Apple unveils the seventh-generation iPad

Apple’s September event is underway, and they’ve surprised everyone by dropping a brand new iPad. The seventh-generation iPad replaces the cheapest model on the Apple Store, while adding half an inch of screen space, and adding support for the iPad Pro’s Smart Connector. The Smart Connector is quite a big deal, as it means you can attach Apple’s own Smart Keyboard case, to turn it into a makeshift laptop. It still supports the Apple Pencil, but only the first-generation, not the fancy new magnetic one that the new Pros use. The 10.2in screen size means that the cheapest iPad is now one of the biggest, though it isn’t getting a speed update: it still packs the same Apple A10 Fusion chip of its predecessor. Not a huge deal, as the last version was still plenty fast enough for most peoples’ needs. “The new iPad packs even more value into our most popular and affordable iPad model featuring a bigger 10.2-inch Retina display, support for Apple Pencil and for the first time, the full-size Smart Keyboard,” enthused Apple’s Greg Joswiak, unveiling the product.

“The new iPad was built to run iPadOS, which introduces powerful new ways to multitask, manage and mark up documents, use Apple Pencil and view more information at a glance on a redesigned Home screen. This new iPad with iPadOS takes everything people love about our most popular iPad and makes it even better for creating, learning, working and playing.” The bad news is that the larger size and Smart Connector has resulted in a bit of a price increase. While the sixth-generation iPad would set you back £319, the seventh-gen model will cost £350. It’s available to order right now, and will ship at the end of the month.