Apple on Tuesday delivered a new budget-friendly 9.7-inch iPad, a special (PRODUCT)RED edition iPhone 7, and funky new Apple Watch bands as part of its spring launch event.
Undoubtedly the headliner, Apple’s latest iPad is the cheapest in its lineup, coming in at just $329 for the 32 GB WiFi-only model and $459 for the 32 GB WiFi plus cellular version. That starting price is significantly lower than for the new iPad’s cousin, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, which starts at $599. It even outstrips the iPad mini 4 for cost, which is now available only in 128 GB models starting at $399.
The new tablet comes in the familiar rounded-edge, aluminum body form factor, and features a zippy A9 processor running iOS 10 for “desktop-class” performance. The one-pound device also includes a retina display, 8 mp main camera and 1.2 mp selfie camera, a Touch ID fingerprint sensor, and 10 hours of battery life.
Apple’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing Philip Schiller said the new iPad is perfect for video, web surfing, and other activities, and is suitable for use at home, in school, and for work.
The tablet will be available for orders on March 24.
Apple also unleashed a new (PRODUCT)RED edition iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, which – as the name implies – comes with an eye-catching red aluminum finish. Purchases of the device will contribute to the Global Fund’s battle against HIV/AIDS.
The new RED iPhone joins other special edition Apple products, including accessories for the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, as well as Beats headphones. The Special edition iPhone 7 and 7 Plus will be available in 128 GB and 256 GB models starting at $749. As with the iPad, availability opens March 24.
Speaking of the iPhone, Apple had two other big announcements on that front. First, The Verge reported Apple introduced a new iPhone SE with double the storage of the original. The new 32 GB and 128 GB models will go on sale March 24 for $399 and $499, respectively. Additionally, the company unveiled a new iPhone and iPad app called Clips that will allow users to create Snapchat-esque short videos using video clips, photos, and music. The app will also include effects like animated captions, comic book filters, speech bubbles, and animated posters. Clips will hit the app store sometime next month and will be compatible with the iPhone 5s and later running iOS 10.3.
Rounding out Apple’s announcements for the day was the debut of new funky Apple Watch bands. The bands come in a variety of spring-y colors and include a striped woven nylon band, a standalone Nike Sports band, and Hermes bands in new colors. All new bands can be ordered online today and will hit shelves at retailers later this month.
