Apple Presents... The iPad

Apple announces an unnumbered tablet refresh-- the simply named iPad replaces the iPad Air 2 while promising "best in-class performance at its most affordable price ever."

iPad refreshThe iPad features a 9.7-inch 2048 x 1536 resolution Retina display (one lacking full lamination or anti-reflective coating, curiously enough) and runs on a faster A9 processor. It also includes 32/128GB storage, 8MP rear-facing iSight camera, 1.2MP front-facing FaceTime camera, dual speakers, Lightning connector, 3.5mm headphone jack and Touch ID built into the Home button. Wireless connectivity comes via 802.11ac wifi and Bluetooth 4.2.

Being a basic iPad model it lacks iPad Pro features such as the Smart Connector, support for the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard and 4K video recording.

“iPad is the world’s most popular tablet. Customers love the large, 9.7-inch display for everything from watching TV and movies, to surfing the web, making FaceTime calls, and enjoying photos, and now it is even more affordable,” the company says. “New customers and anyone looking to upgrade will love this new iPad for use at home, in school, and for work, with its gorgeous Retina display, our powerful A9 chip, and access to the more than 1.3 million apps designed specifically for it.”

The iPad launches on 24 March in a number of countries, including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the UK. Other countries should follow on May.

Go New 9.7-inch iPad