Because the Let Free occasion wound down Tuesday, Tim Prepare dinner had one final announcement earlier than the stream ended: the Tenth-gen iPad now begins at £349/$349, a powerful £100/$100 value drop. What he didn’t say is the transfer additionally means the Ninth-gen iPad is gone.
Apple hasn’t up to date the Ninth-gen iPad since September 2021, so it’s not an enormous shock to see it go away. It nonetheless had Apple’s outdated iPad design with a House button and Lightning port, tapered edges, and A13 Bionic chip, with a beginning value of £319/$329. It was undoubtedly exhibiting its age and until you bought it on sale, wasn’t the good cut price it as soon as was.
It was rumoured that the Ninth-gen iPad might get an replace later this 12 months with a brand new processor, USB-C port, and up to date design, nevertheless it seems these predictions gained’t come to cross. As an alternative, Apple will push entry-level consumers to the Tenth-gen mannequin, which is clearly a superior machine.
For an additional £30/$20, you’re getting a much better iPad with a Liquid Retina show, USB-C help, newer A14 processor, and extra color choices. We struggled to advocate it at its authentic £449/$449 value, however with a value drop this large, it’s incredible worth. Nonetheless, it’s unhappy to see the final callback to the unique iPad depart this world so unceremoniously.
The Ninth-gen mannequin is now not obtainable on Apple’s web site. Nevertheless, some third-party retailers should still have inventory should you’re determined to get your arms on one earlier than it fades into the ether.
This text was initially written for Macworld, and has been syndicated and localised for Tech Advisor. You possibly can learn the unique piece right here.