Given that this iPad lacks the complete design overhaul seen on the 2020 iPad Air, it's come off as a bit underwhelming in these first hands-on previews.
The A12 packs a redesigned GPU alongside more raw compute power than the A10 Fusion found in last year's iPad, so it’s no surprise that this iPad runs with less fuss.
Stein did note a few ongoing gripes with the iPad, relating to the lack of USB-C and the lack of compatibility with Apple Pencil 2 (it only supports Apple Pencil 1)?
Despite these woes, Stein said that this will still likely be the iPad to buy for most consumers, given its cheaper entry point.
The new Air may have a sharper design and could be the best all-around iPad, but it's hard to beat what's essentially last year's iPad Air right in front of me for just $329.
I haven't spent more than a day with the new iPad, so more impressions to come.
More hands-on impressions of the newest iPad and Apple Watch models should be coming soon.
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