So Apple did release a new iPad — but it's not that exciting
In early October, there were rumors that a slew of iPads were on the horizon. This scuttlebutt picked up early this week, with tipsters suggesting that Apple may be planning to debut a little somethin' somethin' on Tuesday — but all we got was a USB-C Apple Pencil.
However, we have some good news and some bad news.
The good news is that Apple did, indeed, release a new iPad. The bad news is that you probably can't buy it — and you wouldn't want to, anyway.
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Nestled in the Chinese press release (as spotted by 9to5Mac), Apple announced a new version of the 10th-generation iPad. Before you open up your wallet, though, remember that this is in the Chinese press release. It's simply an update for the Chinese market — and the only major update is something that isn't all that major at all:
The updated iPad (10th generation) wireless LAN + cellular network model supports eSIM in mainland China for the first time. It will be available for pre-order on October 19th and will be officially released on October 25th. The updated iPad (10th generation) wireless LAN + cellular model will support the eSIM cellular network data plan in mainland China, enabling fast, smooth, and secure cellular data connections without the need for a physical SIM card.
Yes, this "new" iPad supports eSIM in mainland China. That's cool and good for that particular market, but the American version of the 10th-gen iPad already has eSIM. In other words, Apple just gave the Chinese market product parity with the American market.
The wait for new iPads continues.
Alex Perry is a tech reporter at Mashable who primarily covers video games and consumer tech. Alex has spent most of the last decade reviewing games, smartphones, headphones, and laptops, and he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. He is also a Pisces, a cat lover, and a Kansas City sports fan. Alex can be found on Bluesky at yelix.bsky.social.
