Apple might have an event scheduled for March 25, but that hasn’t stopped the company from launching a new refreshed iPad Air and iPad Mini tablet right away.
From what the company revealed, the new iPad models are more of an internal upgrade with the latest A12 Bionic processor finding its way to both the tablet devices. Coming to the bigger iPad Air model, the tablet with a 10.5-inch Retina Display has been made compatible with the Apple Pencil as well as the keyboard. This would make the device a new low-cost alternative for the hybrid tablet/ laptop buyers.
Further, the new 10.5-inch iPad Air continues with the same legacy Apple features such as Touch ID-based home button. This in spite of Apple’s new found love for a design that does away with the home button, opting instead for Face ID technology as well as smart gesture control features.
In fact, it is also interesting to note Apple is calling the new tablet as the iPad Air even though the company had gone for naming its new gen iPad models simply as the iPad for the consumer version or iPad Pro for the professionals. The last time the company had launched an Air monikered model was the iPad Air 2 back in 2014.
What’s more, even the 3.5 mm headphone jack too has been retained on the new iPad Air even though it’s quite well known Apple’s dislike for the same. All new gen Apple iPhone and iPad devices have ditched the 3.5mm headphone jack. Meanwhile, the new iPad Air also continues with the same proprietary Lightning connector as well.
Coming to the iPad Mini, the 7.9-inch tablet also continues with the same basic design and external features save for an improved retina display. Besides, the tablet also enjoys compatibility with Apple Pencil, which means news ways to express one’s creativity on the low coast iPad model.
Among the other features that have been retained on the new iPad Mini include the 3.5mm headphone jack, Lightning connector and stereo speakers. The ubiquitous home button integrated with the Touch ID sensor too forms part of the new iPad Mini package.
Both the tablets are available in 64 GB and 256 GB storage versions. Pricing starts at $399 for the base Wi-Fi only 64 GB iPad Mini while the Wireless and cellular version will cost $529. The iPad Air starts at $499 for the 64 GB Wi-Fi only model while the cellular version costs $629.
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New iPad Air and iPad Mini are available to order right away and will reach stores starting next week. Color options include silver, space grey and gold.
