Along with its new Red iPhone 7 and 7 Plus handsets, Apple has today introduced a new 9.7-inch iPad model with the simple moniker of iPad. This new model sees the company drop the iPad Air 2, and simplify its tablet offering as a whole. As for this new edition and what it offers, there’s seemingly little difference from what came before it. Making the iPad, nothing more than an international update. Here’s what you need to know…
Introducing the iPad
No, that’s not a joke, remember, that’s the name Apple have given this refreshed model. And as you would expect from a minor update, it remains relatively the same to the model that came before it. However, Apple could hardly introduce a new product with no improvements at all. Nor, could it increase the price of said iPad, without offering much more than is on offer here. So, let’s have a look at the price.
How Much Will iPad Cost?
For many, the price of this new tablet may come as a surprise, as Apple has made it its most affordable yet. Starting at $329 for the 32GB model with WiFi it is by bar the cheapest iPad to date. Moving up the spec ladder there’s the 32 GB WiFi + Cellular model costing $459, which is a snap considering the price of other models.
Specs and Features
As you would imagine, there are some differences compared to the previous Air 2. To start with its A8X chipset has been replaced with the more powerful 64-bit A9 chip. This update means, the new device is faster and more power efficient than its predecessor and will offer improved graphics performance.
As for the display, Apple’s Retina technology has also been given a slight boost in brightness. This aims to put to bed complaints received by the Cupertino-based giant about the previous tablets display frailties. Now, if you’re hoping for more slight improvements, we’re afraid to say there are none.
Yes, iOS 10 will come pre-installed, which is as it should be, however, other than that there’s nothing exciting. Having said that it is worth sharing, so here goes.
Design wise, it is essentially the same tablet a before, coming with a thin aluminum body in Silver, Gold, and Space Grey options. Along with the now standard on Apple devices, Touch ID, plus an 8MP rear-facing camera and 1.2MP front-facing sensor. Finally, and rather unexcitingly, there’s a battery offering up to 10-hours of battery life. Obviously, this lifespan does depend on your model and if you’re using WiFi or Cellular data as these features tend to be power hungry. And as such could seriously shorten that battery life number significantly.
When Can You Get It?
The New iPad will be made available online (depending on stock levels) this coming Friday, March the 24th. If you would prefer to buy in person, it will arrive in Apple Stores and retailer stores next week. When exactly that will be, depends on your country, no details on this are available. However, 20-countries worldwide are expected to have the iPad on sale soon.
Image/Screenshot Source: Apple.com
