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Apple announces new 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro with M2 chip, Apple Pencil hover feature

Apple today unveiled the new generation of 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro, powered by the latest M2 Apple Silicon chips. The M2 chip made its debut in the 2022 MacBook Air and 2022 13-inch MacBook Pro, and this update brings that same performance to Apple’s lineup of pro tablets as well.

Alongside the M2 performance boost, the iPad Pros can now detect when the Apple Pencil is hovering above the display. This means UI elements can expand and respond as the user approaches the screen with the stylus.

Apple says the M2’s 8-core CPU is up to fifteen percent faster than the M1 CPU. The GPU is up to 35 percent faster. The M2 chip also allows the iPad Pro to capture ProPres video for the first time.

The new iPad Pro also bring faster Wi-Fi networking, with support for the latest Wi-Fi 6E standards. This means downloads can be up to 2x faster when connecting to a 6E network. Cellular models now support more 5G bands for better worldwide coverage.

Top comment by ngdemus

Liked by 35 people
I’ll probably pass this one too. Still rocking my 2018 Pro. Tried StageManager on my MacBook. Way too small, when not connected to a big screen.  Hovering seems like a gimmick but will check it out once the iPad is released.
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With the new hovering feature, the iPad will notice when the Apple Pencil is hovering above the screen. This means user interface elements can bounce in readiness of a committed user interaction. For instance, a Scribble text field expands as the Pencil approaches the display. This hovering feature will also be available to third-party apps via a new API.

The hovering feature does not require a new generation of Apple Pencil, and the existing compatible Apple Pencil for iPad Pro (the second-generation model) is still on sale for $129.

The new 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $799, and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at $1099. These are the same prices as the previous generation. The new iPad models can be ordered today, with first deliveries arriving October 26.

Also today, Apple unveiled a new base model iPad and a spec bump update to the Apple TV.

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Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Benjamin Mayo

Benjamin develops iOS apps professionally and covers Apple news and rumors for 9to5Mac. Listen to Benjamin, every week, on the Happy Hour podcast. Check out his personal blog. Message Benjamin over email or Twitter.


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