Unboxing the new Pencil-ready Apple iPad

The biggest change in the latest 9.7-inch iPad isn't even something that comes in the box: its new support for Apple's stylus.

Scott Stein Editor at Large

I started with CNET reviewing laptops in 2009. Now I explore wearable tech, VR/AR, tablets, gaming and future/emerging trends in our changing world. Other obsessions include magic, immersive theater, puzzles, board games, cooking, improv and the New York Jets. My background includes an MFA in theater which I apply to thinking about immersive experiences of the future.

Expertise VR and AR, gaming, metaverse technologies, wearable tech, tablets Credentials

Nearly 20 years writing about tech, and over a decade reviewing wearable tech, VR, and AR products and apps

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Scott Stein

March 28, 2018 12:42 p.m. PT

At Apple's education-themed event in Chicago on Tuesday, the biggest news was a new version of the 9.7-inch iPad, last updated in June.

This new version keeps the same basic look and price: $329, £319 or AU$469 for most people; $299 for US students, teachers and schools. But it adds both a faster A10 CPU and support for the Apple Pencil stylus, previously only compatible with the iPad Pro.

But, that Pencil is still a $99 (£89, AU$145) sold-separately accessory, as is the less expensive and nonpressure-sensitive version from Logitech, called the Crayon.

With your new iPad, you get the tablet itself, available in silver, gold or space gray, a Lightning-to-USB cable and a USB power adapter (12-watt). That's a standard loadout for recent iPad models.