After years of iterative updates, the iPad just got a complete overhaul. The $449 iPad (10th generation) finally shakes up Apple’s oldest and most popular tablet, with a colorful and sleeker new design, improved cameras and faster performance. However, all of these benefits come at the cost of a pretty significant price hike.
Wondering if the latest iPad is for you? Here’s everything you need to know.
iPad 10th generation price and where to pre-order
The 10th generation iPad is available for pre-order now and will hit stores on October 26. The tablet starts at $449 for the Wi-Fi model and $599 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model.
Apple’s new Magic Keyboard Folio, designed for the latest iPad, is available for $249, while the new Smart Folio is $79. If the new iPad is a bit out of your budget, note that the 9th generation iPad will continue to retail for a starting price of $329 (and is often even cheaper on Amazon).
The base iPad has looked the same for ages, but that’s changing for 2022. The new iPad sports a completely redesigned design with thinner display bezels, more overall screen real estate, and a range of options of attractive colors, which makes it more in line with the colorful. and the sleek iPad Mini models we saw last year.
Given that the standard iPad is usually only available in silver and space gray, it’s refreshing to see Apple’s latest tablet available in vibrant hues of blue, pink, and yellow (there’s always a silver option if you’re feeling old fashioned). But perhaps the most important improvements are those made to the screen, as well as the added power under the hood.
Much like the latest iPad Mini and iPad Pro models, the 10th generation iPad features thinner display bezels that allow for a larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display. You’ll still get a Touch ID button to quickly log in with your fingerprint – it’s right on the power button rather than below the screen.
The new iPad is powered by Apple’s A14 Bionic chip, which the company says will deliver a 20% increase in processing performance and 10% better graphics over the 9th generation iPad. And if you’re coming from a 7th Gen or older model, Apple says you’ll get up to triple the overall performance. The latest iPad adds support for Wi-Fi 6 (which means better internet speeds for those with a compatible router) and offers 5G compatibility on the cellular model, with options for physical SIMs and eSIMs virtual.
The new iPad also makes the jump from Lightning to USB-C for the charging port, which should allow for easier accessory compatibility as well as faster charging times if you have a high-end USB-C charger.
However, this new USB-C port has a slight hiccup. If you have a 1st generation Apple Pencil from an older iPad, you’ll need to get a $9 USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter to pair and charge the accessory. New versions of the $99 Apple Pencil will come with said adapter in the box. Unfortunately, this iPad still doesn’t support the more advanced $129 2nd generation Apple Pencil that works with the iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Mini.
Other improvements include a front camera that now sits on the landscape (horizontal) edge, which should allow for more natural angles during video calls. You’ll also get an improved 12-megapixel camera on the back, which should allow for better photos and rich 4K video – if you’re willing to use your iPad as a camera, of course.
On paper, the new iPad is an exciting device. It finally gives Apple’s most popular tablet a much-needed revamp, with eye-catching color options, a bigger, more immersive screen, and quality-of-life improvements that should make it better for work and play. However, starting at $449, this new model completely changes the iPad’s place in the market.
The standard $329 model has long been our top tablet pick, offering an unbeatable combination of performance and price. However, the new model’s $449 price tag makes it almost as expensive as the $499 iPad Mini. So who is it for?
At a glance, the 10th generation iPad looks good for people who like the more modern design of the iPad Mini, but still want a larger 10-inch screen. But if the fancy colors and thinner bezels aren’t a huge selling point for you, the $329 9th-gen iPad (currently only $269 on Amazon) will likely continue to be the best option for the most people. We’ll be putting Apple’s latest tablet to the test soon to see if the price hike is worth it, so stay tuned.