The much-rumored iPad Pro was unveiled at today’s big Apple event, and the huge new tablet is impressive to say the least. The 12.9-inch device boasts a Retina display with 5.6 million pixels, and is powered by a new A9X chip.
“iPad Pro is the most advanced and powerful iPad we have ever made. Its beautiful and large 12.9-inch Retina display has 5.6 million pixels and provides an immersive experience for content and apps. The iPad Pro is far and away the fastest iOS device we have ever made — its A9X chip beats most portable PCs in both CPU and graphics tasks, but is thin and light enough to hold all day,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “The innovative Apple Pencil and new Smart Keyboard enable users to customize their iPad Pro experience to the particular apps they use and the work they do, making iPad Pro ideal for everything from professional productivity to advanced 3D design.”
The iPad Pro’s 12.9-inch Retina display offers 5.6 million pixels, offering the most advanced and highest resolution display of any iOS device. The new display boasts a variable refresh rate, improved energy efficiency, and oxide TFT technology.
As well as a huge screen, sound is much improved on the huge new tablet, with a new four speaker design, offering the best sound of any iPad so far. All of this is encased in a unibody anodized aluminum enclosure offer strength, while preserving the iPad’s thin profile making it light and easy to hold.
The iPad’s specs boast a new 64-bit A9X processor, offering third-generation 64-bit architecture, which Apple says offers desktop-class CPU performance, and console-class graphics. Wireless connectivity offers 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO technology, support for a wide range of LTE bands and other fast cellular network technologies (DC-HSDPA, HSPA+). This is all powered by a battery that Apple says gives 10-hours of battery life.
Apple Pencil for iPad Pro
In addition to the iPad Pro, Apple also introduced a new stylus that works with the device, designed to make drawing and sketching easier and more natural. The Pencil works with the iPad Pro’s Multi-Touch display to reduce latency and delivery “incredible” accuracy. Advanced sensors in Apple Pencil measure both pressure and tilt for a fast and fluid drawing experience, while a built-in Lightning connector makes for quick and easy pairing and charging. The Pencil also works with popular apps like Mail, Notes, Procreate and Office 365 for iPad.
Smart Keyboard
The Smart Keyboard, available for purchase separately, attaches to iPad Pro’s innovative Smart Connector port, eliminating the need for a separate battery, on/off switch or Bluetooth pairing. The Smart Keyboard is covered in custom woven fabric and features keys that provide the accuracy, stability and satisfying key feel of standard keyboards, but is also easily foldable and can transform into a Smart Cover.
Pricing & Availability
iPad Pro starts at $799 (US) for the 32GB with Wi-Fi model and $1079 (US) for the Wi-Fi + Cellular 128GB model, comes in three gorgeous metallic finishes including silver, gold and space gray and will be available starting in November.
Apple Pencil will be available for $99 (US) and Smart Keyboard will be available in charcoal gray for $169 (US). New polyurethane iPad Pro Smart Covers will be available for $59 (US) in charcoal gray and white. New iPad Pro Silicone Cases will be available for $79 (US) in charcoal gray and white. iPad Pro accessories will be available starting in November.
