Apple has completely redesigned the entry-level iPad: the Home button is gone and the FaceTime camera is now on the long side of the device, as we have known from Android tablets for a long time. Video telephony is probably often done in landscape format and Apple now takes this into account.
In addition to the A15 chip, which is new for the iPad, there is a 10.9-inch display and a USB-C port here as well. Apple is slowly banning the old Lightning connector from all products. However, the Apple Pencil 1, which is still only compatible with the entry-level iPad, will remain on Lightning. So you won’t be able to charge it on the iPad as intended but will need a USB-C to Lightning jack adapter. No kidding.
The new design and technical progress suit the iPad very well, apart from the absurd Apple Pencil situation. Unfortunately, the prices have risen significantly in Germany: the smallest version now costs just under 580 Euros, and the version with cellular is available from just under 780 Euros. A USB-C to Lightning adapter for users who already own an Apple Pencil 1 comes in at ten euros.
The iPad Pro now gets the M2 chip, which is already available in the MacBook Air. It is up to 15% faster than the predecessor. The coolest feature, however, is the hover function with the Apple Pencil: it does not have to touch the display to make inputs, but can easily hover over it. This is probably quite a practical option for everyday use.
Wirelessly, the iPad Pro now handles WLAN 6E (not in China and Japan) and the cellular versions also sub-6 GHz and mmWave (the latter only in the US and Puerto Rico). Prices in Germany start at just under 1050 Euros for the 11″ device and just under 1250 Euros for the cellular version. The larger 12.9″ model costs just under 1450 and 1650 Euros respectively.
