Apple’s new entry-level iPad has a different design and a choice of four colours (Credit: Apple)
Apple has announced a series of updates to its iPad range, as well as launching a new version of the Apple TV set-top box.
The tech giant revealed a redesigned version of its most basic iPad alongside an update to the top-of-the-range iPad Pro.
There was no snazzy virtual event like there was for the iPhone 14 Pro. Instead, Apple quietly updated its online store and sent out a flurry of press releases.
The new entry-level iPad model has seen the home button removed, the front-facing camera moved to the longer side of the device and the Lightning port changed to the more widely used USB-C connection.
Which is probably just as well, following a recent EU ruling that all gadgets have to adopt the USB-C charging standard.
It is joined in the line-up by an upgraded version of the iPad Pro, which includes Apple’s high-powered, own-made M2 chip for faster performance.
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The new iPad will go on sale on October 26, the company confirmed, starting at £499.
The new iPad Pro will also be available on the same date, starting at £899.
Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing said it was the ‘most advanced iPad lineup ever’.
Apple also added a few new colours to the entry-level iPad range. It can be had in either blue, pink, yellow or silver.
Industry expert Paolo Pescatore, from PP Foresight, said the new devices were the latest example of Apple ‘flexing its proven strategy of broadening the portfolio of devices in each segment to cater for everyone’.
‘There is a device for everyone in each category, at different price points,’ he said.
He also praised the introduction of the USB-C connector on the iPad, saying it removed ‘complexity and fragmentation for users’.
Apple has specifically designed a new Magic Keyboard Folio accessory for the new iPad (Credit: Apple)
But he warned that launching more gadgets as many people faced a rising cost of living was a risk for the tech giant.
‘It represents a real test of consumer appetite in forking out for these latest shiny devices,’ he said.
‘As well as the true power of Apple’s brand in a tough economic climate with everyone tightening their belts.’
Apple also revealed a third generation version of its Apple TV set-top box.
The two major updates include a new A15 Bionic processor that improves performance alongside support for HDR10+ video quality. The new Apple TV 4K (2022) comes with a Siri-enabled remote control and prices start at £149.
Apple also announced a new version of its Apple TV set top box device (Credit: Apple)
Apple called the new Apple TV ‘more powerful, entertaining, and affordable than ever, and offering impressive cinematic quality.’
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Apple has refreshed both its entry-level iPad and top-of-the-range iPad Pro.