New iPads Announced

Apple announced two new iPad models today: an updated iPad Mini and a brand new iPad Air. The new iPads fit nicely into Apple’s lineup which now has models across a wide range of prices, sizes, and capabilities. Here is a quick look.

What’s New?

Apple continues to offer their base-level iPad, which has a 9.7” screen and supports the Apple Pencil, as well as their latest 11” and 12.9” iPad Pro models, which are top-of-the-line. To their lineup they’ve added:

Updated iPad Mini

The updated iPad Mini has the same size screen (7.9”) as the previous model, but has improved hardware, including:

• faster processor and graphics
• updated display with better color, brightness, and anti-reflective coating
• improved cameras
• faster WiFi and cellular
• support for the Apple Pencil

New 10.5” iPad Air

The new iPad Air sits between the base 9.7” iPad and the more powerful iPad Pros. Compared to the base model it has:

• larger and better display: 10.5”, better color, brightness, and anti-reflective coating
• faster processor and graphics
• improved cameras
• faster WiFi and cellular
• support for the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard

Should You Buy One?

The answer to this question, of course, largely depends on your needs. If you’re looking for your first iPad then these new models give you a few more choices. The base 9.7” is a great iPad at a great price, while the iPad Mini provides even more capabilities in a smaller package. Each step up offers more capabilities if you need them, and with today’s announcements it’s a great time to buy.

Upgrade?

The question of whether to replace your current iPad with a new one is slightly more complicated. If you have a fairly current iPad and it works well for you, then there really is no reason to buy a new one. Sure, the new ones will be somewhat faster and the cameras will be better, but generally the improvements are not enough to warrant spending the money, unless you need the new capabilities, such as the Apple Pencil, keyboard, or the fastest graphics.

If you have an older iPad that is no longer able to run the latest operating system (iOS 12), then now might a good time to buy given the expanded choices. Security updates and the ability to run the latest apps are two benefits of upgrading. Given the iPad’s easy, automatic backups, moving to a new iPad is really simple.

Questions?

I wanted to do a quick post to let you know about the new iPad models, so I didn’t delve into specifics or ways to choose between them all. If you’re thinking about buying a new iPad and wondering which to choose, let me know in the comments. I’d be glad to offer some advice.

Also, Apple’s site gives a good overview of the various models. The main iPad page is here, and their comparison page, which lets you view different models side-by-side is here.