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How to preorder the new 2019 10.2-inch iPad

Apple's seventh-generation update to its base model tablet is a modest upgrade with a slightly larger Retina display and a connector for a keyboard case.

Dale Smith Former Associate Writer
Dale Smith is a former Associate Writer on the How-To team at CNET.
Dale Smith
2 min read
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The updated seventh-gen iPad can attach to Apple's Smart Keyboard case and be paired with an Apple Pencil.

James Martin/CNET

Apple  on Tuesday unveiled a long list of new products and services: three new iPhones, the Apple Watch Series 5 and the launch dates and pricing for the Apple Arcade and Apple TV Plus services. Perhaps a little lost in all that, the company also wedged in a new iPad announcement, too. 

The new seventh-generation iPad features a wider 10.2-inch screen, compared to the previous model's 9.7 inches, and a connector for Apple's Smart Keyboard case. Note, however, that it features the same A10 processor -- which first appeared in 2016's iPhone 7 -- as the previous 9.7-inch model. 

The new iPad won't be available in stores until Sept. 30, but Apple and authorized resellers are already taking preorders. If you're in the market for the most affordable full-size tablet in Apple's line, here's how to get your hands on one.

ipad

iPadOS features a redesigned desktop experience custom tailored for iPads. 

Apple/Screenshot by Mitchell Chang/CNET

7th-gen iPad pricing

Apple's new iPad starts at $329 for the 32GB Wi-Fi model and $459 for the LTE-enabled 32GB cellular model. Bumping up storage to 128GB adds $100 to the total cost of each configuration. Education discounts get the entry-level price to $300.

In the UK, iPads start at £349, with LTE models starting at £479. In Australia, prices start at AU$529 and AU$689 for LTE.

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What's the difference between this and the 6th-gen 9.7-inch model from 2018?

Not much. As mentioned above, the larger 10.2-inch Retina display, which replaces the 9.7-inch screen that had been in use since the first-gen iPad in 2010. The new iPad now has a dock connector for Apple's $159 Smart Keyboard case, but both models appear to have the same A10 processor. If you're happy with your 9.7-inch model, you should be in no hurry to upgrade.

Will the price of this one also drop to $250?

Time will tell, but that has been the de facto price of the 9.7-inch iPad since soon after it launched in March 2018. And aside from that slight bit of extra screen real estate, the new model and the previous one look to be almost interchangeable -- so we wouldn't pay more than $250 for the 32GB version of either of them. To that end, don't buy without consulting our always-updated best iPad deals page.

Where can I get one?

Apple's new iPad was available for preorder immediately from Apple following its announcement. In the following 2 days, preorders have also popped up at most authorized Apple retailers, including Walmart, Amazon, B&H and Best Buy. Preorders will begin arriving Sept. 30. 

Note that CNET may get a share of the revenue if you buy anything featured on our site.





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Will it have a new OS?

Yes, the new devices will come loaded with iPadOS 13, Apple's latest update to its mobile operating system specifically tailored to iPads. Models from the old iPad Air onward are eligible for the free update when it becomes available Sept. 30.

The best features in iOS 13 and iPadOS public beta

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Published earlier, updated to include preorder links at additional retailers.