We do not know if there will be news related to this product by the end of 2016 or not, but if Apple released a new generation, this would not be worth it, because it would not have many differences with respect to the previous one. In power all current models are surplus and in storage as well. In accessories and functions you can't ask for more. It would be a matter of waiting for future versions of iOS to see something new in the iPad, at the moment little is expected.
Is it the best time to renew your old iPad? Which generations have become old and which ones have not?
Present is the iPad Air 2 and the Pro
iOS 10 has brought many minor and major improvements. Of all sizes. From interface changes to new functions. They have managed to improve the size and interface of native apps to the 12,9-inch iPad Pro and have taken Siri to another more advanced level, with the implementation of third-party apps. Faster animations and a more stable operating system than ever. The problem you may find is that your iPad does not update for being prior to the fourth generation. Although it could be updated, it was already starting to lag behind and was getting stuck and running a bit slowly.
Renewal options
If you are thinking of renewing a new one, you will have to think about whether it is convenient for you to do it or not. For just over € 400 you will find the iPad Mini 4 or iPad Air 2 with 32Gb, a very good option for leisure, gaming, web browsing, using apps, communication and even work. Which is the model from which I am writing this. If instead you want a more modern and powerful model, with Smart Connector and Apple Pencil, You can opt for the Pro, 9,7 inches for normal and daily use or 12,9 inches if you need a lot of screen or you will use the pencil more daily and you need more space. The 9,7-inch is from € 679 and the 12,9 from € 899. Accessories separately.
If you are looking for something powerful and current but cheap you have the iPad Air 2, if you want something more expensive and professional the Pro, and if you think you can hold out for another year to go for the next, I recommend that you do so. We do not know what the iPad of 2017 will bring but it is rumored that they will be much more innovative and that they will carry features and elements that will change and improve the product.
What is the lifespan of the iPad?
It has always been said that it is a mobile device that can last for a long time. The normal thing and what Apple promises you is that for two years it will work perfectly, but for example in my house we have an iPad 3 for four years that is still being used, although not to work with an external keyboard or anything like that , but to read, communicate, web browsing etc. Now it stops updating but we will not sell it or retire it for that. It will remain at home and we will continue to use it as long as it allows us.
Price, quality and market
So these models cost approximately € 500 with only 16Gb. Now you can find them from 400 more current and with much more storage. The tablet market is not at its best and prices are not necessarily high if we take into account what we can do with them and that for many functions and tasks they replace a computer. Good performance, good battery, power and speed that surpasses that of many computers and a comfort of use and portability that others would like. Neither Surface nor Windows tablets, what Apple offers us is on the one hand the computer with the best desktop operating system and on the other an iPad with iOS that will give everything to become our main device
And to comment a little more on the price of the iPad, keep in mind that if you spend an average of € 800 on it and on a case or accessory, It would cost you around € 200 with which to last 4 years, and it will still work afterwards whether it is up to date or not. And it is that if it is not an iPad it is not an iPad.