iPad and iPad Mini 5G (2021): new design, iPadOS 15, performance increased tenfold, from € 389

Apple created a surprise during the keynote of this Tuesday, September 14, 2021 to unveil its new iPad and iPad Mini. Price, release date, features, technical characteristics, we take stock of these two new Apple-stamped tablets.

As you know, Apple has made an appointment with the press and users this Tuesday, September 14, 2021 for a new Keynote. After dedicating the start of the conference to new series and films coming to Apple TV +, Tim Cook created a surprise by unveiling his new iPad and iPad Mini. So what does these new Apple-branded tablets have in store for us? Price, release date, characteristics, features, we take stock of the new features presented by Apple.

iPad 2021: price, release date, new features

Let’s start with the iPad first. The entry-level model returns in a whole new formula. In the first place, this iPad 2021 has an A13 chip. In fact, the device is advertised as 20% faster than the previous version. According to Melody Kuna, Senior Manager iPad Product Design, this iPad is three times faster than the best Chromebook computer and six times faster than an Android tablet.

Thanks to the neural engine of the A13 Bionic chip, iPad will be able to take advantage of machine learning capabilities. Of course, many applications will benefit from the contributions of AI to offer new services such as LiveText, which will be able to recognize the text of a photo on which users can act.

Regarding the photo component, this iPad will have a brand new 12 MP ultra wide front sensor and an 8 MP rear sensor. With this goal and the neural engine, users will have access to Center Stage, a technology that automatically tracks people on the screen during a video call. “Center Stage makes video calls more natural in FaceTime as well as in third-party video conferencing applications ” like TikTok or Zoom.

Let’s then focus on the screen of this 2021 iPad. The 10.2 ″ Retina panel will feature True Tone technology, which adapts the screen display (brightness and colors) to your environment. On the accessories side, the iPad 2021 will be compatible with the first generation Apple Pencil, with the Smart Connector and the Smart Keyboard, as well as with other keyboards from third-party manufacturers such as Logitech.

Of course, the beast will be powered by iPadOS 15 and will logically have all the new features of Apple’s latest dedicated OS, such as the ability to arrange widgets and apps as you wish, a more intuitive multitasking mode, the Notes application that extends to the entire system with Quick Note or the arrival of the Translate app which allows you to translate any text on the fly.

This 2021 iPad is already available for pre-order in 28 countries across France, and deliveries will start as soon as September 24, 2021. Here are the different models offered. Note that they all embark 64 GB internal memory, or double that of the previous generation. However, it will be possible to opt for a capacity of 256 GB as an option.

• iPad Wi-Fi from € 389 in Silver or Space Gray finish or € 559 in 256 GB
• iPad with Wi-Fi and 4G LTE from € 529 Where € 699 in 256 GB

iPad Mini 2021: price, release date, news

Next we come to the iPad Mini 2021. And yes, the iPad Mini is also entitled to a redesign in 2021. As you can imagine, the device looks like an iPad Air 4, certainly in compact size, since it fits in the hand. First of all, Apple has increased the size of the panel (which goes to 8.3 inch) by reducing the borders. It will embark a Liquid Retina panel, which can already be found on the iPad Pro and the iPad Air 4. True Tone technology will also be present, as will the Touch ID sensor.

Under the hood, we find the last Apple A15 Bionic chip. Unsurprisingly, performance is increased tenfold with an increase of the order of 80% compared to the previous generation. The neural engine mentioned on the iPad 2021 is also present, to allow applications to offer “higher level experiences ”.

On the connectivity side, the iPad Mini 2021 will have a USB Type-C port, 10 times faster than the Lightening port of the old model. Another essential novelty, the iPad Mini 2021 will be 5G compatible and will offer up to 3.5 Gbps for download in the best conditions. In other words, we will have to wait a bit to take advantage of such speed in France.

Let’s continue with cameras and audio, which are also experiencing many improvements. We find at the back a ultra-wide 12 MP sensor with Focus Pixel and f.1.8 aperture. It will also be possible to record in 4K. Unsurprisingly, Center Stage technology will also be there. In addition, the iPad Mini 2021 will ship stereo speakers, for better sound quality.

More good news, iPad Mini 2021 will be compatible with second-generation Apple Pencil, and it can be affixed and recharged on the side of the device using a magnet. In addition, Apple will offer a brand new cover called Smart Folio ($ 59), which will be available in several colors. And here again, the 2021 iPad Mini will be powered by iPadOS 15 and will therefore have all the new features of Apple’s latest OS such as the iPad 2021.

Regarding prices and release date, the iPad Mini 2021 is already available for pre-order today in 28 countries including France. Deliveries will begin on September 24. Let’s take a look at the models offered, which will have a choice of 64 GB or 256 GB of internal memory :

• iPad Mini 2021 Wi-Fi from € 559 Where € 729 in 256 GB
  
• iPad Mini 2021 Wi-Fi and 4G / 5G from € 729 Where € 899 in 256 GB