Apple has unveiled a redesigned iPad and a new iPad Pro, in a low-key launch that also saw the company introduce an updated Apple TV device.
The 10th generation of Apple’s tablet has been given an image overhaul to bring it more in line with the iPad Pro and Air design, and comes with a 10.9 inch screen and four new colours.
But the new iPad also comes with a higher price tag, at €599. That’s a significant jump from the €399 the entry-level ninth generation iPad cost on launch last year. The good news for consumers is that the company is keeping last year’s model in the line up for now, but the price for that tablet has also risen, to €449, as the continued strength of the dollar pushes prices higher.
There are more changes for the iPad. Apple has included a USB-C port, making it the latest of Apple’s devices to ditch the lightning connector, and shifts the 12 megapixel front-facing camera to the landscape edge of the device to make it more suitable for video calls. Earlier this month, the European Parliament approved new rules that will see the USB C charging port made standard for all mobile phones, tablets and cameras across the EU by 2024.
The new iPad is powered by the A14 Bionic chip, and has an updated 12 megapixel back camera to capture photos and 4K video. Apple has decided to keep the support for the first generation iPad Pencil, which charges through the lightning port on Apple devices. That means an adapter will be required to charge the pencil from the tablet.
The new iPad Pro is largely the same as last year’s model, but comes with Apple’s M2 chip, which Apple claims is 15 per cent faster than its predecessor. It also has a new Apple Pencil feature that works while hovering above the screen. The iPad Pro also supports ProRes video recording, and other advanced features such as full external display support and multitasking through Stage Manager.
“The next-generation iPad Pro pushes the boundaries of what’s possible on iPad, bringing even more versatility, power, and portability to the ultimate iPad experience,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.
Apple also updated the Apple TV 4K device with a wifi only version at a €20 discount to the €189 version that also offers an ethernet port. The wired version has double space too, at 128GB. Both versions are powered by the A15 chip, and the Siri remote is now charged over USB C rather than Lightning connectors. The device will start shipping from November 4th.
