Apple has formally halted production of the 9th generation iPad, signaling the conclusion of an era for the iconic home button in its tablet range. This decision coincides with the company’s introduction of its most advanced iPad Pros and new iPad Air models during the Let Loose event. The 9th generation iPad, launched in 2021, was the final Apple tablet to include the cherished home button.
Its discontinuation signifies a significant shift towards a more streamlined, buttonless design across Apple’s entire iPad lineup. Although the tablet is no longer sold on the official Apple store, customers can still find it at reduced prices from third-party sellers.
With the departure of the 9th-generation iPad, attention shifts to the 10th-generation model, now positioned as Apple’s most budget-friendly tablet option. Apple has slashed its price by Rs 10,000, reducing the starting price of the 64GB variant to 34,900, closely aligning with the initial cost of its predecessor.
The 10th generation iPad showcases a modern design, highlighting a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display and the robust A14 Bionic chip. It supports the latest Apple Pencil, appealing to users seeking a blend of affordability and performance.
While the full-screen design of newer iPads delivers a sleeker look, the absence of the home button may evoke nostalgia for longtime Apple enthusiasts. With speculation surrounding the potential removal of the home button from the next-generation iPhone SE, it could soon become a relic of the past.