Apple launches new $329 9.7-inch iPad, replaces iPad Air 2

Cupertino-based technology giant Apple on Tuesday lauched a cheaper 9.7-inch iPad for $329 replacing the old iPad Air 2 that will go on sale this Friday.

The new iPad will be available in three colours with 32 GB storage, an Apple A9 chip and a 9.7-inch Retina display which is relatively brighter than the old series.

However, the new cheaper iPad will not support Apple Pencil or include a Smart Connector like the 'iPad Pro' line. Apple has also increased the storage capacity on iPad mini.

In a statement, Apple SVP Phil Schiller said that the new iPad will appeal to new users and old iPad owners, looking for a new tablet to use at home, school or at work.

According to the company, the new iPad is $70 cheaper than the iPad Air 2, which is no longer on sale. The new iPad has an A9 chip whereas the iPad Air 2 had an A8X;. Unfortunately, the new iPad is about 20% thicker than the iPad Air 2 which is a little disappointing.

"iPad is the world's most popular tablet. Customers love the large, 9.7-inch display for everything from watching TV and movies, to surfing the web, making FaceTime calls, and enjoying photos, and now it is even more affordable," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.

"New customers and anyone looking to upgrade will love this new iPad for use at home, in school, and for work, with its gorgeous Retina display, our powerful A9 chip, and access to the more than 1.3 million apps designed specifically for it."

The new iPad includes FaceTime cameras on front and rear, Touch ID for unlock and Apple SIM in cellular models. The iPad is available in silver, gold and space gray color options. The 32 GB WiFi model costs $329 whereas the 32 GB WiFi + Cellular model costs $459.

The iPad will start arriving next week in Apple retail stores, select carriers and Apple authorized resellers in more than 20 countries.

As well as a price cut to the 9.7-inch iPad, not to be confused with the iPad Pro line, Apple has also upped the storage capacities available for iPad mini. For $399, the iPad mini WiFi is now available with 128 GB storage ($529 for 128 GB with cellular).