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Apple has just begun accepting orders for the new 9.7-inch iPad and (PRODUCT)RED iPhone 7 and 7 Plus on its online store in the United States and dozens of other countries and regions around the world. (PRODUCT)RED iPhones are also available for in-store pickup at select Apple Stores starting today.

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The new 9.7-inch iPad is equipped with a faster Apple A9 chip and brighter Retina display compared to the iPad Air 2, which has been discontinued. It is also somewhat thicker and heavier than the iPad Air 2 since it lacks a fully laminated display with anti-reflective coating in order to keep costs down.

The tablet's tech specs are otherwise identical to the iPad Air 2, including a display resolution of 2,048‑by‑1,536 at 264 PPI, 8-megapixel rear iSight camera, 1.2-megapixel front FaceTime camera, two speakers, Lightning connector, 3.5mm headphone jack, Touch ID with Apple Pay, and Bluetooth 4.2.

The new 9.7-inch iPad starts at $329 for a 32GB model with Wi-Fi, making it the cheapest new tablet that Apple has ever sold. Apple also offers a 128GB model with Wi-Fi for $429, while cellular-capable 32GB and 128GB models are available for $459 and $559 respectively in Silver, Gold, and Space Gray.

The new 9.7-inch iPad is now available to order on Apple's website in dozens of countries around the world. The first online orders are estimated for delivery between March 31 and April 5 in the United States.

Apple said the new 9.7-inch iPad will be available to purchase at select Apple Stores, authorized resellers, and carrier stores starting next week in more than 20 countries, such as the United States, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK.

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Apple's special edition (PRODUCT)RED iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus models are also now available to order on Apple's website in 128GB and 256GB storage capacities for $749/$849 and $869/$969 respectively. Initial orders are slated for delivery on Tuesday, March 28 in the United States.

(PRODUCT)RED iPhones have a vibrant red finish complemented by a silver Apple logo and white front bezels. Apple said the models are in recognition of more than 10 years of partnership between Apple and (RED), which gives customers a way to contribute to the Global Fund in support of HIV/AIDS programs in Africa.


The special edition iPhone joins the current (PRODUCT)RED lineup, which is available to purchase year-round, including the full iPod line of products, Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones, Beats Pill+ Portable Speaker, the iPhone 7 Smart Battery Case, and a range of accessories for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.

(PRODUCT)RED iPhones are available starting today at many Apple Stores, authorized resellers, and carrier stores in the United States and dozens of other countries. Apple said the new models will begin shipping to customers by the end of March in the United States and more than 40 countries and regions.

Article Link: New 9.7-Inch iPad and Red iPhone 7 and 7 Plus Now Available to Order
 
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I can't decide, iPad Air 2 for $299, or iPad for $329 with a $25 gift card (both at Best Buy right now).

It's for my wife's grandmother. I'm not sure the weight or screen differences would even be noticeable to her. Right now she is borrowing my 4th gen iPad to see how she likes having one, and if she will use it.
 
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I'm glad for the demise of 16GB.

I own the Air 2 and love it, except for the limited space it provides.
Ruined the experience for me, but my mistake of an impulse buy during Christmas '14.

If the iPad this year has a much more improved OS, then I just might buy it alongside the iPhone X. :)
 
plenty available in store, no need to preorder. Every single apple store in london had stock.

No idea why they brought the store down for so long for this launch.
 
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oh other ends up buying one today and unboxing it please run geeek bench 4 on it
 
I can't decide, iPad Air 2 for $299, or iPad for $329 with a $25 gift card (both at Best Buy right now).

It's for my wife's grandmother. I'm not sure the weight or screen differences would even be noticeable to her. Right now she is borrowing my 4th gen iPad to see how she likes having one, and if she will use it.

With all due respect, I'm assuming your wife's grandmother is elderly or at least advanced in age, so I would say that the better screen and reduced weight/thickness of the Air 2 would be more advantageous than the improved performance of the 2017 iPad.
 
Who is ordering anything today? I don't see anything appealing

Oh well then, Apple might as well take the store down again if you're not seeing anything appealing... :D:rolleyes: (I jest)

I ordered a new iPad for a family member, they are excited, it'll be a fantastic upgrade for them on their old iPad, and the low price means the next one can come that much sooner too. Not everyone needs the Pro (or whatever that is about to turn into), it's great there is a lower-price model.

It's hilarious to me seeing people carp about the tiny weight/thickness difference. Comparing the new iPad to a gen 1 iPad, everything is super-thin now, and that was a magical®* device for everyone in 2010...

*possibly not ®.
 
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Considering for how long the store was down I was half-expecting a stealth upgrade to the Mac desktop line. No new designs or extravagant features, but just a processor bump for the Mac Mini/iMac and update GPU for the iMac (460, 470 and 480 AMD GPU).
O well, I'm sure an update will eventually come!
 
That iPad is fabulous value. It'll definitely last a fair few years with that hardware. Yes there's no laminated display but as another poster pointed out, it means screen repairs will be much easier and cheaper if they're damaged.

Agreed. At this price point, it will attract those who wanted an iPad, perhaps who couldn't afford or appreciate the features on the Pro line. And it gives The user the opportunity to be drawn into the ecosystem of Apple and further invest in other products if they so choose.

Excellent point about the reduced costs for the display, if it becomes damaged.
 
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