The world’s most popular tablet just got easier on the pocket. Last week, Apple revealed a new version of its 9.7-inch iPad. The way they released it? Through a simple press release. No glitz, no glamor, just words out on the internet. Not something you’d expect from a brand that does large-scale events prior to any product releases.
So what’s new about their latest and most affordable iPad?
New iPad’s Specs
For an Apple device offered at a marked down price, the iPad features are expectedly a step down in comparison to the iPad Pro, which is the same size.
The iPad is built with an 8 megapixel (MP) camera, a 9.7-inch screen, 10 hours of battery life, as well as an A9 processing chip. In comparison, the Pro features a 12 MP camera, a similar screen size and battery life, and an A9X processor.
Take note that it’s just a slight downgrade for such a huge price cut. Nevertheless, the iPad Pro comes with a much faster processing chipset (again, as expected).
A Sinking Interest in Tablets
In the past few years, tablet sales have been in a slump. Undeniably, consumers who have purchased tablets hold on to their gadgets longer most of the time. Compare that to smartphone owners who typically update their devices in almost every two years.
With those figures in mind, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Apple sold fewer iPads in recent months. In the previous quarter, the company only sold 13.1 million iPads—a shade lower than the 16 million tablets they’ve sold from the same period a year ago.
In an effort to boost those figures, Apple is testing the waters with perhaps the most affordable iPad yet. How cheap, you ask? It’s a little more than half the price of the iPad Pro of the same size ($599 for the line’s 9.7-inch model).
Is the iPad Worth Buying?
Apple has made a reputation for not scrimping on their iconic, most successful products. Does this mean the new, more affordable iPad won’t turn heads?
In terms of aesthetics, it’ll come in gold, silver, and space gray colors. Nothing extraordinary by Apple’s standards, but they definitely don’t look and feel cheap either.
For its price point, you can get a 32GB Wi-Fi-only model at only $329 or get a 32GB Wi-Fi and cellular model for $459. It’s cheapest price point easily trumps the second-generation iPad Air for the title of Apple’s most affordable tablet, typically priced at $399.
Looking at its processor, it houses the Apple A9. For reference, it’s the same chip built into the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus so performance shouldn’t be much of a downgrade from the best iPad on the shelves.
It runs on the awesome iOS 10 and has a retina display with more than 3.1 million pixels, too. It’s clearly a steal for anyone who hasn’t bought a tablet just yet.
Apple’s Answer to Chromebook?
Some experts suggest that the 7th generation iPad seems to be Apple’s entry against Google’s Chromebook. With the latter encroaching into the education sector and other customer-facing terminals, the next iPad is positioned at a price that’ll easily appeal to businesses and schools that require inexpensive tablets. That may also include shops with checkout terminals, kiosks, and hospitality screens.
Besides its appeal to entrepreneurs, this new iPad also opens the brand’s doors for more people (even the cash-strapped ones). Curiously, though, Apple still reigns supreme among tablet makers. According to Strategy Analytics, Apple enjoys 21% share of the market while the closest competitor—Samsung—isn’t too far behind with a 13% market share.
Apple Introduces Red iPhone 7s and Clips
Along with the announcement of its newest iPad, Apple also introduced a special edition iPhone 7 that comes with a bright red design. The proceeds of this release will be contributed to the Global Fund to support HIV/AIDS programs through the company’s partnership with (RED).
The Cupertino-based company also launched a new video app called Clips. It’s designed to make film-editing real simple. One of the coolest things about this upcoming film-editing app is that it comes with an automatic captioning feature. It transcribed what you say while recording a video and it then overlays the video with the text.
We’re hoping it’s easier to use than iMovie, though.
Aren’t you excited to hear all these awesome updates from Apple?
