Is the new iPad any good for music making?

While Apple’s latest iPad – called simply, ‘iPad’ – doesn’t break any ground in specs or form factor, you could make a strong case for saying that it now represents the best option if you’re a musician who’s looking for a new Apple tablet.

To begin with, there’s the size; the 9.7-inch screen has always been our favoured option, as the iPad mini feels just a little too small and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro unnecessarily large for most musical situations. It’s no slouch in the spec department either, boasting an A9 processor that, in theory, makes it 1.6x faster than the iPad Air 2 that it replaces.

But the most compelling argument for buying the new iPad is the price: £339 for the entry-level 32GB model. Ignore the fact that it’s only $329 in the US (thanks, Brexit) and it looks like a pretty good deal, especially when you consider that a 9.7-inch iPad Pro with the same amount of storage costs £549. Are you really going to feel more than £200 worth of difference?

It might not be the flagship, but whether you’re upgrading or buying for the first time, the new iPad is a great option.