Apple's tenth-generation iPad has an overhauled design that more closely matches that of the iPad Pro and iPad Air.
Launched alongside the updated M2 iPad Pro, the tenth-generation iPad has undergone the biggest design change of all the new products.
The previous curved edges of the design have been switched out for flat edges, matching the aesthetic of the iPad Pro range and iPhones.
To accommodate the larger screen size, Apple has shifted the Home button away from the face of the tablet, in favor of moving it to a side button. This matches the aesthetic of the iPad Air, which too moved Touch ID to the power button.
The effect is that the new iPad now has thinner bezels and so provides a larger display area. Built in to the side bezel, though, is the new FaceTime front or selfie camera.
Inside, the iPad now uses the A14 Bionic system-on-chip, up from the A13 used in the ninth-generation model.
On the back is an 12-megapixel Wide camera with 4K video capability. The FaceTime HD camera continues to be a 12-megapixel Ultra Wide camera with a 122-degree field of view, as well as 1080p video-recording capabilities.
The new iPad is available in four colours — blue, pink, yellow, and silver. Apple has also released a new $249 Magic Keyboard Folio, reportedly designed specifically for the new 10th generation iPad, but it appears to only be available in white.
The model retains support for the first-generation Apple Pencil. A new USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter is required for pairing and charging and is included in the box with a new version of of the Apple Pencil, which still sells for $99. The adapter on its own retails for $9.
The ninth-generation iPad is remaining in the lineup at an unchanged price of $329. The 10th-gen iPad with Wi-Fi and 64GB of storage starts at $449. Cellular models start at $599. Pre-orders start on Tuesday.
9 Comments
You can really tell how hard it is getting for Apple to create product strata in the iPad lineup at this point.
We can't make this TOO good, or people won't feel like they want to move up to the next one. We can use the old Facetime camera and limit it to the Apple Pencil, not the 2! But we can't put in an A15, that would be too fast and efficient, and close the gap to the M1 too much. Perfect!
It looks like the USB-C to Pencil adapter is USB-C female.
That means it's Pencil - adapter - cable - iPad to pair/charge, or Pencil - adapter - cable - AC Adapter to charge.
:/
I’d love a version of this with a larger screen.
I cannot believe they keep using the 1st Gen Pencil. Having owned it with 1st Gen Pencil, it was the worst stylus in history of Apple. Who the hell puts it inside the port to recharge when it should be wirelessly recharged? It makes it vulnerable to damage.
I just cannot recommend iPads that don't support 2nd Gen Pencils.
So, we have a spec bump with A14 Bionic on an iPad and A15 Bionic on an Apple TV. How come?