Apple has launched two new iPads, unveiling them well ahead of the March 25 event where they are expected to launch their new streaming service. Read on for more details.
Previous reports showed that the iPad has been the subject of much rumor. Some have speculated that a new iPad is on its way and that the iPad Mini, beloved as it is, will have a new model as well. Indeed, the rumor mill didn't fail.
The Cupertino tech giant has announced two new iPad models. One is the return of the iPad Air, and another is the new iPad mini model. Both are said to feature the best displays in any iPad yet. Both also feature support for the Apple Pencil.
In a press release, Apple said the refreshed iPad Air features a 10.5-inch Retina display and an ultra-thin body. With the Bionic A12 chip, Apple promises that the iPad Air will deliver a 70-percent boost in performance compared to the 9.7-inch iPad.
The tech giant also said the Retina display on the 10.5-inc iPad Air is almost 20 percent larger than the 9.7-inch iPad's display. With this display featuring True Tone technology, Apple says it has over half a million pixels more than the other iPad.
The new iPad Mini, on the other hand, is a major upgrade to the smaller Apple tablet. It features a 7.9-inch display, an A12 Bionic chip, and advanced Retina display. Apple promises that the new iPad Mini can deliver three times faster performance and nine times faster graphics capabilities compared to the previous iPad Mini.
The display on the new iPad Mini features wider color support, is 25 percent brighter than the display on the previous iPad Mini, and also boasts of the highest pixel density on any iPad. Obviously, Apple is brandishing its new iPad Mini as the best of the best yet.
Both iPad models feature support for the Apple Pencil. With the Apple stylus, users will be able to make the most of their new Apple tablets: from drawing, sketching, taking down notes, to retouching photos of making impressive artwork from scratch -- these can all be done on the super-thin iPad Air or the perfectly handy iPad Mini.
One thing consumers have to know, however, is that both iPads only support the older-generation Apple Pencil and not the second-generation Apple Pencil that works with the iPad Pro variants. The Verge says Apple's branding of the Apple Pencil (same name yet different versions) might be confusing to some.
Nevertheless, by adding the new iPad Air and iPad Mini to the devices the older Apple Pencil works with, owners of the older stylus will find new uses for their old accessory.
