Apple iPad 9.7 (2018): Inexpensive iPad for schoolchildren presented

Apple now wants to reach younger target groups. It is not without reason that they have introduced a cheap iPad today. This should be a little cheaper from the start than its predecessor, the 2017 iPad. In addition, like the iPad Pro, it should also work with the Apple Pencil. But the new iPad is not only interesting for schoolchildren.

This year, the newer generation of Apple's cheapest iPad is again called iPad (2018). Like its predecessor, this one also comes with a 9,7-inch Retina display. Up until now, however, only the iPad Pro worked with the Apple Pencil. Now Apple's cheapest iPad is also supposed to get this "feature". It should work just as well as the iPad Pro.

Better processor and new pre-installed apps

Compared to its predecessor, not much else has changed. In addition to a fingerprint sensor, there is also a front camera for FaceTime and an 8 megapixel camera on the back. The processor used this year is the A10 (Fusion) chipset. This is also the case in the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus installed. As usual with Apple, there is no information about RAM - but the processor should also be able to handle AR applications without any problems. The internal memory is 32 gigabytes and, as usual, cannot be expanded.

Some Apple Office apps are preinstalled by default. (Image: Apple)

The battery life should be about 10 days, depending on the version. With the LTE version, the battery will certainly not last as long as with the WiFi-only version. Since Apple wants to target students specifically with the new iPad, there are now three new preinstalled apps. The latest version of the Keynote, Pages and Numbers apps should already be preinstalled. These apps are comparable to Microsoft's Office solutions.

Prices and release

The iPad 9.7 (2018) can be pre-ordered online from the Apple Store today. Delivery of the iPads is scheduled to begin at the beginning of April. Then the iPads should also be available in all regional Apple stores. The Wi-Fi version in silver, space gray and gold is available for 349 euros, which is 50 euros cheaper than the 2017 iPad. For the LTE version in the same colors you have to put 479 euros on the table.

The Apple Pencil is available as an accessory for 99 euros. In the USA, Apple is also offering discounts for schools and universities - there the iPad is discounted by 30 dollars and the Apple Pencil by 10 dollars. These actions are not planned for us.