Apple is preparing to end the long-standing naming confusion in its entry-level iPad series. While the company is expected to introduce a new model equipped with the A18 chip in the coming months, the marketing name of the device has become a matter of curiosity in the technology world.
The basic iPad models, which were referred to by generation numbers in the past, had abandoned this method after the 10th generation and started to be branded only with processor information. Apple executives John Ternus and Greg Joswiak explained the reasons for choosing the MacBook Neo name in a recent interview, giving clues about the company’s new strategy.
A New Era in Naming Strategy
Apple stated that when choosing the MacBook Neo name, it aimed to clarify the identity of the product and emphasize the concepts of “new” or “reinvented.” The company states that instead of a generic name like MacBook, it prefers a short and impressive naming convention compatible with the Air and Pro series. The MacBook Neo example shows that Apple now tends to use more distinct and descriptive names in its entry-level products.
Exhibiting a similar approach in the iPhone 16e and 17e models, Apple abandoned the traditional SE phrase and made the product’s position clearer. This strategic change strengthens the possibility that the upcoming entry-level iPad model could also be named iPad Neo. The iPad Neo name stands out as a suitable option to emphasize the product’s place in the series and its currency.
Harmony Between Design and Naming
The only question mark regarding the naming of the new iPad model is that the device will not feature a major design change in terms of hardware. The design language used since 2022 is expected to be largely preserved in the model with the A18 chip. This situation leads to debates about whether the device truly has a “new” identity. Therefore, there is a possibility that Apple might continue its current naming scheme for a while longer instead of using the iPad Neo name.
It is also among the possible scenarios that the company will hold on to this name until it makes a radical design change in the base iPad model. What do you think about Apple changing the names of its entry-level products?
