iPad 10: Cheaper, but without power supply | heise online

Apple is making it easier to enter its tablet world, but is also leaving out a previously welcome addition – allegedly for environmental reasons.

iPad 10 from Apple: old technology, but cheaper.

(Image: Apple)

Apple has secretly and quietly lowered the price of its most affordable tablet. According to the manufacturer's website, the 10th generation iPad, which was launched in October 2022, now costs just 399 euros for the entry-level version with a (meagre) 64 GB of memory. Apple had previously charged 429 euros since spring 2024, which was already significantly cheaper than the original entry-level price of 579 euros at the launch two years ago.

But as nice as the recent reduction to under 400 euros may be – Apple is also taking something away from its customers. A glance at the scope of delivery shows that, in addition to the tablet itself, only a (braided and therefore more durable) USB-C charging cable is included in the packaging. The previously "free" charging adapter with 20 watts and USB-C has been removed without replacement in the European Union and the UK. This is being done – at least allegedly – for environmental reasons; after all, the argument goes, many users have long had a USB-C power adapter at home.

For the customer, this is a loss of at least 25 euros. That's how much the 20-watt USB-C power adapter costs if you buy it directly from Apple. This means that if you can demonstrate a knowledge of math from elementary school, the saving on the iPad 10 shrinks to just 5 euros. Macrumors speculates that the measure could have to do with future EU regulations on electronic waste, but the main point is that all devices must have USB-C ports, which the entire iPad line-up now does. The removal of the power supply now applies to all iPads that Apple currently has on the market – including the iPad Pro with M4 SoC, which is only available from €1199.

The 399 euros Apple is now asking for the iPad 10 is not necessarily the cheapest price available. The heise price comparison shows that even before the price reduction, devices were available from individual retailers for less than 400 euros –. Depending on the color, it even goes down to less than 375 euros.

With a bit of luck, the packaging will also include the 20-watt power supply unit because it is an existing device, so you win twice: the reduction below the 399 euros plus the 25 euros for the "free" power supply. The power supply can of course also be used for other USB-C devices.

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(bsc)

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This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.

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