Apple Announces new iPads, new iPad Pros, and a new Apple TV 4K
Today Apple announced some new hardware. Specifically Apple announced a new Apple TV 4K, a new iPad, and new iPad Pros. Before we dive into that hardware, we need to cover software. Apple also announced that iPadOS 16.1 will be released on Monday, October 24th. Along with this, macOS Ventura will also be released on the same day. Now, onto the hardware changes, starting with the Apple TV 4K.
Apple TV 4K
The Apple TV 4K has received an update to include the A15 Bionic processor and it comes in two different configurations, a Wi-Fi only model and a Wi-Fi + Ethernet model. The physical size of these devices remained largely the same. They are technically 5mm shorter on both sides and 4mm shorter in height, but these will hardly be noticeable. Instead, the bigger change is the weight. These new devices are 208g and 214g respectively. This means that they are less than half of the weight of the previous version, which was 425 grams. I am not sure why such a difference in weight, unless that is part of the price saving. These devices have a couple of differences.
The Wi-Fi only model has 64GB of storage and is Wi-Fi only. This is a change from the previous models which all included Ethernet. For most this will not be a problem, because most people do not connect their devices up to ethernet. However, there are a couple of other features on the Wi-Fi + Ethernet model.
The Wi-Fi + Ethernet model has 128GB of storage. The second change with this model is that it also supports Thread Networking. Thread is a standard that will allow devices from disparate eco-systems to all communicate together.
There is one other big change with the Apple TV 4K, and that is with the remote.
Siri Remote
With the 2nd Generation Apple TV 4K, Apple released a new Siri Remote, an all aluminum one. This replaced the glass version that came with the Apple TV when it was introduced in 2015.The Apple TV 4K still includes a Siri Remote. This remote is a slight update, it is still the same aluminum as the 2nd generation Siri Remote, but there is one change. Instead of having a lightning port, it now charges via USB-C.
Pricing
One of the changes is the new price. The Apple TV 4K starts at $129 for the 64GB (Wi-Fi) model and $149 for the 128GB (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) model. This new lower starting point could possibly be more affordable for some people.
The new lower price also means that the original Apple TV HD is no longer being sold by Apple. The new Apple TV 4K is available for order today and will be available on November 4th.
iPad Pros
The 4th Generation 11-inch iPad Pro and 6th Generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro bring with them the M2 processor, the same one that is in the M2 MacBook Air. This means that it should be approximately 15% faster than the M1 iPad Pro for CPU tasks and up to 35% in terms of graphics performance improvements.
The M2 also includes its own media engine. In terms of the iPad this means that the iPad Pro can handle ProRes video directly on the iPad.
Apple Pencil Hover
There is a new feature on the 4th generation 11-inch iPad Pro and the 6th Generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro called Apple Pencil Hover. To quote Apple,
“Powered by the new iPad Pro and iPadOS 16, hover with Apple Pencil (2nd generation) provides a completely new dimension for users to interact with their screen. Apple Pencil is now detected up to 12 mm above the display, allowing users to see a preview of their mark before they make it.
This should prove to be an interesting addition to the iPad Pros and see how well it works in practice.
Connectivity
There has been one other slight change. The new iPad Pros support Wi-Fi 6E, which is a faster variant of the Wi-Fi 6 standard, that supports up to 2.4gigabits per second, which is twice as fast as Wi-Fi 6.. Along with this, they also support Bluetooth 5.3, which improves connectivity for devices.
Pricing
The iPads have the same price as the last generation and come in the same size options. Here is the breakdown of cost for each.
| 11-inch iPad Pro | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi + Cellular |
|---|---|---|
| 128GB | $799 | $999 |
| 256GB | $899 | $1099 |
| 512GB | $1099 | $1299 |
| 1TB | $1499 | $1699 |
| 2TB | $1899 | $2099 |
| 12.9-inch iPad Pro | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi + Cellular |
|---|---|---|
| 128GB | $1099 | $1299 |
| 256GB | $1199 | $1399 |
| 512GB | $1399 | $1599 |
| 1TB | $1799 | $1999 |
| 2TB | $2199 | $2399 |
The iPad Pros come in the standard Space Gray and Silver colors and they still support the 2nd Generation Apple Pencil. The previous Magic Keyboards are also supported without needing to purchase a new keyboard.
Both of these can be ordered today and will be available for delivery, and pickup, next Wednesday, October 26th.
iPad
Today Apple introduced the 10th Generation iPad, but they did not discontinue the 9th Generation. The 9th generation iPad is still available for $329 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model and $459 for the 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular model. Similarly, the 256GB model is $479 for the Wi-Fi model and $609 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. The 9th generation iPad is available in Silver and Space Gray, the gold option is gone.
The 10th Generation iPad is a much bigger change over the 9th generation iPad. There is one similarity, besides the name, and that is storage. There are still two storage sizes, 64GB and 256GB models.
Color Options
The first big change is the Gold and Space Gray color options are gone. In their place are three colors, Blue, Pink, and, Yellow. The silver option rounds out the fourth color option. This is new for the iPad line, in that the colors are now much brighter, somewhat similar to the iPad Air and iPad mini options. A bigger change is actually the screen.
Screen
The screen is now a 10.9-inch screen with a resolution of 2360 by 1640 pixels, or 264 pixels per inch, which is the same as the previous generation. The bigger display is now an edge-to-edge display, just like the iPad mini and iPad Air. There is no longer a home button, instead the home button is in the top button, just like the iPad Air and iPad mini. This top button has the Touch ID sensor within in. The screen is also a True-Tone display with up to 500 nits of brightness.
Cameras
Due to the screen change, the FaceTime camera has also moved to be along the edge of iPad, not at the top. This is the same FaceTime Camera found in other devices, and is a 12 Megapixel sensor with a 122 degree view, so it can support Center Stage.
The rear camera is also improved and is now a 12 Megapixel camera that supports 4K video with up to 240 frames per second in slo-mo.
Connectivity
Besides the colors and screen there is also a major change. The new iPad no longer has as lightning port. Instead, it has been replaced by a USB-C port. This is a big change because the entry level iPad had a lightning port since its introduced in 2010.
The Wi-Fi is Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11ax. For cellular models you will get 5G connectivity with a physical SIM or an eSIM.
Apple Pencil
The iPad still supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil, but how can you use this with USB-C. The answer is that there is an adapter that comes with the Apple Pencil now that will convert from USB-C to Lightning. You can also purchase an adapter (https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MQLU3AM/A/usb-c-to-apple-pencil-adapter) for $9. Note, this should also work for older Siri Remotes.
Pricing
As mentioned above, the new 10.9-inch iPad comes in two storage sizes, 64GB and 256GB, and it does come in Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + Cellular models. The pricing starts at $449 for the 64GB model and $599 for the 256GB model. The cellular option will add another $150, or $599 for the 64GB cellular and $749 for the 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular model.
The new iPad is available to order today and will be available starting next Wednesday, October 26th for both delivery and in-store.
Closing Thoughts
The biggest changes have been with the new 10.9-inch iPad. Between the new color options, larger screen, removal of the home button, and change to USB-C, the 10th generation iPad is a large change, but with that change comes the starting price of $449. You can order one today with delivery beginning next week.
The 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pros are more muted in their updates. They now come with the M2 processor, which should improve speed of the devices. Also included is the new Apple Pencil Hover, which will allow Apple Pencil users to get a preview of what they are going to do before actually committing to it. Just like the 10th generation iPad, you can order these today with delivery next week.
The Apple TV 4K is a somewhat bigger update with the jump from an A12 to an A15. There are now two models, the 64GB Wi-Fi only model which starts at $129 and the 128GB (Wi-Fi + Ethernet) model that is $149. The 128GB model supports the Thread standard, so you can use your Apple TV as a Thread hub. These models are available to order today and will be available starting on November 4th.
Sources:
Apple Newsroom: 3rd Generation Apple TV 4K
Apple Newsroom: 11-inch iPad Pro and 12.9-inch iPad Pro
Apple Newsroom: 10th generation iPad