Hoping for a new budget iPad from Apple? We examine what the new 8th generation iPad brings to the table. Aside from a larger display, the September 2019 update to iPad didn't really bring any real performance improvements - Apple looks to have rectified that with the new 8th generation iPad, announced during the company's 15 September event.
Alongside the updated iPad Air, Apple brought a host of improvements to the standard iPad for 2020, all of which we detail in this article, alongside its release date and price. Spec The standard iPad was in dire need of a spec update and that's exactly what this 2020 model offers up. Starting with storage, Apple didn't see fit to bump the base option for its most modest iPad, meaning the new 10.2in iPad sports 32GB or 128GB as before, which is somewhat disappointing, considering the relative affordability of flash storage in 2020. On the upside, the new model ditches 2016's A10 Fusion processor in favour of 2018's A12 Bionic chip. This makes it the first standard iPad to tote a Neural Engine, for help with (among other things) advanced image processing and rendering, improved Siri performance, better AR (augmented reality) experience support and more. Not only that, users should expect to see a 40% overall performance improvement and twice the graphical capabilities, compared to last year's model as a result of the new chipset. Considering the price (it's cheaper than last year's model) it certainly feels like you're getting more for your money this time around. 
Design
Given that the entry-level iPad already underwent a redesign in 2019, we weren't expecting a facelift for this year's model, which turned out to be true. As such, the recycled aluminium body still features a rounded back and comes in three colourways: silver, Space Grey and gold. The 10.2in Retina Display is still surrounded by a notable bezel, that allows enough room for a TouchID sensor along the bottom and a 1.2Mp FaceTime HD camera at the top. While Apple Pencil support endures, that rounded form reinforces the fact that compatibility falls only to the first generation stylus, rather than the flat-sided incarnation featured alongside the likes of the iPad Pro 12.9in 2020. It's also compatible with Apple's Smart Keyboard and third-party offerings from the likes of Logitech. 
Release date
Apple is bringing the 8th generation iPad to Singapore market in October 2020, with pre-orders starting right now. Price Locally, the iPad starts at S$499 (Wi-Fi version) and S$699 (Wi-Fi + Cellular), in 32GBa and 128GB storage options for both models. They will be available in Space Grey, Silver, and Gold. The iPad is also compatible with the 1st-generation Apple Pencil, sold separately at S$138. Other accessories available include the Smart Keyboard for iPad (S$239), Smart Covers for iPad (S$75, in Black, White, Deep Navy, Cyprus Green, Pink Citrus).  Comments are closed.
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