The yet-to-be-released iPad Pro is primed to give Apple further entry into the enterprise space, with Apple hoping to make the new device a go-to for businesses and offices.
The 12.9-inch tablet is a feature-rich gadget and is equipped with its own stylus, called Apple Pencil. It is meant as a replacement product for laptop computers. It will compete directly with the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 and the Wacom Cintiq.
However, unlike the previous versions of the tablet computer, the iPad Pro is being considered as a productivity device instead of being just a way to access media and play games. It has a split-screen functionality and can be equipped with Microsoft Office (it won’t be for free though). As an added plus, the Apple Pencil has advanced drawing and sketching capabilities.
With iPad sales going at an all-time low, Apple is crafting partnerships to make the product a hit to corporate consumers.
What does this move imply?
In a one-on-one interview conducted by Box CEO Aaron Levie at an annual enterprise developers conference, Apple CEO Tim Cook made it significantly clear
“If you look at the last 12 months, $25 billion. This is not a hobby. This is a real business.”
The $25 billion figure refers to Apple’s enterprise sales in the past year. It is pushing its products to be under the radar of corporate and big business customers. This implies that Apple is trying to be a major player in the enterprise market, an environment where Microsoft dominates.
Apple is looking past the general consumer market wherein the iPad is on a decline. It could be trying to enter newer markets which could give the embattled tablet computer a boost.
However, Apple is still a consumer company, with the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus enjoying a 13-million opening weekend sales figure.
Let’s take a look at Apple’s current enterprise partnerships
Apple enjoys cordial relationships with enterprise leaders like Box, IBM, and Cisco Systems.
With this, Apple potentially has three large companies as possible consumers for the iPad Pro. Apple also fosters a good relationship with Pixar, the studio responsible for making timeless animated films like Toy Story and Monsters Inc. Their artists tried out the iPad Pro and had good words for it. It wouldn’t be far fetched to see iPad Pros in the celebrated studio.
This move is a beneficial one for Apple. Although the iPad Pro is primed up as a business device, it can still appeal to general consumers.
