Apple calls the key feature of the new product “a huge leap in performance .” It is provided by the Apple A12 Bionic processor, which was used in the iPhone Xs and other Apple smartphones released almost two years ago. However, compared to the Apple A10 that powers last year’s seventh-generation iPad, this chip does provide a significant performance boost. Apple promises a 2x increase in graphics performance, as well as the ability to work with artificial intelligence.

Apart from the processor, the new iPad is virtually indistinguishable from its predecessor. Apple even claims that the new product will fit iPad cases from the previous generation. The novelty is equipped with the same 10.2-inch Retina display with fairly wide bezels, one of which houses the front camera, and the other – around the home button with a fingerprint scanner. Unfortunately, as before, the most affordable iPad uses a Lightning connector instead of the universal USB Type-C.

The eighth-generation iPad is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil, just like its predecessor. However, the use of the new iPad OS 14 brings features such as handwriting input and others. But with the system update, the same functions will appear in the predecessor.