New standard ipad arrives with biggest ever screen

Apple has launched its biggest ever standard ipad, increasing the screen from 10.2 to 10.9 inches.

The 10th edition of the device is the first to have what Apple calls an ‘all-screen’ design, joining more expensive models like the ipad Air, Mini and Pro.

This means it has much thinner bezels than before, and instead of a Touch ID fingerprint scanner you unlock the device using a sensor on the power button at the side.

It’s powered by Apple’s own A14 processor, which the company says boosts battery life and makes it work faster. Apple also says that the new front-facing camera places you “perfectly in frame” in video calls, while the ‘Centre Stage’ feature automatically adjusts to keep you centred in the shot (as pictured).

The screen has a resolution of 2360x1640 pixels, sharper than its predecessor’s 2160x1620. It lacks a headphone port, while the Lightning port has been replaced by USB-C, making it easier to connect peripherals.

It comes in four colours (Blue, Silver, Pink and Yellow), and you can buy Apple’s Magic Keyboard to use it as a laptop (£279 from www.snipca.com/43695).

However, with prices starting at £499 (for 64GB) it’s significantly more expensive than last year’s ninth edition, which Apple is now selling for £369 (www.snipca.com/43696).

Apple has also released a new ipad Pro powered by the same M2 processor found in some of its Macbooks. This chip has a 10-core GPU which Apple claims can handle graphics 35 times faster than the previous Pro. Prices start at £899 for the 11in edition and £1,249 for 12.9in.

Both the standard ipad and the Pro are available now from www.apple.com/uk/ipad.