AppleInsider Staff
Apple released an all-new, completely redesigned iPad on Tuesday, dubbed the iPad Air, alongside the much-anticipated Retina iPad mini, which now features a pixel count identical to the full-size model.
Apple is now calling its flagship 9.7-inch iPad the "iPad Air," playing off the tablet's extremely thin-and-light form factor. With narrow side bezels and rounded edges, mirroring the looks of the iPad mini, the new iPad is 20 percent thinner and 28 percent lighter than its predecessor.
At just 7.5 millimeters thick and weighing in at one pound, Apple claims the iPad Air is the lightest full-size tablet in the world. Powering the iPad Air is the same A7 system-on-chip that debuted with the iPhone 5s, boasting a doubling in graphics and CPU performance over the last generation model. Like the 5s, the iPad Air also features Apple's new M7 motion coprocessor, which helps apps keep track of a user's movements.
Updated Smart Covers and Smart Cases were also introduced today, though not much has changed from previous versions aside from new colors.
The new Retina iPad mini carries over the same design as the first-generation model, but adds a high-resolution display that squeezes in the same number of pixels as the iPad Air, yielding an extremely high pixel density. Like the full-size iPad, the mini touts an A7 processor that boosts graphics by eight times compared to the original version.
Apple's iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display also received upgraded FaceTime HD cameras with backside illuminated sensors and larger pixels, much like the iPhone 5s. In front is a 5MP iSight camera for FaceTime calls.
The iPad Air will be available from Apple's Online Store and brick-and-mortar outlets on Nov. 1, while the Retina iPad mini is expected to launch later that month.
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83 Comments
The new naming convention sets us up for a 12-inch? "iPad Pro" next year.
I like the fact there are no compromise for the mini, even if that came with a bigger price. I am sure Apple will take care of the low end later on, maybe with mini's with plastic shells next year. The only thing I was hoping is they would reduce old mini's a bit more, to $250. On the other hand they are protecting there margins across all devices. On the plus side, it doesnt matter what device you buy, Apple will have good margins on all. I dont see how they will sell ipad 2 at $400 when the retina mini with an A7 sells for the same price. The mini is such a better device for the same price.
In front is a 5MP iSight camera for FaceTime calls.
1.2MP for FaceTime- 5MP for back.
The Mini also has the M7- not just the Air
The new naming convention sets us up for a 12-inch? "iPad Pro" next year.
I was thinking that too has soon has I heard the new name... ipad pro will come later on
Big apple fan here. Slightly disappointed today, I think Apple really has to up their game a bit. Clearly these devices are meant to improve margins, not advance much technically. Not even Touch ID in the iPads. The Apple I knew would have surprised us tonight. I feel slightly bored instead. And I own both Apple shares, and consider myself a huge fan of the company. I just wish they would step on it a bit more.