At its iPhone 13 event today, Apple also debuted a next-generation iPad and iPad mini.
The biggest changes apply to the iPad mini, which arrives next week starting at $499. The company has bumped up the screen size from 7.9 inches to 8.3 inches while maintaining the same compact footprint as before. It also now charges via USB-C.
To power the device, Apple is using an A15 Bionic chip, which promises to deliver up to 80% faster performance than the last-gen iPad mini from 2019.
Apple is also updating the iPad mini to work with Apple Pencil. Buyers will be able to get the product with a cellular 5G modem too, starting at $649. Another feature includes Touch ID in the power button, so you can unlock the device with your fingerprint.
The new iPad mini adopts the design aesthetics of the iPad Pro. Due to the condensed footprint, the company is dubbing the product its most portable iPad ever.
New Apple iPad
The new 10.2-inch iPad, on the other hand, seems to retain the same look as before. But Apple has improved the processor with a new A13 Bionic chip, which promises to boost the CPU and GPU speeds by 20% from the previous model.
In addition, the company has swapped out the 8-megapixel camera for a more powerful 12-megapixel lens. The device will also incorporate Apple’s Center Stage technology, meaning the iPad’s camera will follow and center on your face as you move in a video call.
The other improvement is to the storage. The new iPad will start with 64GB of storage, instead of merely 32GB, but comes with the same starting price of $329.
Pre-order both new iPads today; they ship next week.