Wesley Hilliard
The 10.2-inch iPad has been upgraded with the A13 bionic processor, new 12MP Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage.
Apple didn't change much about the 10.2-inch iPad for its ninth generation beyond the front-facing camera, True Tone display, and A13 Bionic processor. These upgrades keep the budget iPad up-to-date with more power and better base storage.
The Ultra-Wide lens enables Center Stage, which enables the front-facing camera to follow your face as you move around. This feature was first introduced in the iPad Pro.
The A13 processor is about 20% faster than the A12 processor found in the 8th-generation iPad. This means faster apps, more fluid interface interactions, and a better overall experience.
"iPad has never been more essential for working, learning, and communicating, and we're excited to bring one of the biggest updates ever to our most popular iPad," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "With the powerful A13 Bionic, more engaging video calls with Center Stage, and double the storage, the new iPad delivers advanced capabilities, versatility, and simplicity at an incredible value."
The other features remain, retaining its 500 nit non-laminated display. In addition, still supports the first-generation Apple Pencil since it uses Lightning to charge.
The old-fashioned Touch ID sensor is still in use below the display. The 10.2-inch iPad is the last Apple product to use the legacy system.
The external design is the same, so the 9th-generation iPad will fit old cases and still use the same accessories.
Apple's entry-level iPad targets casual users and the education market, so the price is its most important metric. Each update brings modest changes to keep the iPad modern without breaking the bank.
The price has also remained the same, with the 64GB model starting at $329. Orders begin Tuesday, with units available on Friday.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
21 Comments
Seriously? "The old-fashioned Touch ID"?
Why use such loaded language? It's not old-fashioned, it's just different. Works better with masks, allows use under a table without being a distraction to others, and various other advantages. Sure, faceID also has advantages, but those 2 words are just oddly biased and completely unnecessary.
Read the sentence with other options, like "traditional", i.e.
Or better yet, and more professional, no biased words at all, i.e.
Seems like a lot of features for a great entry level price
Is it still going to use the lightning connector? So iPad mini, Air and Pro use USB-C and the ipad used the lightning connector? Who is making these decisions at apple?
Super smart move by Apple.. keep pulling up the drawbridge on the competition by ensuring the lowest entry point is better than many of the premium Android tablets.
They have a clear differentiation now between the entry point iPad and the other models in design language and features. This thing will sell like hotcakes and at the price it is a near disposable device with excellent video conference features for a remote-first world. By using old generation components they also help further build return on investment of tooling and manufacturing infrastructure to last more years of demand. This will help margins and also enable them to perhaps go sub $300 some day.
Bravo Apple!