Apple have launched their new 9.7-inch version of the world’s most popular tablet, allowing access to the more than 1.3 million apps designed specifically for it – the iPad.

This new upgrade is set to replace the iPad Air 2, which has now been discontinued.

The iPad has been upgraded with a faster processor A9X chip and M9 coprocessor with a 10 hours battery life. Apple have capitalised on what customers love the most, that is the large, 9.7-inch retina display that is brighter than ever before! The screen now comes with a 2,048 by 1,536 resolution and 264 pixel density (PPI). This will enhance the users experience for watching movies, watching TV, surfing the web, making FaceTime calls, viewing photos on a high definition display all for an affordable price.

Apple has decided to go back to their roots in calling the new upgraded tablet the “iPad” as opposed to the iPad Air 3. The starting price range for this new device starts from: £339 for the 32GB and £429 for the 128GB . The Wi-Fi and Cellular model costs £469 for the 32GB model. Pricing for the 128GB 4G version for the UK is still not known. 

9-7 Inch On Top of 12.9 Inch

Apple have included many other desirable features too such as the 8-megapixel rear-facing iSight camera, 1.2-megapixel front-facing FaceTime camera, two speakers, Lightning connector, 3.5mm headphone jack, Touch ID with Apple Pay, along with Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.2.

Given its price, the tablet doesn’t include all the iPad Pro features. The new iPad is intended more for the budget price range, therefore it does not include a True Tone display with a wide P3 colour gamut. The Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard are also sold separately and do not come in the box.  Furthermore, the iPad does not include a Smart Connector,  4K HD video recording, LTE Advanced, Live Photos, True Tone flash, four-speaker audio or a laminated display with anti-reflective coating.  The iPad is now slightly thicker and heavier than iPad Air 2 modelling closer to the original iPad which is either a Pro or Con based on the user’s personal preference.

The new 9.7-inch iPad is available to order now from Apple.com, and are expected to start delivering to customers this week in Apple Stores, through selected carriers, and at Authorised Apple Resellers. It is expected for the iPad to be on sale in the United States on top of more than 20 other countries and regions.  The countries where the iPad is to be launched includes Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Denmark, India, Mexico, Norway, Russia, Turkey.  It is expected that other countries will soon follow in April. Brazil and Taiwan, among others, will have to wait as late as May.

If you want an upgrade and are on a limited budget, or are looking to buy the iPad Air 2 then Apple’s latest upgrade called the iPad might just be for you!