iPad Pro
The iPad Pro is Apple’s professional tablet choice. This iPad promises to fill any professional user needs with a stunning display and high specs. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
Table of contents
History
The first-generation iPad Pro was first available in November of 2015 with a giant 12.9-inch screen. Later in March of 2016, Apple announced a smaller version, with a 9.7-inch display. Apple also introduced the first-generation Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard with this iPad
The Apple Pencil was a key accessory to this iPad since it rejects the user’s palm while in use and is designed for low latency to enable smooth marking on the screen. The Smart Keyboard makes it easier for the user to take notes and work anywhere with the iPad.
As of April 2021, the first-generation iPad Pro runs Apple’s latest software, iPadOS 14.
The second-generation arrived in June of 2017, featuring the A10X Fusion processor and up to 512GB of storage. The 9.7-inch model was replaced with a 10.5-inch version.
In October of 2018, Apple introduced the third-generation iPad Pro, giving the tablet its biggest update yet. With a bezel-less design, the 12.9-inch model became smaller, while Apple replaced the 10.5-inch version for the first-generation 11-inch iPad Pro.
Apple added Face ID to the tablet, with the ability to unlock the iPad in any orientation. This was also the first mobile product from the company to feature an USB-C port. With up to 1TB of storage, Apple also introduced the second-generation Apple Pencil, now charging when attached to the iPad’s side, and a new Smart Keyboard Folio that protects the iPad when closed.
In March of 2020, Apple introduced the fourth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro and the second-generation 11-inch model. These iPads were the first product to feature a redesigned camera module and the LiDAR Scanner.
in April of 2021, Apple unveiled the fifth-generation iPad Pro with the M1 chip, Thunderbolt port, 5G support, and the mini-LED display technology in the 12.9-inch model.
iPad Pro Specs and Accessories
Apple sells today the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (5th generation) and the 11-inch model (2nd generation). Both versions feature the M1 chip, which is up to 50% faster than the A12Z Bionic in the previous model, 5G support, a Thunderbolt port, and up to 2TB of storage.
For the first time, Apple says the models with more than 1TB of storage have 16GB of RAM, and versions with less than 1TB of storage have 8GB of RAM.
The iPad Pro uses Face ID technology and has a redesigned camera module, with 12MP Wide Len, 10MP Ultra Wide Len, and a LiDAR Scanner, which is used for AR applications and helps to enhance focus while recording videos or taking pictures.
The TrueDepth camera now has a 12MP Ultra Wide Len with the “Center Stage” feature, which always puts the user in the center of a video call.
With up to ten hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi or up to nine hours using a cellular data network, this iPad is available in Silver and Space Gray.
The fifth-generation Pro model works with the Magic Keyboard, featuring a trackpad, backlighted keys, a hinge to adjust the viewing angle, and a USB-C port for pass-through charging. It’s available in white and black. This model also uses the second-generation Apple Pencil, which charges attached to the iPad.
Pricing
iPad Pro (2021) pricing starts at $799 for the 11-inch model, with a 128GB storage option, and Wi-Fi only. The prices can go up to $2,399 with the 12.9-inch model, 2TB storage option, and Wi-Fi + Cellular. Here are the full prices of the third-generation 11-inch model and the fifth-generation 12.9-inch version Apple sell:
11-inch iPad Pro and accessories:
- 128GB with Wi-Fi: $799
- 128GB with Wi-Fi + Cellular: $949
- 256GB with Wi-Fi: $899
- 256GB with Wi-Fi + Cellular: $1,049
- 512GB with Wi-Fi: $1,099
- 512GB with Wi-Fi + Cellular: $1,249
- 1TB with Wi-Fi: $1,299
- 1TB with Wi-Fi + Cellular: $1,499
- 2TB with Wi-Fi: $1899
- 2TB with Wi-Fi + Cellular: $ 2.099
- Magic Keyboard (11-inch): $299
- Apple Pencil (2nd gen): $129
12.9-inch iPad Pro and accessories:
- 128GB with Wi-Fi: $1099
- 128GB with Wi-Fi + Cellular: $1,299
- 256GB with Wi-Fi: $1,199
- 256GB with Wi-Fi + Cellular: $1,399
- 512GB with Wi-Fi: $1,399
- 512GB with Wi-Fi + Cellular: $1,599
- 1TB with Wi-Fi: $1,799
- 1TB with Wi-Fi + Cellular: $1,999
- 2TB with Wi-Fi: $2,199
- 2TB with Wi-Fi + Cellular: $2,399
- Magic Keyboard (11-inch): $349
- Apple Pencil (2nd gen): $129
Lower prices may be available from Apple’s official Amazon store. You can also find the Magic Keyboard and second-generation Apple Pencil.
2021 iPad Pro Launch
The fifth-generation launches in the second half of May. Orders start on April 30.
Fourth-generation iPad Pro review
In our video review of the fourth-generation iPad Pro, we say this is the perfect model to upgrade if you have an iPad older than the third-generation Pro model:
The biggest news surrounding this new iPad isn’t the hardware itself, but it’s the arrival of the brand new and long-rumored keyboard accessory, the Magic Keyboard.
If you already own the 2018 version of this iPad, then there’s really no pressing reason to upgrade to the latest-generation model. However, if you’re coming from an older model, it might make sense to go with the 2020 Pro version over a used or clearance 2018 one.
We will soon review the fifth-generation iPad Pro.
Deals
Over at 9to5Toys, you can find the best deals on the iPad Pro and other Apple products. Download the 9to5Toys iPhone app to receive push notifications for new deals as well.
