Apple sells many different iPad models at this point, but the base $239 iPad has been the most affordable option for a long time. Apple now has a "new iPad" with several hardware upgrades, alongside a new iPad Pro, but the price also went up.
The "new iPad," as Apple is calling it (the 10th generation), is more in line with the current iPad Air, Pro, and Mini than the previous model. It has the same boxy design as the other models, along with a USB Type-C port (goodbye, Lightning), Wi-Fi 6, and optional 5G. The home button has been removed, with Touch ID moving to the power button on the top, like the more expensive models. Apple has also bumped up the display size, from 10.2 to 10.9 inches, and the front-facing camera has moved to the landscape edge.
Apple has also upgraded the internals, swapping the A13 Bionic for the newer A14 Bionic -- the same chipset found in the iPhone 12 series and fourth-generation iPad Air. The company said it delivers "a 20 percent increase in CPU and 10 percent improvement in graphics over the previous generation."
There's also a new official keyboard accessory to go with the new iPad. Apple said it offers "ull-size keys, 1 mm of travel, and responsive feel," complete with support for click-anywhere and multi-touch gestures on the touchpad. Just like Apple's other iPad keyboards (and many third-party options), it uses the Smart Connector on the iPad for power and data, so there's no Bluetooth connections to pair or extra batteries to charge.
iPad 2022, 10th Gen
The new iPad has a more modern design, better hardware, and more colors. It also starts at a higher price tag of $449.
The new iPad is available to pre-order starting today, and it will be available in stores on October 26. It's priced at $449 for the Wi-Fi model, and $599 for the 5G cellular option. That's a price hike of $120 from the previous model, but Apple says it will continue selling the older iPad as a budget alternative.
Source: Apple