On March 21, Apple officially bid farewell to the iPad Air 2 and introduced a new tablet simply named iPad. This tablet is referred to as the new iPad, iPad 2017, or the 9.7-inch iPad and starts at a modest $329.
The iPad 2017 is placed just below the iPad Pro as it replaces the iPad Air 2. The tablet comes with a 9.7-inch display and is targeted at budget buyers.
iPad 2017: Should One Get It Just For The Pricing?
The base model of the new iPad comes at $329 with Wi-Fi connectivity and 32 GB of onboard storage. If one is willing to shell out an additional $130, they can get their hands on the 32 GB Wi-Fi + cellular variant.
The iPad 2017 is leaning toward the budget conscious buyers. The new tablet looks to entice customers having an older iPad, getting them to shift to the new device because of its affordable pricing. Considering there is not much difference between the iPad 2017 and the now-discontinued iPad Air, Apple can maximize sales for its new tablet.
It would perhaps not make much sense for a consumer to buy the new iPad, if they already own the iPad Air 2, just to get a slightly better A9 processor and memory storage.
However, owners of the first iteration of iPad Air, or any version lower than the device, can buy the new iPad — which boasts much higher specifications — at this reasonable price.
Moreover, owners of the 7.9-inch iPad Mini 4 can also consider upgrading to the recently-launched iPad as it comes with a bigger display. To put things into perspective, the iPad Mini 4 costs $399 for the 128 GB Wi-Fi model. For a few more dollars, consumers can have the 32 GB new iPad, which boasts a bigger screen by comparison.
This is a great deal, unless, the lower onboard storage on the new iPad is a deterrent.
More iPads Coming This Year?
If speculations are to be believed, then it may be better to wait a tad longer before purchasing the new iPad. Rumors are rife that two new models of the iPad Pro will be launched in 2017.
Rumors suggest that Apple may launch 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models this year. If this news turns out to be true, one should desist buying the new iPad.
Also, by tradition, Apple reduces the prices of its older devices as the release of the next-gen model draws near. Therefore, a possibility exists that the price of the new 9.7-inch iPad may see a drop after Apple launches the 10.5-inch iPad and the next-gen 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
Those who want to lay their hands on the new iPad can purchase the tablet from Apple's online store.
