Boasting improvements that might benefit Realtors, new models of iPad Air and iPad mini feature more power, better graphics and cameras, and Apple Pencil and keyboard compatibility.
Apple announced new versions of the two iPad models Monday. They range in price from $399 to $625, depending on model and functionality. Users can order the devices now or purchase them in retail stores next week.
The new iPad mini has undergone particularly notable upgrades, reportedly receiving its first refresh since the fall of 2015.
The new iPad mini (pictured above) has Apple Pencil support.
Its size adjustment to a 7.9-inch screen was dubbed a “major upgrade” for fans of “compact, ultra-portable” design. And it boasts three times higher performance and nine times faster graphics than its predecessor, according to Apple. The device’s screen display is also 25 percent brighter and has the highest pixel density of any iPad.
Real estate agents might be particularly appreciative of the new mini’s support for Apple Pencil, which lets users take notes and mark up documents while on the move. Its compatibility with keyboards for the first time also could prove useful to real estate professionals.
The Wi-Fi only version of the new iPad mini costs $399. Adding cell phone capability brings that to $529.
As for the new 10-5-inch iPad Air, Apple says it delivers a 70 percent performance boost, twice the graphics capability and a screen that’s 20 percent larger — with over a half a million more pixels than its predecessor. All that comes at what Apple calls a “breakthrough” price: $499 for the Wi-Fi-only version and $629 for added cellular compatibility.
The new iPad Air (pictured above) includes keyboard support.
In a press release, Apple touted the benefits of the new models’ support for Apple Pencil. It “opens up new creativity and productivity possibilities,” Apple said, including the ability to draw, write down thoughts, mark up documents and retouch photos — capabilities that sound particularly useful to Realtors.
Apple Pencil features “a remarkably fluid and natural drawing experience” with “pixel-perfect accuracy and low latency” for popular apps such as Procreate, Notability and Microsoft Office.
Now outfitted with Apple’s fastest chip, the A12 Bionic chip, the two devices can provide engaging augmented reality (AR) experiences, “photo-realistic effects in 3-D games” and “stunning graphics performance within apps,” Apple added.
The new iPad Air (pictured above) and iPad mini enable engaging augmented reality (AR) experiences.
Camera upgrades to the new iPad Air and mini include better low-light performance and HD video recording. Both enhance scanning documents and video chatting while enabling AR experiences.
The two product releases come after Apple debuted a new version of its iPad Pro in November. The tech giant is expected to launch a video streaming service on March 25.
