Why there is a Plastic Screen on my newly bought iPad 10.2 (9th Gen)?

Hello. My first time posting here. Just have a quick question regarding my recent purchase and wanted to see if anyone could help me understand. I recently bought my first iPad from Best Buy this month and only just found out that the front screen ** NOT a screen protector** is PLASTIC. Recent devices from Apple usually had a glass front NOT plastic.. does anyone know about this change? Has Apple said anything in a press release or anything..? Just curious. Spent $250 on this device and was just curious as to why such a cheap screen would be put on such a device. The iPhone 11 has a glass front and not plastic.. so i dont understand. I know a iPhone and iPad are two totally different devices but still..

[Edited by Moderator]