An unexpected Apple announcement just dropped in advance of the March 25 event, and you're going to love it! Two new iPads are available for pre-order now and will be in Apple Stores by next week, a 10.5-inch iPad Air and the long-awaited iPad mini 5. I'm going to be the first to say I was wrong; in my iPad mini 5 rumors article I wrote that Apple was probably finished with the mini line since it's been so long since one was released and iPhone screens are getting almost as large as those on Apple's smallest tablet. Let's go over everything you'll want to know about the newest iPads including features, dimensions, finishes, and price so you can decide which of these tablets you'd like to buy.
Related: How to Move from an Android Tablet to an iPad Pro
The New iPad Air
iPad Air Dimensions
The 10.5-inch iPad Air is incredibly slim and light at less than .25 inches thick, and weighing in at only one pound.
New iPad Air Features
The latest iPad Air is simply loaded with high-end features including an A12 Bionic chip and Neural Engine which make augmented reality applications and 3D games available while doubling graphics capability and improving performance by up to 70 percent. Up to 256 GB of storage are available, and the Laminated Retina display features Apple's True Tone technology and 264 pixels per inch. The latest iPad Air also offers Touch ID and supports the first-generation Apple Pencil and is compatible with smart and Bluetooth keyboards. Front and rear-facing HD cameras are perfect for photography, videography, or just a Face Time chat with friends.
iPad Air Options & Pricing: Wi-Fi or Cellular - Colors
Your new iPad Air comes in silver, space gray, or gold, and you can select a Wi-Fi or Cellular model, Wi-Fi models start at $499, while Wi-Fi and Cellular models begin at $629.
The iPad mini 5
iPad mini Dimensions
The mini 5 squeezes a 7.9-inch display into an 8-inch by 5.3-inch chassis that's less than .25 inches thick and weighs in at a mere .66 pounds.
iPad mini 5 Features
I don't know how Apple squeezed it all in, but the iPad mini 5 offers an A12 bionic chip with Neural Engine, Laminated Retina display with True Tone technology, Touch ID, the same HD front and rear cameras as in the new Air, and up to 256 GB of storage. The mini is also compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil, as well as Bluetooth keyboards, and beats the new iPad Air's pixel density with 326 ppi!
iPad mini Options & Pricing: Wi-Fi or Cellular - Colors
There's a choice of three colors for the iPad mini, as well, silver, space gray, or gold. Wi-Fi and Cellular models are available; Wi-Fi models start at $399, while Wi-Fi and Cellular models begin at $529.
Which New iPad Will You Choose, the Air or the mini?
Are you going to spring for either of the new iPads? If so, which one and why? Let me know in the comments!
