The latest iPad is still 3 years behind

Apple’s dilemma this holiday season.

As the holiday season creeps up on us once again, it’s fascinating to watch how dramatically the technology market changes year to year. This year, for the first time, we can safely say the iPad is no longer the supreme champion of the tablet market. Indeed, the iPad continues to hold a lion’s share in the total of tablet sales, however consumers are well aware of many excellent alternatives. The Kindle Fire HDX, the Nexus 7, the Surface 2 and Galaxy Tab are just a few of many such products.

But aside from the fact that these devices oust the iPad in terms of price, an argument can be made that competing tablets make a mockery of the iPads handicaps. It’s been more than three years and 5 generations since the first iPad, but Apple has still failed to equip the iPad with certain functionalities that remain glaring omissions. I won’t be silly and list the shortcomings of iOS 7; that’s for a different day. I’m going to list things that are missing from the iPad itself, as a tablet. I cannot for the life of me understand why the iPad still doesn’t have:

1. A stylus. Here I suggest technology that’s not only been readily available for years, but has been implemented incredibly in many other tablets and phones, such as the Surfaces and Galaxy’s. The functionality and features that a stylus could add to the iPad, in so many apps, make it appalling that Apple would omit it. Yet they still claim to be on the cutting edge of technology and the best choice for creative users. Incredible.

2. Simultasking. “So, you want to open two apps side by side? No way. We, Apple, will not allow you to do that because this is how a post-PC device is supposed to work, even if you don’t like it. We’re infallible, buy our expensive product and live with it.” [Not actual quote]

3. Micro USB charging. If I’m not mistaken, Apple claims the iPad is environmentally conscious. If, so why haven’t they joined the league of manufactures who’ve shaken hands to adhere to one standard of connector, to reduce waste? There is absolutely no valid argument that their proprietary connector is so much more advanced at charging and at data speeds that they are forced to make their own. Every other OEM has done just fine with the standard, and HP even charges a laptop with micro USB. Thanks for millions of cables in landfills, Apple.

4. Touch ID. This one has enterprise people, as well as law enforcement, very frustrated. Touch ID was allegedly created to enhance security, not just to add another feature to the iPhone generation (cough). So why on Earth would they leave it out of the iPad Air if they’ve perfected the technology? Perhaps Apple is really just trying to stay on the cutting edge of profitability.

5. Talk and text. This one, admittedly, is a personal grievance of mine. People shell out an extra $130 to buy an iPad with a cellular antenna, and yet Apple won’t allow them to use their iPad to make real calls and texts on the cellular plans they pay for. I understand that not everyone would want or need this feature, however there’s no reason this shouldn’t be an option to customers, especially in the case of the iPad mini.

I know this article sounds angry, and I didn’t intend to rant like this, however I felt something when I first saw the iPad Air which made me upset, but I couldn’t place it exactly. Once I started writing, however, I found what was making me angry. It wasn’t the Air per se, it was the mere fact that Apple released another iPad and essentially changed nothing about it. It’s still a flawed product, in my opinion, and nothing has changed that.

If you have any more complaints, arguments, or consolations, I’d be happy to hear them and respond below or on twitter @Max_TWS.