Apple updates base iPad with A16 chip and twice the storage

Alongside the new iPad Air, Apple also refreshed the base model iPad today. The iPad now comes with an A16 chip, and twice the storage, for the same $349 price. That means Apple’s cheapest iPad now starts at 128 GB storage, with 256 GB and an all-new 512 GB size as upgrade options. With a faster chip and twice the storage, the new iPad is even better value for money than the prior 10th generation iPad. Compared with the A14 chip in the previous-generation iPad (10th-generation), the A16 chip in the new iPad makes it up to 30 percent faster. Pouring salt in the wounds, Apple says its cheapest iPad is even up to six times faster than the best-selling Android tablet. However, the A16 chip is not powerful enough to support Apple Intelligence. That means Apple’s cheapest iPad will miss out on its flagship A.I. features for this generation of tablet. The iPad continues to support Apple Pencil (USB-C) for drawing and stylus input, and the same Magic Keyboard Folio accessory for easier ty ... Read full article.