Apple updates iPad and iPad Air tablets with better specs and new colors

Apple celebrated the 10th anniversary of its iPad tablet with an update to its large (non-pro) models. The base eighth-generation iPad, featuring the A12 Bionic chip that brings the Neural Engine to the entry iPad for the first time. Starting at just $429, the upgrade packs even more value into the most popular and affordable iPad, featuring a stunning 10.2-inch Retina display, advanced cameras, and great all-day battery life. Customers can order iPad today, with availability beginning Friday, September 18.

“We’re excited to offer customers an even faster and more powerful experience with the eighth-generation iPad,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “With its beautiful 10.2-inch Retina display, the performance boost from the A12 Bionic, great cameras, and so much more, the new iPad is an incredible value at a time when, more than ever, our customers need powerful and versatile ways to work, play, learn, and connect with loved ones.”

New Air, New Colours

The big surprise was the reveal of the new line of iPad Air models featuring the latest Apple Silicon and a new form factor which is similar to iPad Pro but without the fancy AR camera or Face ID (which is no longer a very useful feature now that we're masked up). The new iPad Air also has two fewer speakers than the Pro and has a Touch ID sensor for biometric access.

“Today we’re excited to introduce a completely redesigned and far more powerful iPad Air, debuting Apple’s most powerful chip ever made, the A14 Bionic,” said Joswiak. “With its gorgeous new all-screen design, larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, next-generation Touch ID, and a massive boost in performance with A14 Bionic, the new iPad Air brings customers powerful pro features at an even more affordable price. Along with major upgrades to the iPad Pro and eighth-generation iPad this year, and the powerful new features of iPadOS 14, this is our strongest iPad lineup ever, giving our customers even more ways to enrich their daily lives.”

The new iPad Air will be available to order starting next month on apple.com and in the Apple Store app Wi-Fi models of iPad Air will be available with a starting price of $779 and Wi-Fi + Cellular models, starting at $949. The new iPad Air, in 64GB and 256GB configurations, will be available in five beautiful finishes including silver, space grey, rose gold, green, and sky blue.