Cautious welcome for new Apple devices
Apple has, for the second time in a month, introduced new hardware to the world.
The new iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 refresh the technology giant’s tablet range, while their desktop computer, the iMac, has been given a new 5K display to mark its 30th anniversary.
And while the technology industry was impressed by the firm’s new devices, a word of caution was also being sounded.
Ernest Doku, from uSwitch.com, said: “It seems Apple’s enthusiasm hasn’t been knocked by waning iPad sales over the past six months – or ’speed bump’ as Tim Cook puts it.
“One problem Apple faces is that, without a finite network contract to concentrate their minds, tablet owners need more persuading to upgrade than phone users.
“Launching new tablets every year with minor improvements won’t do it. Only giant leaps forward will provide the wow factor needed to drive new sales in an increasingly saturated market.”
Stuart Miles, from technology website Pocket-lint, suggested that Apple were almost victims of their own success.
“When you’ve made a good tablet it’s hard to make it better. Recent buyers will struggle to justify upgrading to the new Air 2, because what they already have is still so good. It’s almost as if Apple have created an S range, similar to what they did with the iPhone.”
Mr Miles added that the new iMac, complete with a better display, was a sign of how much the company and its customers had changed over the years.
“It’s interesting, they have to have a flagship to make 30 years of Mac and this will be that. But what is also interesting is that it used to be the funky looking computer we’d all have in our home, and now it’s a formidable powerhouse. How we use it has completely changed, and so has the people who use it. It used to be a bit of a fashion statement, now it’s all about power.”
Stephen Ashby, features editor at Apple-centric iCreate Magazine, was impressed with the work Apple has done to improve their hardware.
“The iPad Air 2 feels incredible in the hand – Apple’s done an amazing job of packing more powerful technology into an even smaller design.
“The new iMac with Retina display is going to be massive for videographers and photographers who want the very best from their shots. The technology in the display is absolutely incredible – Apple is once again breaking new ground and pushing ahead of anyone else in the industry.”
