Apple unveils eighth-generation iPad and new iPad Air
In addition to new Apple Watches, Apple's also introduced a few new iPads to its lineup, including the eighth-generation iPad and the new iPad Air.
Starting with the eighth-generation iPad: The new device packs a 10.2-inch display, Touch ID button, and an A12 Bionic chip that's 40 percent faster and offers graphics that are twice as fast as the previous version.
The new iPad is also compatible with Apple's Smart Keyboard and the first-generation Apple Pencil. Since it ships with iPadOS 14, you'll be able to take advantage of features including "Scribble," which converts any handwritten notes into text. There's also Smart Selection, a feature that uses on-device machine learning to detect handwritten notes from drawings.
The new eighth-generation iPad starts at $329 (depending on the storage configuration and whether you're opting for the WiFi or cellular model) and is currently available on pre-order, with full availability starting Friday. As for color options, it's available in silver, gold, and space gray.
Then there's the iPad Air, which has a 10.9-inch liquid retina display with Apple's True Tone technology. With an all-screen display, the Touch ID button is now integrated into the top button on the iPad. As for color options, you'll have the choice between rose gold, green, and sky blue.
The iPad Air features Apple's new A14 Bionic chip, which means it's 40 percent faster in performance and 30 percent faster when it comes to graphics. It's a lot more powerful for those who want to use it for heavy-duty tasks like editing videos and photos, and playing video games.
On the front is a 7-megapixel camera with a 12-megapixel rear-facing camera (capable of capturing 4K video). It also has redesigned stereo speakers and is compatible with the Apple Pencil as well as the 11-inch Magic Keyboard case. The company has also swapped out the Lightning port for USB-C, allowing you to connect it to more accessories without the need for an adapter.
That one will start at $599 and will be available beginning in October.
