Apple recently announced the 10th-generation iPad alongside the new M2 iPad Pro. The redesigned entry-level iPad no longer offers a 3.5mm headphone jack. Instead, it supports Bluetooth wireless headphones and wired headphones with USB-C port support.
The 10th-generation iPad switches to Apple’s singular port system
Apple first removed the 3.5mm headphone jack with the iPhone 7 in 2016. Since then, it has expanded its singular port system across all mobile devices, barring the 2021 entry-level iPad. Back in 2016, the move was widely expected to fail. Later that year, the tech giant introduced the first-generation AirPods, helping to ease the transition for users to its singular port system. Consumers have adapted pretty well since then with most manufacturers opting to ditch the 3.5mm headphone jack in their devices.
When the sixth-generation iPad mini was launched in 2021, the 9th-generation iPad became the only model to feature the rare 3.5mm headphone jack. So, it makes sense that Apple is finally ditching it in the iPad 10 in favor of a uniform feel across its iPad lineup.
While many consumers may opt to use AirPods with their Apple devices, there is a set of users who still prefer wired earphones. In any case, the tech giant has you covered. Apple continues to sell headphone adapters both USB-C and Lightning. Both adapters cost $9.
The 10th-generation iPad features a new all-screen design, faster Wi-Fi, updated cameras, and the A14 Bionic chip. It also comes with an upgraded front-facing camera which now resides along the landscape edge, a first for an iPad. The redesigned device now comes in four stunning new finishes: silver, pink, yellow, and blue.
In addition to ditching the outdated 3.5mm headphone jack, the 10th-generation iPad has also the Home button Touch ID in favor of using the top button.
The device is available to order now in 28 countries and regions and will start shipping on October 26.
Read more:
- iPad 10 features landscape selfie camera, first time on any iPad
- Apple releases 9-minute video about the new M2 iPad Pro and entry-level iPad 10
- M2 iPad Pro and iPad 10 come with woven USB-C cable in the box, also available separately
- iPad 10 supports first-gen Apple Pencil but requires a dongle to charge it
