Today, Apple made headlines with the release of its latest iPad Pro, which features the same M2 processor as the redesigned MacBook Air earlier this year. The tablet is still available in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes and has a familiar design. However, despite the similarities, there is a lot to discuss.
The new iPad Pro is full of features familiar to Apple users, but now with an upgraded Stage Manager, Reference Mode, and desktop-class apps powered by iPadOS 16.1. All that, in addition to powerful sound, processing and connectivity.
The 11-inch iPad Pro with the M2 starts at $799, while the 12.9-inch model starts at $1,099. Both are available with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB of storage. Available in two colors: space gray and silver.
Starting today, you can order the new iPad Pro from Apple.com, and it will be available in stores starting in October. 23. Accessories like the Magic Keyboard from $299 and the Apple Pencil (2nd gen) from $129 are also available.
In the new iPad Pro, Apple included the M2 processor. Previously, the iPad Pro was packed in the M1 chip, so the new generation will be noticeably faster. Apple says it expects to see a 15 percent increase in daily performance, and a 35 percent increase in performance for heavier tasks like gaming and video editing. All thanks to the new 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU.
Machine learning is also more powerful than ever on the iPad Pro, with its 16-core Neural Engine capable of processing 15.8 trillion operations per second—40 percent more than the M1. The faster memory also makes multitasking and flipping between apps feel quicker.
The M2 chip enables a feature unique to previous iPhones: ProRes video capture. Using the iPad Pro’s dual 12MP cameras (one standard-width, one ultra-wide), you can gain even more control over your editing while recording video in Apple’s ProRes format. Plus, Apple says ProRes video transcodes three times faster than before, so your finished projects can be released to the world faster.
For Apple Pencil power users, Apple is adding the ability to hover the Pencil tip over the iPad Pro screen to preview what happens when you touch it. According to Apple, the Pencil can hover up to 12mm to help you draw and write with greater precision.
The new iPad Pro also comes with faster Wi-Fi thanks to the inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E. Apple says it will be twice as fast as before, up to 2.4Gbps. The cellular version of the latest iPad Pro also comes with 5G, and it’s helpful to support more 5G networks around the world.
Familiar iPad experience, similar design and iPadOS
These changes aside, it will feel familiar to anyone who’s ever seen or used an iPad Pro. You still get a flat aluminum design in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes. The display on the 11-inch model features an LCD panel, while the 12.9-inch model features mini-LED, so you get deeper black levels and an overall better viewing experience.
Both models feature a four-speaker system, which no doubt sounds great, and you’ll find a USB-C Thunderbolt 4 port on the bottom.
iPad is powered by iPadOS 16.1, which includes new features like Stage Manager (a new way to multitask with floating windows and separate desktops), Reference Mode (for those who use color correction tools a lot), and desktop-level apps. However, you should be familiar with the new software, as a lot of iPadOS 15 hasn’t changed.
What’s more, the new iPad Pro is still compatible with the 2020 Magic Keyboard. That way, if you’re upgrading from an older model, you don’t have to worry about popping out a new keyboard.