Apple releases one new iPad with a few updates but a lower price tag

In a low-key release, Apple unveiled one new iPad, making only very subtle changes, but lowering prices.

Unlike typical big events Apple holds, they chose to do the release of this ‘new’ iPad in a more subtle way, just doing a simple press release. I only say ‘new’ because it seems that this iPad looks identical to the iPad Air 2 (and it pretty much is).

First real difference is that Apple has omitted the numbering, and dropped the ‘Air’ naming scheme- leaving us with just iPad.

This new iPad has a lower price tag than models before, and will run you $349. According to Forbes, this is Apples direct attack against the Chromebook. With the lower price-point, Forbes says this makes it clear they are competing directly with the inexpensive laptops primarily for students.

The new features of the iPad include: A9 processor, 32GB base memory, NO anti-reflective coating on the screen (according to Phone Arena), and it is1.4mm thicker.

It seems that this ‘new’ iPad is just a little bit of a revamp and name change. But the lower price is what makes these devices more attractive. Although there are limitations to Apple’s tablets, they are trying to appeal to a wider range of people with the price-drop.

Hopefully this soft launch is an indicator that we will get newer and more improved iPad’s with Apple’s next big launch.

With the updated iPad, Apple has also eliminated the iPad Mini 2, which was added to the line-up in 2013 (that’s four years ago!!). It seems that the Mini 2 was long due to retire and live on only in our memories.

With lots of other choices for tablets, Apple still has a very high price tag when compared to tablets running Android operating systems. But, hopefully this price reduction will have more people purchasing the newly released iPad – which is exactly what Apple wants.