Somewhat out of nowhere and detached from next week’s scheduled “Show Time” media event, Apple has unveiled two new iPad models in the form of an updated iPad Mini and an updated iPad Air.
The new iPad Air essentially replaces the 10.5-inch iPad Pro and brings a couple of key changes that help lower the price from $649 to $499. It has the exact same 9.8 x 6.8-inch frame as the 2017 iPad Pro as well as a fully laminated display—although without the Pro’s speedier ProMotion tech—along with an 8MP rear camera (versus 12MP on the discontinued iPad Pro). The new iPad Air also keeps the headphone jack and adds first-generation Apple Pencil support and the newer A12 Bionic processor.
The iPad mini retains the 8.0-inch x 5.3-inch frame and Touch IP sensor and features a boosted processor and Apple Pencil support. The unit is also available in 64GB and 256GB storage tiers versus the single 128GB configuration on the previous model. The display also boasts the same 2048 x 1536 resolution, but now features True Tone technology, a wider P3 color gamut, and Apple Pencil support.
Both models are available for order today for shipping immediately.
The new price spectrum goes as follows:
- iPad 32GB: $329
- iPad mini 64GB: $399
- iPad 128GB: $429
- iPad Air 64GB: $499
- iPad mini 256GB: $549
- iPad Air 256GB: $649
The new iPad Air and iPad mini are available at both Apple Store and other retail locations as well as through the Apple Store web site.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via Macworld and store.apple.com