Apple unveils new iPad for $329

Apple quietly unveiled a new version of its 9.7-inch iPad Tuesday.

The tech giant issued a news release Tuesday announcing the new product, a departure from its usual large-scale event preceding product releases. In the release, Apple noted that the new iPad, which will be available to order beginning Friday, March 24, will come in silver, gold and space gray colors, and start at $329 for the 32GB Wi-Fi-only model and $459 for the 32GB Wi-Fi and cellular model. 

In addition, the new iPad features the Apple-designed A9 processor chip and a retina display with more than 3.1 million pixels.

“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,” Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing Philip Schiller said in a news release. “New customers and anyone looking to upgrade will love this new iPad for use at home, in school, and for work."

The new iPad replaces the iPad Air 2, a 9.7-inch tablet that hasn't seen a refresh since October 2014. Since then, Apple has unveiled 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch versions of the iPad Pro and refreshed the 7.9-inch iPad Mini line. 

Apple also announced Tuesday it would be offering its iPhone 7 in a red special edition to benefit HIV/AIDS programs through its partnership with (RED).