Apple Announces New iPad (9.7 Inch)!

new ipad header

Alongside releasing the RED iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, Apple also announced a new iPad!

new ipad 9.7 inch colors

You may be wondering: is this the successor to the iPad Air 2? How about the 9.7 inch iPad Pro? My answer to that is NO.

What is this New iPad?

The new iPad is basically an upgraded version of the iPad Air 1. Yes. It’s the one launched in the same year as the iPhone 5s. In case you’re doubting me, here’s the spec sheet for both the iPad Air and the new iPad:

iPad Air Specs

  • 9.7″ 2048×1536 display
  • Apple A7 dual-core 64-bit chip with M7 coprocessor
  • 1GB RAM
  • 16/32/64/128 GB internal storage
  • 5MP rear camera and 1.2MP front camera
  • Starts at $499 (at launch) (P25,490 for PH)
  • 7.5mm thickness

iPad (2017) Specs

  • 9.7″ 2048×1536 display
  • Apple A9 tri-core 64-bit chip with embedded M9 coprocessor
  • 2GB RAM
  • 32/128 GB internal storage
  • 8MP rear camera and 1.2MP front camera
  • Starts at $329 (P18,990 for PH)
  • 7.5mm thickness

The only differences I could make up there are the processor, RAM, rear camera, and the price. To be honest, P18,990 is a good deal for an iPad. In the past, the starting point for a 9.7 inch iPad is at P25,490. I’m happy that Apple provides a low-cost iPad for those looking for one. With iPad sales still falling, Apple relies on this new iPad to drive sales. With this iPad going on sale, the iPad Air 2 is discontinued.

Apple Removed the iPad Mini 2

Another thing to consider is the fact that Apple discontinued the iPad mini 2. Because that happened, the new iPad is the cheapest one available. Even the only iPad mini 4 model is more expensive than this new iPad! (iPad mini 4 starts at P23,990 now for the 128GB model.) If you really want a small tablet, you might want to consider other options before getting the mini 4. (Though for a tablet with 128GB storage, it’s a decent price.)


Does this new iPad interest you at all? Are you considering getting this for consuming content? Let me know in the comments below!

12 thoughts on “Apple Announces New iPad (9.7 Inch)!

  1. Apple is always on a roll. Red iPhone, new iPad.. Fancy! But I think the fact that the price is pretty much decent and acceptable will mean it can be a good pick or choice for those who really need it.

  2. Dang! My iPad looks ancient because of these new baddies. Anyway, the specs are way cooler now but I will stick with my old iPad because its still working decently. Half a decade na ni siya. Looking forward to buying my first iPhone this year.

  3. Why the gadgets today are getting bigger? But anyway, I cannot blame them. People want bigger screens, so the manufacturers have to catch-up with the market’s demands. But surprisingly, Apple decided to bring this iPad’s price down. The product line did not surprise me though, it’s the pricing. LOL. It’s unusual.

  4. Yeah I’ve heard about their new iPad that’s more affordable than its predecessor. But I didn’t expect it to be THIS cheap. I mean, yeah, 18K is still an expensive gadget, but considering the price of the first iPad Air, this is definitely a great deal! I might consider getting one as soon as I have the resources.

  5. Welcome to the Apple LoveFest Week! I am pretty glad that they are upgrading the tabs. I hope that can be as powerful as their cute laptops so that I can save on the cost. The mini was just made to annoy Samsung and since Samsung are still coming from an “injury” then there was no need to do an overkill.

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