I'm a bit of a technology enthusiast who's always looking for a reason to "need" the latest gear. When Apple announced its new iPad Pro on October 18, my 18-month-old iPad Pro 11-inch let out an audible sigh and figured it would be heading to a new home. This time, however, it won't be replaced by the latest device, because the new iPad Pro with M2 is a bit underwhelming.
In fact, the two new iPad models are all a bit odd in their features and pricing. The more affordable iPad is not cheap (it starts at $449), and the pricey iPad Pro didn't get some of the cool things that the colorful iPad did. The good news is that there's a new Apple TV 4K—almost a universal thumbs-up for anyone who needs a streaming box. Let's break out some of the highlights for each of these products and see who these new Apple devices are really for.
Apple TV 4K
- Lower price point, starting at $129
- New Siri Remote charges via USB-C (instead of Lightning)
This is now the third generation of the Apple TV 4K, and its main feature is that it's getting less expensive. There are a few caveats for the model that starts at $129, such as its omittance of a wired Ethernet connection, but frankly, most people wouldn't touch that port anyway. If you do want Ethernet or 128 GB of storage, compared with 64 GB, then the price is just $20 more. For the additional money, you also get support for Thread, which helps other smart home devices talk to each other behind the scenes.
Who is the Apple TV 4K for?
There are a lot of lower-priced hardware options to stream Netflix and Apple TV Plus shows to your television, rather than this Apple TV 4K box, but it's still a great option for people wanting to stay in the Apple ecosystem. And now it's cheaper than it was before. This device still has Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for 4K visual content and advanced audio reproduction. But it also adds support for HDR10 Plus. There's always its breathtaking screensaver imagery, too.
iPad (10th Generation)
- New landscape 12 megapixel ultrawide front camera
- New two-piece Magic Keyboard Folio with media controls
The new iPad with a 10.9-inch screen gets a revamped look and goes all-screen, while still trying to stay economical under the price of the iPad Air. There are new colors, a Touch ID sensor in the power button and general improvements across the board. The biggest notable feature of this new iPad, however, is its front-facing camera. Instead of its being along the top, while in portrait orientation, it's now along the longer landscape side. This allows the camera to be centered, in front of you, while using it in the new Magic Keyboard Folio accessory.
The new, optional, keyboard is unique from Apple's others, too. It has a two-piece design with the back kickstand detachable and usable on its own. Plus the actual keyboard adds a row of function keys and media controls—something a lot of people have been asking for.
Who is the new iPad for?
The trickiest question of the bunch is answering who this device is for. The ninth-generation iPad is still being sold at $329, so this new one starting at $449 is no longer the cheapest option. Overall, there is a lot of overlap in the iPad pricing line.
If you want Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity, then this new iPad starts at $599, but the iPad Air (Wi-Fi only) also starts at $599. There are nuances to consider, such as the iPad Air's having an M1 chip for advanced multitasking needs and external display support in iPadOS 16, but those are very specific.
In general terms, this is the iPad to get for general tablet needs. If your budget is extremely tight, the previous iPad at $329 is still a worthy consideration.
iPad Pro
- New M2 chip
- New Apple Pencil functionality (hover)
There were rumors that the iPad Pro would get wireless charging and other interesting features, but none of those are here now. The primary refresh for the most expensive iPad includes the latest Apple silicon chip, the M2, which also appears in the latest MacBook Air. Make no mistake, this new iPad Pro is a desktop-class computer in an ultraportable form factor.
Even though these professional-level tablets didn't need to get a lot better, it's still disappointing how little was done to them. Why couldn't the camera have been moved to the same landscape side as the entry iPad? Plus the iPad Pro 11-inch model continues to not have the same mini-LED as the 12.9-inch model.
Who is the new iPad Pro for?
Apple Pencil hover is a new feature of these iPad Pro models using the existing Apple Pencil (second generation). Mainly directed at artists, the pencil is now detected higher above the screen and allows people to have greater precision for drawing. With the highlights being only a new M2 chip and Apple Pencil hover, there are almost zero reasons for existing iPad Pro owners to upgrade from a model bought in the last few years.
But if you're coming in fresh to the iPad Pro line, the performance here will sustain you for a long time. Alternatively, creatives pushing video editing and drawing will certainly see the most impact with these new machines.
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Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Tyler Hayes is a product reviewer for Newsweek. He has contributed extensively to WIRED, The New York Times, Fast Company, ... Read more
