How Apple Could Simplify Its Product Lineup: iPads, iPhones, Macs & More

There was a time when there was just one iPad and one iPhone, and the one that was purchased would be the best version. Today, the product range is more complicated. Apple products can be simplified by putting them into two separate, equally important groups: Consumer and Pro. Starting with iPads, there are currently four models: iPad, iPad Mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. The Mini is more powerful than the iPad, and the Pro is lighter than the Air. There’s also a confusing range of Apple Pencils that either work or don’t work with them. Simplifying this is a priority.

By removing the Air model, the consumer column contains the iPad and the iPad Mini, which will have the same specifications as the iPad, making it more affordable. In the Pro column, there are the iPad Pro models in their two sizes.

Next is iPhone. There’s the iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and a rumored iPhone Air coming in the future. The iPhone Air is unlikely. The iPhone 16e can also be eliminated. The consumer column contains the two sizes of iPhone 16. The “Plus” label is dropped. The Pro column contains two sizes of iPhone Pro. The Max label is removed.

Then come the Macs. The current range includes the iMac, Mac Mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro. The Mac Mini can have a Pro chip, but it’s not considered a Pro device. The Mac Pro also doesn’t have a Pro chip. The Mac Studio name doesn’t fit into the lineup. The Mac Pro can take its name and position. The consumer column contains the iMac and Mac Mini, and the Pro column contains the new Mac Pro and a larger-screen iMac Pro. Studio Displays and Pro Displays can also be simplified into one product: an Apple Display.

MacBooks can also be streamlined. A MacBook Air is positioned for consumers, and a MacBook Pro is positioned for professionals. To simplify this further, the Air label can be dropped entirely, leaving the base MacBook and MacBook Pro as the two options.

Chips also need a clearer structure. Currently, there’s the M chip, M Pro, M Max, and M Ultra. The naming convention is inconsistent. Going forward, a base M chip is positioned for consumers, and a Pro chip is for professionals. The Pro chip would also cover what was previously the Max chip. Devices that require the power of two chips can be paired manually if needed.

Finally, other products can also be simplified. The Apple Watch SE can be removed. The Ultra becomes the Pro. AirPods Max can be renamed AirPods Pro, and the existing AirPods Pro can simply be called AirPods. Entry-level wired earphones can come in the box for those who want a basic option.

Apple Intelligence can be renamed Super Siri. The Apple Vision Pro can also be dropped if there’s no consumer version in sight.

This is the new streamlined product lineup from Apple. Products are simplified into two groups that make the most sense.

When it comes to accessories, an iPad case often costs more than an iPad itself. Adding the cost of a basic iPad case, an Apple keyboard, and a trackpad together, plus a USB-C dongle, contributes to the overall price. Simplifying the accessories can make the entire product experience more accessible.