Ultimately, if you own the previous generation iPad and it is working just fine, there isn\u2019t much reason to upgrade at the moment. However, if you are in need of an upgrade or want to dive into the world of tablets, these upgrades make the cheapest iPad that much more compelling.<\/p>\n
Hardware: new Pencil support and snappier device<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/wpmedia.business.financialpost.com\/2018\/04\/0412ipadphoto.jpg?w=640&h=480\")
<\/a><\/p>\nNow that the entry-level iPad has Pencil support, users can easily edit images in apps such as Pixelmator while using the extra $129 accessory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
If there is one takeaway from the new 9.7-inch iPad, it\u2019s that it has support for Apple\u2019s Pencil. Previously only available on the iPad Pro, this new feature is what Apple really, really wants you to know it added to its entry model when looking at its marketing materials.<\/p>\n
Support for the Pencil \u2014 a separate $129 accessory, or $115 for schools \u2014 has turned the cheapest iPad from what was more of a consumption device for many users to a creative device. The accessory has force, tilt and low latency, which makes it feel quite natural for handwriting or illustrating.<\/p>\n
Apps like Pixelmator can now be used with the Pencil for quick photo editing to erase or repair unwanted items in your photos, sketching can be done with Linea Sketch or you can jot down notes in apps such as GoodNotes. Previously you needed an iPad Pro for this, so to be able to do these sort of things on Apple\u2019s cheapest iPad is a worthwhile boost.<\/p>\n
Apple has finally updated its iWorks suite for Pencil support, too, which means you can handwrite and annotate in Pages, Numbers and Keynote. While this isn\u2019t exclusive to the new iPad, this again would have only worked on an iPad Pro so it is nice to have an inexpensive option.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/wpmedia.business.financialpost.com\/2018\/04\/0412ipadwrite.jpg?w=640&h=480\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWith Pencil supported added to Apple’s iWork suite of iPad apps, users can now annotate documents in pages on the new entry-level iPad.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Meanwhile, the new A10 processor definitely gives a snappier feel to the overall device when using it compared to last year\u2019s model. Apple says this processor is up to 40 per cent faster than the old A9 with 50 per cent faster graphics performance.<\/p>\n
This speed bump is great for new games or multitasking, for example. It\u2019s also noticeable for creators working with high resolution images or 4K video on the iPad. Unfortunately, if you add in a third app in multitasking, it still freezes the two background apps \u2014 something that doesn\u2019t happen on the iPad Pro, likely due to its higher amount of RAM.<\/p>\n
Otherwise, this is another iPad with all of the other hardware features you\u2019d expect such as a retina screen, Touch ID, and front and back cameras. Probably the biggest disappointment was the lack of a smart connector on the side to attach Apple accessories such as keyboards, but I suppose the company still wanted to give the Pro crowd that one while keeping costs low.<\/p>\n
In terms of hard drive space, the new 9.7-inch iPad comes in 32GB ($429, or $599 with cellular) and 128GB ($549, or $719 with cellular).<\/p>\n
Augmented reality and education<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nNow that the entry-level iPad has Pencil support, users can easily edit images in apps such as Pixelmator while using the extra $129 accessory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
If there is one takeaway from the new 9.7-inch iPad, it\u2019s that it has support for Apple\u2019s Pencil. Previously only available on the iPad Pro, this new feature is what Apple really, really wants you to know it added to its entry model when looking at its marketing materials.<\/p>\n
Support for the Pencil \u2014 a separate $129 accessory, or $115 for schools \u2014 has turned the cheapest iPad from what was more of a consumption device for many users to a creative device. The accessory has force, tilt and low latency, which makes it feel quite natural for handwriting or illustrating.<\/p>\n
Apps like Pixelmator can now be used with the Pencil for quick photo editing to erase or repair unwanted items in your photos, sketching can be done with Linea Sketch or you can jot down notes in apps such as GoodNotes. Previously you needed an iPad Pro for this, so to be able to do these sort of things on Apple\u2019s cheapest iPad is a worthwhile boost.<\/p>\n
Apple has finally updated its iWorks suite for Pencil support, too, which means you can handwrite and annotate in Pages, Numbers and Keynote. While this isn\u2019t exclusive to the new iPad, this again would have only worked on an iPad Pro so it is nice to have an inexpensive option.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nWith Pencil supported added to Apple’s iWork suite of iPad apps, users can now annotate documents in pages on the new entry-level iPad.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Meanwhile, the new A10 processor definitely gives a snappier feel to the overall device when using it compared to last year\u2019s model. Apple says this processor is up to 40 per cent faster than the old A9 with 50 per cent faster graphics performance.<\/p>\n
This speed bump is great for new games or multitasking, for example. It\u2019s also noticeable for creators working with high resolution images or 4K video on the iPad. Unfortunately, if you add in a third app in multitasking, it still freezes the two background apps \u2014 something that doesn\u2019t happen on the iPad Pro, likely due to its higher amount of RAM.<\/p>\n
Otherwise, this is another iPad with all of the other hardware features you\u2019d expect such as a retina screen, Touch ID, and front and back cameras. Probably the biggest disappointment was the lack of a smart connector on the side to attach Apple accessories such as keyboards, but I suppose the company still wanted to give the Pro crowd that one while keeping costs low.<\/p>\n
In terms of hard drive space, the new 9.7-inch iPad comes in 32GB ($429, or $599 with cellular) and 128GB ($549, or $719 with cellular).<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/wpmedia.business.financialpost.com\/2018\/04\/0412ipadrivers.jpg?w=640&h=480\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/wpmedia.business.financialpost.com\/2018\/04\/0412ipad.jpg?w=640&h=480\")
<\/a><\/p>\n