Apple reveals a refreshed tablet just called ‘iPad’ and a new iPad mini

At Apple’s live-streamed event it dove right in with its new iPads. The new iteration, simply called ‘iPad’, will use Apple’s new A13 Bionic chip, which will apparently give it the edge over competitors. That’s according to Apple, anyway, and of course it’d say that.

The base ‘Pad

Other refreshed specs include a new 12MP camera around the back featuring a 122-degree field of view so it can make use of ‘Center Stage’, Apple’s AI processing that dynamically adjusts the frame when someone walks in. Whether it’s always when you need it to, remains to be seen.

These new iPads will ship with Apple’s updated iPadOS 15. This will afford them all the new features that including new widget controls, better multitasking and improved note taking to name a few.

The refreshed device will come in WiFi and cellular options, although Apple didn’t specifically mention 5G support for this one. They’ll start at $330 which, right now, is around R4,700. Our local prices will probably be more than that though. When we know what that is, we’ll let you know.

The iPad mini gets an overhaul

Starting from the outside, the new iPad mini will feature narrower bezels, be available in new colours and feature Apple’s fancy-looking liquid Retina display. The new screen has swollen to 8.3in (21cm) and will be able to blast 500-nits of brightness at your eyeballs. Touch ID has moved up to the top right corner and a USB-C can (finally) be found along the bottom. You’ll also get stereo speakers when you flip it to landscape mode.

Around the back, you’ll find a new 12MP sensor with an f/1.8 aperture that will now support 4K video recording. That’s complemented by another new 12MP camera in the front (Apple likes 12MP it seems). This will also allow you to make use of Apple’s ‘Center Stage’ for your video calls, Facetime and Zoom meetings.

The new iPad mini will come in a few colour options with complementary cases. It’ll start at $500 which directly translates to around R7,150 but, like the iPad, that should change when they arrive on our shores.