Apple refreshes entry-level $329 iPad with faster chip, 64GB of storage

Enlarge (credit: Apple)

Apple announced a modest refresh of its entry-level iPad at the company's product event on Tuesday. The tablet's design hasn't changed, but the new model swaps out the A12 chip for the newer A13, which Apple says is "up to 20%" faster than the previous chip. The new iPad costs $329, the same price as the previous model, despite the fact that the storage has been bumped from 32GB to a much more reasonable 64GB.

Apple is also bringing a handful of iPad Pro features down to the cheapest iPad. Its new 12MP front-facing camera supports the "Center Stage" feature that can shift the camera's perspective as you move around. While the rear camera is apparently unchanged, both the front and rear cameras will benefit from the upgraded image signal processor (ISP) in the A13. The tablet's 10.2-inch screen also supports True Tone, which changes the screen's color temperature to match the lighting in the room you're in.

An overview of the new iPad's features. (credit: Apple)

The new $329 iPad will be available for preorder today and will be available on September 24. The Wi-Fi + Cellular model of the tablet starts at $459, and there will also be a 256GB storage option (though Apple hasn't said how much it will cost yet).

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