Apple finally redesigns the iPad

Apple’s regular iPad, so not the Pro or Air, has finally seen a major redesign, introducing a new shape, larger screen, new cameras an host of under-the hood improvements.

Another major departure from previous iPad designs, and the first for any iPad, is the placement of the new front-facing camera along the landscape edge. But more on this later.

And for those who want a little colour to spice things up, the new iPads are available in blue, pink, yellow, and silver.

We’re so excited to bring the completely redesigned iPad to our most advanced iPad lineup ever

Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing

New, larger display

Starting with the new shape, the iPad features a 10.9 inch Liquid Retina display, which is up from 10.2 inches. However, with the screen now stretching all the way to the edges, and the removal of the physical home button, the new iPad is still about the same size as the model it replaces. This means more screen in less space.

The new 10.9 inch Liquid Retina display has a 2360 x 1640 resolution, which means nearly 4 million pixels, and capable of 500 nits of brightness. Apple’s True Tone technology is also included, and the old TouchID fingerprint ‘home’ button has now moved to the top edge, like the iPad Air.

Faster than ever

To help it tackle the latest games, school projects, video editing or surfing the web, the iPad gets Apple’s A14 Bionic chip. While Apple says that this gives it a 20 percent CPU and 10 percent graphics bump versus the old model, it would be great to see it get the newer A15 Bionic chip that’s found in Apple’s iPhone 14 Pros. None the less, Apple says that the new iPad is “…up to 5x faster than the best selling Android Tablet”, and “…for users looking to upgrade from a device like iPad (7th generation), they will see up to 3x improvement in overall performance…”

Updated cameras and audio experience

As mentioned earlier, the new iPad is the first to have a front-facing selfie camera positioned along the landscape edge. This means it is in a much better place for video conferencing, as well as making videos. In current iPads, which have this camera along the shorter portrait edge, you’re often looking slightly off camera. This also works hand in hand with Apple’s Centre Stage feature, which automatically tracks and centres your face (and others) in FaceTime calls.

The new front facing camera sports an ultra-wide lens, with a 122 degree field of view and 12 megapixel sensor. On the rear, there is now an upgraded 12 megapixel camera that is capable of high resolution photos and 4K video recording, with a 240fps slow-mo mode.

For audio, the iPad gets an improved dual-microphone setup. The mics can minimise background noise and focus in on their target based on which camera is being used.

The new landscape camera means you can look straight on when video conferencing, and makes more sense for being used in landscape orientation

The iPad gets new stereo stereo speakers, which are aligned for listening to movies or video calls when in held in landscape mode.

Better connectivity options

Keeping in line with other upgrades, the iPad can connect to other devices and the internet faster than ever. This is thanks to switching (finally) from Apple’s antiquated Lighting connector to USB-C, which also brings quicker charging from higher powered adaptors.

For Wi-Fi, the iPad swaps 802.11ac for Wi-Fi 6, which is 30 percent faster, and cellular/LTE users can finally enjoy ultra fast 5G connectivity with speeds up to 3.5Gbps in perfect conditions.

And unlike iPhone 14s sold in the US, the new iPad supports both eSIM and physical SIM cards.

Magic Folio Keyboard

Apple Magic Keyboard Folio

Given its new shape, Apple has matched up an all-new Magic Keyboard Folio case, which features an enhanced keyboard along with a click-anywhere trackpad. The keyboard has 1mm of travel, meaning keys that gives you more ‘click’ feedback, and there is now a 14-key function row for added versatility. The trackpad is the first ever for a standard iPad and unlocks a more PC like experience, especially when running the new iPadOS 16 interface.

The Magic Keyboard Folio comes in a versatile two-piece design that includes the keyboard section and protective back cover, which doubles as a stand. The keyboard attaches to the iPad using magnets, and the Smart Connector means that it draws power from the iPad and has no need for a battery, recharging or a Bluetooth connection.

Sticking with the old Apple pencil?

For some odd reason, Apple has decided to only support the Apple Pencil (1st Generation) on the new iPad. This seems a bit odd, given the pencil needs to be recharged with a Lightning connector and cable. As the 2nd Generation Apple Pencil can change using induction when placed along an edge of iPad Air and Pro models, perhaps this choice was made because the iPad’s design doesn’t have this ability.

[UPDATE] The Apple Pencil (Gen 1) now comes with a USB-C adaptor in the box so it can be synched via the new iPad’s USB-C port.

Pricing and availability

  • The new iPad is available to order starting today, 19 October, at apple.com/au/store and in the Apple Store app in 28 countries and regions, including Australia, with availability beginning in stores Thursday, 27 October. 
  • Wi-Fi models of the new iPad are available with a starting price of RRP A$749 inc. GST, and Wi-Fi + Cellular models start at RRP A$999 inc. GST. The new iPad, in 64GB and 256GB configurations, comes in blue, pink, yellow, and silver. 
  • Apple Pencil (1st generation) is compatible with the new iPad. A new USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter is required for pairing and charging and is included in the box with a new version of Apple Pencil (1st generation) for RRP A$159 inc. GST.
  • For existing owners of Apple Pencil (1st generation), the USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter is sold separately for RRP A$15 inc. GST. 
  • The new Magic Keyboard Folio designed for the new iPad is available for RRP A$399 inc. GST and comes in white. 
  • The new Smart Folio designed for the new iPad is available for RRP A$129 inc. GST in white, sky, watermelon, and lemonade. 
  • iPad (9th generation) will remain in the iPad lineup. Wi-Fi models of iPad (9th generation) are available with a starting price of RRP A$549 inc. GST, and Wi-Fi + Cellular models start at RRP A$779 inc GST, in silver and space grey finishes. 
  • Education pricing is available to current and newly accepted college students and their parents, as well as faculty, staff, and home-school teachers of all grade levels. Wi-Fi models of the new iPad are available with a starting price of RRP A$699 inc. GST, the new Magic Keyboard Folio is available for RRP A$359 inc. GST, and Apple Pencil (1st generation) is available for RRP A$139 inc. GST. For more information visit apple.com/au-hed/shop.

GadgetGuy’s take

We think it’s fantastic that Apple has finally revised its very old feeling iPads, which still had the physical home button and very large borders around the screen. Still, we’d like to see the 1st Generation Apple Pencil disappear, but this is hanging around for a while. We’re glad that USB-C is supported too, and very impressed that Apple is addressing the off-centre video camera effect with its new landscape position. While we would like the more recent A15 Bionic chip, the A14 is no slouch, and should be plenty of power for this price point.

Other Apple Announcements:

Apple launches new iPad Pros with M2 Chip

Next gen Apple TV 4K gets more power, improved video