At its September 2021 launch event, Apple launched a couple of new iPad models — the iPad (10.2-inch) and the iPad Mini. Powered by the Apple A13 Bionic SoC, the new iPad packs in a 10.2-inch Retina display with support for True Tone. The new Apple tablet features a Smart Connector for the Smart Keyboard and supports the first-generation Apple Pencil. The iPad Mini now gets USB C, an upgraded 12-megapixel rear camera with Center Stage, 5G network compatibility, stereo speakers, and more. The new iPads will go up for pre-orders from today in the US and starts shipping later next week. Here’s everything you need to know about the all-new iPads, from their specifications, features to their pricing.
iPad (2021) Specifications and Features
The iPad (2021) is made with 100 per cent recycled aluminium and features a 10.2-inch Retina display with an upgraded ambient light sensor that enables True Tone Display. The iPad has support for the Apple Pencil first generation, as seen with the last model. Powering the new Apple tablet is the upgraded Apple A13 Bionic SoC that Apple claims, provide a 20 per cent performance boost over the previous generation. It will be available in multiple storage options — beginning with 64GB. It has an 8-megapixel camera module on the rear with an aperture of f/2.4. It also gets an upgraded 12.2-megapixel camera on the front and support for Center Stage.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are among the iPad (2021)’s connectivity choices, with GPS and LTE added to the Celluar edition. Stereo speakers and dual microphones are included.
The iPad 10.2 incorporates a Touch ID fingerprint sensor on the lower bezel and runs iPadOS 15, supporting multi-tasking widgets and system-wide notetaking. The battery capacity is unknown for now, but Apple claims to provide users with an all-day battery life rating.
iPad Mini (2021) Specifications and Features
In terms of specifications, the iPad Mini (2021) boasts an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display. Under the hood, it is powered by an A15 Bionic chip, also present in its latest iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max, smartphones. For imaging, the company has included a 12-megapixel sensor with focus pixels and a larger aperture on the rear. There is an updated 12-megapixel ultra-wide front shooter as well on the device with Center Stage support.
The iPad mini packs Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, and optional 5G support on the connectivity front. Face ID is not present, but the company has included Touch ID with the power button. As for audio, the new iPad features a landscape stereo speaker setup and studio-quality microphones.
Apple claims that the iPad Mini with its A15 Bionic chip delivers a 40 per cent jump CPU in performance and an 80 per cent leap in graphics performance compared to the previous generation of the iPad mini. The company says the Apple Pencil second generation can be paired with the all-new iPad mini. Apple is yet to disclose the battery capacity on the new iPad mini but claims to offer all-day battery life. The iPad Mini finally gets USB-C that is said to offer speeds up to 5Gbps for data transfer.
iPad 10.2, iPad Mini (2021) India Price and Availability
The new iPad 10.2 (2021) will be available in two finishes – Silver and Space grey and orders begin from September 14, while shipping starts next week. The pricing starts at Rs.30,900 for the 64GB Wi-Fi only version, while the Wi-Fi + Cellular option starts at Rs.42,900 for the 64GB variant.
The Apple iPad Mini comes with Rs. 46,900 price tag in India for the base variant with 64GB of ROM and Rs.60,900 for the 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular version. It will retail in pink, starlight, purple, and space grey colour variants and will be available for orders starting September 14, while the shipping commences next week. Both the new iPads will also be available in a 256GB option. Customers can purchase the new iPad from apple.com and Apple Authorised Resellers in India.
