Apple updates 9.7-inch iPad with A10 chip and Apple Pencil support

Apple announced yesterday the new generation iPad with 9.7-inch display targeted at the education market.

The iPad 2018 is relatively a minor upgrade over the last year’s model. It now packs Apple’s A10 Fushion chip, which debuted in 2016 on the iPhone 7. Also new is the support for Apple Pencil, which allows users to use apps that support it, such as the updated iWork suite (Pages, Numbers, and Keynote). Apple Pencil has pressure and tilt sensors, allowing for a more natural writing and drawing experience.

It still features the same 9.7-inch retina display as before, with none of the features such as ProMotion and TrueTone found on its pricier iPad Pro siblings. It has touch ID, 8-megapixel rear camera that can shoot 1080p video, a 1.2-megapixel shooter on the front, and optional LTE connectivity. The new iPad will support Bluetooth keyboards but will not support the new line of accessories using the Smart Connector.

The new iPad (2018) will be available in the US this week, starting at $329 for the 32GB WiFi model and $459 for the 32GB WiFi + LTE model. In the Philippines, the pricing will start at P20,990 for the 32GB WiFi model and P28,990 for the WiFi + LTE model, although no release date has been announced yet. It will be available in the usual colors of Silver, Space Grey, and Gold.

Apple Pencil will be sold separately for P5,890.