Apple today took the wraps off its refreshed entry-level iPad, and well, it sure is an iPad. Other than support for Apple Pencil - Apple's take on a stylus - all that's really new is slightly faster hardware under the hood.
Key specifications include an A10 Fusion processor, a 10 hour battery life, an 8MP rear-facing and a Touch ID fingerprint reader. Unlike the iPad Pro, the iPad (2018) doesn't have a True Tone display, quad speakers, or support for the Smart Keyboard.
The iPad (2018) is available for purchase from today, in a choice of silver, space grey, or gold. It doesn't seem to be in local Apple stores yet, but online orders made today will start arriving on Tuesday next week. Pricing is as follows:
- 32GB iPad, Wi-Fi: $469
- 128GB iPad, Wi-Fi: $599
- 32GB iPad, Wi-Fi + 4G: $669
- 128GB iPad, Wi-Fi + 4G: $799
Apple Pencil is sold separately, and will set you back an extra $145.
While Apple Pencil support has previously been exclusive to the Pro series of iPads, Apple has added it to the iPad (2018) in attempt to woo the education market. The company is essentially pitching it as a replacement for pen and paper notebooks.
To help teachers manage a class full of devices, Apple is launching a new app called Classbook. Classbook lets teachers create and send assignments directly to students, and create specific activities linked directly to an app. Teachers will also be able to use Classbook to forcibly launch an app on every iPad at once, view student screens, or even lock down the devices when students need to focus on something that isn't their device.
Despite the education focus, the iPad (2018) won't work with Apple's Smart Keyboard cover. You can, of course, always pick up a third party keyboard case.
Schools are able to purchase the new iPad and Apple Pencil at a slight discount, starting at $439 and $129 respectively.
Alex Choros
