, kids.
  • Some users successfully daily‑drive an iPad; others report their tablets sit unused except for media playback.

Creators vs HN / dev crowd

  • Thread highlights a disconnect: HN devs focus on openness and development, while many creative users reportedly love the devices.
  • Counterpoint: some creators have moved to MacBooks, Surface/Wacom, or other tablets when iPadOS felt too restrictive.

Product segmentation and lineup confusion

  • Complaints about a messy iPad range (multiple iPads, four Apple Pencils) and minimal functional difference between Air and Pro beyond screen and ports.
  • Several suggest Apple intentionally limits iPadOS and avoids multiuser to push people into buying multiple devices (iPad + Mac, or multiple iPads).
  • Debate over whether this is smart product strategy or user‑hostile fragmentation.

Longevity, lock‑in, and obsolescence

  • Some praise Apple’s 5–6 years of OS updates; others argue that once Apple ends support, locked‑down devices quickly become e‑waste (e.g., old iPads with frozen browsers).
  • Android is criticized for short official support but praised for alternative ROMs and browser choice, despite its own problems.

iPad Mini expectations

  • Multiple comments express disappointment at no Mini refresh or price drop.
  • Mini is valued for aviation, pocketable reading, and as an ideal form factor; some fear Apple is letting it die as phones grow larger.