Apple updates iPad for Apple Pencil Support


Tuesday Apple refreshed the base 9.7-inch iPad. The upgrade brings support for the Apple Pencil, which previously had been only paired with an iPad Pro. In addition, Apple updated the processor to an A10 CPU, TouchID, HD FaceTime camera, and an 8MB camera. The devices are sold in 32 GB and 128 GB models and both WiFi or LTE configurations.

The device still has a $329 price tag, although education purchasers can get the new iPad for $299. Apple sells the pencil separately for $99 retail and $89 for education. Apple and Logitech announced a new Crayon stylus that's more affordable $49 option compared to the Apple Pencil.

It was speculated Apple would make a push for the education market with an aggressive price cut. That didn't happen, so, at least on the hardware front, I'm not sure adding support for the Apple Pencil will sway any schools away from cheaper Chromebooks.

The new 9.7-inch iPad is available starting today.