Apple's New iPad Lineup Causes Potential Confusion With Inconsistent Features

Apple's iPad lineup is the largest it has been in recent memory with the launch of the new iPad Pro and entry level iPad. Customers looking for a new iPad may be confused by the wide range of options and inconsistent features.

The entry-level iPad is a new addition to the iPad lineup. Compared to the ninth- generation model, which remains in the lineup at a lower starting price, it's a major update featuring a new design and ausb-c port. The new iPad is similar to the fifth- generation iPad Air.

Both the latest iPad Air and entry-level iPad have the same full-screen design with no Home Button, a Touch ID sensor embedded in the Power button, and support for 5G. The entry-level iPad doesn't have support for the second- generation Apple Pencil, but it's similar to the other iPad.

The M1 Apple chip is used in the new iPad Air and the A14 chip is used in the new entry-level iPad. Customers won't see major differences in day-to-day use of the M1 chip compared to the A14 Bionic. Stage Manager is one of the newer experiences not available on the entry level iPad that will be enabled by the M1 chip.

The second- generation Apple Pencil is only compatible with the original stylus on the 10th- generation iPad. The newer version of the Apple Pencil requires a Lightning port in order to charge. Customers will have to buy an accessory to charge the Apple Pencil on their iPad since it has ausb-c port. The new iPad features a landscape camera.

Other than the iPad Air and entry-level iPad, customers can choose the ninth- generation baseline iPad. The ninth-generation iPad has a Home Button and a smaller display. There are differences in performance, design, and compatibility for Apple Pencil between the three iPad models.

The new iPad Pro can be ordered at the higher end of the lineup. The iPad Pro is the only iPad model with advanced features such as ProMotion and Face ID, and is available in 11 and 12.9 inch sizes. Customers who only want the smallest and most portable iPad are able to choose the iPad mini.