Apple's new entry-level iPad has a bigger screen, higher price

Apple today unveiled a new entry-level iPad, simply just "iPad" or the far catchier "seventh generation iPad". The biggest changes this time around are a larger display and Smart Keyboard support.

The new iPad finally pushes screen-size from 9.7-inches to a slightly larger to 10.2-inch Retina Display. However, rather than cutting down bezel, Apple has simply made the seventh generation iPad larger, which is a bit of a shame. Unsurprisingly, it still has a home button however, instead of moving to Face ID as we saw with the iPad Pro.

For the first time, Apple's entry-level iPad is compatible with the Smart Keyboard accessory if you want a more computer-like experience. Like the sixth-generation iPad, the seventh also works with Apple Pencil, albeit only the original model - not the fancy magnetic one launched alongside the iPad Pro last year. As always, both the Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil cost extra, priced at $235 and $145 respectively.

Other than these changes, there doesn't seem to be too much else that's new about the seventh generation iPad. For example, it's powered by the same A10 Fusion chip found in the sixth generation iPad, and it still has the same front and rear-facing camera setup. But hey, at least it still has a headphone jack.

Seventh generation iPad orders start today, and will ship by the end of the month. We're expecting to see these iPads available on plans, but outright pricing is as follows:

• iPad 32GB Wi-Fi only: $529
• iPad 128GB 4G: $729
• iPad 32GB Wi-Fi only: $529
• iPad 128GB 4G: $889

That's a slight price hike from the old model that started at $469. 

The seventh generation iPad was announced alongside the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro. 

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

Read full bio