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 AppleInsider's Price Guide, 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 128GB Gold WiFi + Cellular and 256GB Wi-Fi only models. MacMall is seeing similar shortages, with all models sold out except for limited supply of 32GB Gold Wi-Fi Only and 128GB Silver WiFi + Cellular 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.
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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.
“After more than a year on the market, however, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is due for a refresh.”
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.