With its “Show Time” event not scheduled until next week (here’s what we think is coming), it came as a bit of a surprise to many to see the Apple online store “down” this morning which typically means new products are imminent. The company didn’t disappoint (at least iPad fans) with a new iPad Air and fifth-generation iPad mini.
The iPad Air replaces the 10.5” iPad Pro and is available for order, starting at $499 – down from the iPad Pro’s starting price of $649. The new iPad mini is also available for order today at a cost of $399 for the lowest-end model.
The iPad mini brings a slew of new features, including an A12 Bionic processor, Retina display and Apple pencil support for the first time on a mini. The display packs the highest pixel density of any iPad, according to Apple. The mini is available in 64GB and 256GB configurations and in Silver, Space Gray, and Gold.
The iPad Air is the first to feature “Air” nomenclature since the iPad Air 2. The new iPad Air model features Apple’s A12 Bionic chip and Apple Pencil support.
In related news, Apple has officially discontinued the 10.5” iPad Pro and iPad mini 4 and announced Smart Covers for the new iPad mini and Air.
Be sure to check back to the Rocket Yard to see what Apple has up its sleeve at next week’s event.
