Apple has taken the wraps off a new iPad and it comes with some pretty big design changes. The device has a larger 10.9-inch screen with flatter edges, giving it a much sleeker look, and for the first time on an iPad, the webcam moves to the longer side of the screen.
The new model this time uses USB-C connectivity instead of a Lightning port, making it the last modern iPad model to make the switch. The company has also ditched the headphone jack on this device (which is a pretty big bummer) as well as the home button. Apple has instead opted to put Touch ID on the power button, bringing the device in line with newer models of the iPad Pro and iPad Mini. The device comes with support for Wi-Fi 6 and the mobile version now supports 5G.
The new iPad does not come with the M2 chip, but instead uses the A14 Bionic chip. This is the same chip used in the iPhone 12 and an upgrade to the A13 Bionic that came with the 9th-generation iPad released last year. For the camera, the 10th-generation iPad has a 12MP horizontal camera on the front and an updated 12MP camera on the back. Thanks to its horizontal form factor, it supports Apple’s Center Stage feature that automatically brings you into focus during video calls.
Apple says the device will also support the Magic Keyboard Folio and the first-generation Apple Pencil. The new entry-level iPad starts at a more expensive $449. It’s available today and will hit stores on October 26.
This iPad does not replace the entry-level model with the thick bezels and home button, at least not for the time being. Instead, it comes in at a higher price that is sold next to it. The redesigned iPad starts at $449 for a 64 GB model, while the old version starts at $329.