Without any big event this October, Apple released a refresher for the 10th generation of the regular iPad, the next generation iPad Pro equipped with the latest Apple Silicon, the M2, and an update to the Apple TV 4K via Press Release on Oct. 18.
The redesigned iPad
For this year’s update on the regular iPad, Apple replaced the home button and the large bezel with an all-screen design featuring a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display. It also sports the two-year-old A14 Bionic processor, which Apple claims delivers faster performance and power efficiency. Along with the updates are the new 12-megapixel wide rear camera that can shoot up to 4K videos and 240 fps slo-mo and the 12-megapixel ultra-wide front camera, which is now placed on the right bezel of the new iPad to provide a better angle for video conferencing.
Regarding connectivity, the new iPad has a USB-C port and is equipped with the latest generation Wi-Fi 6 and 5G for cellular models. Despite having an all-screen design, the new iPad will not utilize the Face ID system and instead integrate the Touch ID in the power button.
The iPad 10th Generation is available in Blue, Pink, Silver, and Yellow, which starts at 64GB of storage at ₱29,990 and ₱39,990 for the cellular model.
New (and old…) accessories
As usual, the iPad can’t be complete without the Apple Pencil. However, the new iPad is only compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil. Ironically, the old Pencil pairs and charges with Apple’s old Lightning port, which the new iPad does not have. As a solution, Apple released a USB-C to Lightning adapter for the Apple Pencil that will cost another ₱590, which is quite a bummer for iPad owners.
Apple also released a new accessory for the 10th generation iPad with the Magic Keyboard Folio, which features full-size keys with 14-key function rows and a large trackpad. The Magic Keyboard Folio also has a two-piece design that consists of a detachable keyboard and a back cover that acts as a stand and protective case for the iPad. The Magic Keyboard Folio for the new iPad is available for ₱16,490.
Updated iPad Pro M2
Along with the regular iPad update, Apple also announced the new-generation iPad Pro line, equipped with the latest Apple Silicon, the 8-core M2. Apple claims that it will perform 15% faster than the M1 equipped in last year’s iteration of the iPad Pro. The M2 iPad is also equipped with the new generation Wi-Fi 6E and 5G with sub-6GHz and mmWave support.
Aside from performance gains, the new iPad Pro features a new Apple Pencil hover which allows the iPad to detect the tip of the pencil up to 12mm above the screen to enable faster handwriting-to-text conversions and more precise sketches.
The new iPad Pro is available in Space Gray and Silver and starts with 128GB of storage at ₱55,990 for the 11-inch and ₱75,990 for the 12.9-inch.
Next gen Apple 4K TV
Aside from the iPad updates, the Apple TV also gets a revamp with the A15 Bionic chip that loads apps and games and delivers on-par cinematic quality. Another subtle update is the Siri Remote with USB-C, which previously had the Lightning connector. The new TV 4K also supports HDR10+, a new generation high-dynamic range standard, and Dolby Vision on supported screens.
The new Apple TV 4K is available in 64GB Wi-Fi version at ₱9,490 and 128GB Wi-Fi+Ethernet version at ₱10,990.
As of writing, Apple has yet to announce the availability of the products in stores here in the Philippines.
