In a move aimed at simplifying its product offerings, Apple has officially discontinued the ninth-generation iPad, marking the end of an era for the Lightning port. As the final iPad model to feature this connector, its discontinuation signals a shift towards universal USB-C compatibility across Apple's iPad lineup.
To fill the gap left by the ninth-generation iPad, Apple has adjusted the pricing of the tenth-generation model, reducing its starting price to $349 in the U.S. Previously priced at $449, this significant price drop brings the tenth-generation iPad closer to the entry-level pricing of its predecessor.
Despite the discontinuation of the ninth-generation iPad, the original Apple Pencil with a Lightning connector remains available for purchase at $99. While the newer iPad models feature USB-C connectivity, Apple continues to offer support for legacy accessories for users who may still rely on them.
With this update, Apple's entire iPad lineup now boasts USB-C ports, with the exception of refurbished models. This move aligns with Apple's commitment to standardization and interoperability across its product ecosystem.
While no hardware changes were announced for the iPad 10 or iPad mini models, today's updates primarily focused on the iPad Pro and iPad Air lineups. As Apple continues to innovate and refine its tablet offerings, users can expect further enhancements and improvements in the future.
