See the new, faster iPad Pro


                                                See the new, faster iPad Pro
The iPad Pro family is a line of iPad tablet computers designed, developed, and marketed by Apple Inc., that runs the iOS mobile operating system. Its current generation is available in two screen sizes, 11-inch (28 cm) and 12.9-inch (33 cm),[11] each with four options for internal storage capacities: 64, 256, 512 GB, or 1 TB.
The first iPad Pro, the 12.9-inch version, was announced on September 9, 2015,[12] and released on November 11, 2015.[13] It is larger than all previous iPad models and the first iPad tablet to feature LPDDR4 RAM.[1] The 12.9-inch tablet was later followed by the smaller 9.7-inch version, which was announced on March 21, 2016, and released on March 31 that same year.[14]
On June 5, 2017, a second generation of iPad Pro was announced, which features A10X Fusion processors, with basic storage of 64 GB, and optional 512 GB. Upgraded displays include a new 10.5-inch version to replace the 9.7-inch model, while the 12.9-inch version was refreshed.[15] Following this announcement, the first generation iPad Pros, both 9.7 and 12.9 inch, were discontinued.
The third generation of iPad Pro was announced on October 30, 2018. It is available in two screen sizes: 11-inch (28 cm) and 12.9-inch (33 cm). They feature full screen displays, with the 11 inch model replacing the 10.5 inch model of the previous generation. They also feature up to 1 TB of storage and Face IDwhich works in both vertical and horizontal orientations, a feature that does not apply to iPhones with Face ID.

First generation[edit]

The 12.9-inch version of the iPad Pro was announced during an Apple Special Event on September 9, 2015. It was released on November 11, 2015 with gold, silver, and space gray color options. Prices ranging from US$799.99 to $1,229.99 based on storage size and cellular connectivity. On March 21, 2016, the 9.7 inch version of the iPad Pro was announced at an Apple keynote with an additional rose gold color option. The 9.7 inch version also introduced the ability to choose base 32GB Model with Cellular + WiFi option. (Previously, Cellular + WiFi option was only available on 128GB iPad Pro models.) The 9.7 inch model is priced from $599 to $1,129 depending on the configuration. It was released on March 31, 2016.
The 9.7-inch iPad Pro, when compared to the iPad Air 2, features a faster CPU, a better camera, and is the first iPad to feature True Tone Flash and Retina Flash. It also had the highest storage for an iPad at the time with a 256 GB storage option and has a True Tone display, which allows the LCD to adapt to ambient lighting to change its color and intensity in different environments.[14]
Both iPad Pro models include the A9X chip and the Apple M9 motion co-processor. The 9.7 inch model, however, has a slightly underclocked CPU (2.16 GHz compared to 2.26 GHz on the 12.9 inch model) and only 2 GB of RAM. A number of features are carried over from the standard iPad, such as Touch ID and the Retina Display. New features include a smart connector for a keyboard and four stereo speakers located in pairs on top and bottom of the device. The 12.9 inch model has a 2732-by-2048 Retina Display at 264 pixels per inch, and the 9.7 inch model has a 2048-by-1536 Retina Display at 264 pixels per inch and features a variable refresh rate, a first for Apple. The 12.9 inch version of the iPad Pro is the first iPad to include 4 GB of RAM.
A customised 12.9 inch iPad Pro was also designed by Jony Ive and submitted to the Time for Design auction. The special edition iPad Pro has an "Edition 1 of 1" label engraved on its back and comes with a custom yellow-gold anodised finish, a blue leather Smart Cover and an orange leather Apple Pencil case cover, all of which are not sold by Apple elsewhere.[16][17]

Second generation[edit]

The second generation of iPad Pro was announced on June 5, 2017 alongside iOS 11 at the 2017 WWDC. The second-generation iPad Pro models, at 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch, have an A10X hexa-core CPU and with a 12-core GPU, Apple's ProMotion display technology which supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision content (with iOS 11 or later) with a 120 Hz refresh rate and their True Tone display is 50 percent brighter than the earlier models; both sizes also have a 12-megapixel rear-facing camera with quad-LED True-Tone flash and a 7-megapixel front-facing camera with Retina Flash.[15] They have USB-Cconnection speeds using Lightning cables, with USB-C fast-charge support.[18]The second generation iPad Pro has storage capacities up to 512 GB.

Third generation[edit]

The third generation of iPad Pro was announced on October 30, 2018,[19][20]during an Apple Special Event at the Howard Gilman Opera House in Brooklyn, New York. The redesigned 2018 models feature new edge-to-edge Liquid Retina displays, Face ID, improved 12MP and 7MP cameras, USB-C connectors, and Apple A12X Bionic processors. The tablets are offered in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, and are the first models to offer tap-to-wake LCD displays (following the iPhone XR), and up to 1TB of internal storage. Additionally, the third generation tablets lack both Touch ID and a headphone jack; the former having been superseded by Face ID.[21][22] They were released on November 7, 2018.

Accessories[edit]

There are four accessories made specifically for iPad Pro, all of which are sold separately: a "smart" screen cover; an attachable keyboard, Smart Keyboard; an active bluetooth tracking stylusApple Pencil; and a form-fitted silicone case that is compatible with the Smart Keyboard.[23]

Smart Keyboard[edit]

Smart Keyboard docks with iPad Pro using the Smart Connector, a magnetic connection that provides data transfer and power. Smart Keyboard, which doubles as a kickstand, is comparable to that of the competing Microsoft Surface Pro.[24] The design of the Smart Keyboard is similar to the design of the Smart Cover accessory.[25]

Apple Pencil (first generation)[edit]


iPad Pro and Apple Pencil (in boxes)
The first generation Apple Pencil is a precision stylus exclusive to the iPad Pro and the iPad 2018. The accessory is rechargeable via the Lightning port on the tablet itself.[26][27] iPad Pro introduces a new display with increased responsiveness and precision over previous iPad displays with Apple Pencil support added.[28][29] During the keynote, Apple demonstrated drawing, managing publication layout, and document annotation.[30][31][32]

Apple Pencil (second generation)[edit]

The second generation Apple Pencil, heavily based on its predecessor, functions exclusively with the 2018 iPad Pro models.[33] Its new features include gesture controls and wireless magnetic charging and pairing.

Reception[edit]

General reviews[edit]

The iPad Pro's 9.7-inch version set a record among all currently released tablets tested in color accuracy, screen reflectance, peak brightness, contrast rating in high ambient light, and smallest color variation. However, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch version tested to having better contrast ratio in the dark.[34]
Despite Apple advertising the tablets as PC replacements,[35] most reviewers noted that it could not replace a laptop running the Microsoft Windows or macOS desktop operating systems.[36][37]

First generation reviews[edit]

Scott Stein from CNET praised the faster processor and new accessories available. However, he criticized the cost of both the unit and its accessories, while noting its slightly slower processor with less RAM compared to the larger 12.9-inch model.[38]Matt Swider from TechRadar complimented the easy handling, large 256GB configuration and True Tone display, but was upset about the high starting price.[39] Gareth Beavis gave a positive review, commending the expansive screen and audio quality but stated that the battery life could be made longer.[40]

Second generation reviews[edit]

Max Parker from TrustedReviews and Gareth Beavis from TechRadar both praised the 10.5-inch model's high-quality audio and performance, though both critics noted that it was expensive.[41][42]
Reviewing the 12.9 inch second-generation iPad Pro, Lauren Goode of The Verge complimented the quality camera, A10X processor and large screen size, but argued that the device could have been cheaper.[43]

Third generation reviews[edit]

The third generation iPad Pro models were praised for their better displays, slimmed bezels, and general speed as well as CPU improvements. Ben Sin from Forbes noted that although the screen is still an LCD screen, the 120 Hz refresh rate makes it feel more smooth.[44] The switch to USB-C connectors received mixed reviews; external monitor support and device charging were added at the cost of extra dongles to use older cables and headphones.[45] Some reviewers noted that although the hardware updates are great steps forward, iOS's limitations including the lack of external storage capabilities prevents the third generation from competing against computers. Its high prices were also criticized.[46][47]
Moreover, the body has been criticized for its ability to bend and break easily. Users on forum boards have reported the iPad bending after a few days of use, or after carrying it around in a backpack. YouTuber Zack Nelson then published a video on his channel JerryRigEverything showing the device cracking and snapping in half after applying just a small amount of pressure with his hands in the center of the device.[48][49] (Nelson later tested a Microsoft Surface Pro 6, which did not snap in half.) Reports of devices already bent right out of the box (most of these devices are cellular models) have recently surfaced. Apple responded to these reports quickly, asserting that this is normal and a non-issue,[50] a response that has been criticised.[51][52] According to Apple, the bending is a byproduct of their new manufacturing process. Apple has recently added a support page relating to these issues.[53]

Model comparison[edit]

ModeliPad Pro (1st generation)iPad Pro (2nd generation)iPad Pro (2nd generation)iPad Pro (3rd generation)
Screen Size12.9-inch9.7-inch12.9-inch10.5-inch12.9-inch11-inch
ImageIPad Pro Mockup.pngIPad Pro Mockup.pngIPad Pro Mockup.pngIPad Pro Mockup.png
Initial operating systemiOS 9.1iOS 9.3iOS 10.3.2[54]iOS 12.1
Highest supported operating systemiOS 12.1
Model Number[55][56]A1584 (Wi-Fi)
A1652 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
A1673 (Wi-Fi)
A1674 or A1675 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
A1670 (Wi-Fi)
A1671 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
A1701 (Wi-Fi)
A1709 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
A1876 (Wi-Fi)
A1895, A2014 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
A1983 (Wi-Fi + Cellular, China model)[57]
A1980 (Wi-Fi)
A1934, A2013 (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
A1979 (Wi-Fi + Cellular, China model)[57]
Announcement dateSeptember 9, 2015March 21, 2016June 5, 2017October 30, 2018
Release dateNovember 11, 2015March 31, 2016June 13, 2017[58]November 7, 2018
Launch priceWi-Fi models:
32 GB – US$799
128 GB – US$949
256 GB – US$1,099
Wi-Fi + Cellular models:
128 GB – US$1,079
256 GB – US$1,229
Wi-Fi models:
32 GB – US$599
128 GB – US$749
256 GB – US$899
Wi-Fi + Cellular models:
32 GB – US$729
128 GB – US$879
256 GB – US$1,029
Wi-Fi models:
64 GB – US$799
256 GB – US$899
512 GB – US$1,099
Wi-Fi + Cellular models:
64 GB – US$929
256 GB – US$1,029
512 GB – US$1,229
Wi-Fi models:
64 GB – US$649
256 GB – US$749
512 GB – US$949
Wi-Fi + Cellular models:
64 GB – US$779
256 GB – US$879
512 GB – US$1,079
Wi-Fi models:
64 GB – US$999
256 GB – US$1,149
512 GB – US$1,349
1 TB – US$1,749
Wi-Fi + Cellular models:
64 GB – US$1,149
256 GB – US$1,299
512 GB – US$1,499
1 TB – US$1,899
Wi-Fi models:
64 GB – US$799
256 GB – US$949
512 GB – US$1,149
1 TB – US$1,549
Wi-Fi + Cellular models:
64 GB – US$949
256 GB – US$1,099
512 GB – US$1,299
1 TB – US$1,699
SoCApple A9XApple A10X FusionApple A12X Bionic
Motion coprocessorApple M9Apple M10Apple M12
CPU2.26 GHz dual-core Apple Twister[1]2.26 GHz dual-core Apple Twister (underclocked to 2.16 GHz)~2.36 GHz hexa-core Apple Fusion (3× Hurricane + 3× Zephyr)[59]7 nm, Octa-core SOC; 4x Vortex performance cores + 4x Tempest efficiency cores
GPU12-core PowerVR Series 7XT[4]7-core GPU
Memory4 GB LPDDR4 RAM[1]2 GB LPDDR4 RAM4GB LPDDR4 RAM[60]64/256/512 GB - 4 GB LPDDR4X RAM
1 TB - 6 GB LPDDR4X RAM [61][62]
Display12.9 inches (330 mm) [diagonal] multi-touch display with LEDbacklighting
and an oleophobic, fingerprint and scratch-resistant coatingFully laminated display, Antireflective coating
9.7 inches (250 mm) [diagonal] multi-touch display with LED backlighting
and an oleophobic and scratch-resistant coatingWide colordisplay, True Tone display,
Fully laminated display, Antireflective coating
12.9 inches (330 mm) [diagonal] multi-touch display with LED backlighting
and an oleophobic and scratch-resistant coatingWide colordisplay, True Tone display,
Fully laminated display, Antireflective coating, ProMotion display (120 Hertz refresh rate)
10.5 inches (270 mm) [diagonal] multi-touch display with LED backlighting
and an oleophobic and scratch-resistant coatingWide colordisplay, True Tone display,
Fully laminated display, Antireflective coating, ProMotion display (120 Hertz refresh rate)
12.9 inches (330 mm) [diagonal] Liquid Retina Display and an oleophobic and scratch-resistant coatingWide color display, True Tone display,
Fully laminated display, Antireflective coating, ProMotion display (120 Hertz refresh rate)
11 inches (280 mm) [diagonal] Liquid Retina Display and an oleophobic and scratch-resistant coatingWide color display, True Tone display,
Fully laminated display, Antireflective coating, ProMotion display (120 Hertz refresh rate)
2732-by-2048 pixel resolution 264 ppi (Retina Display)2048-by-1536 pixel resolution at 264 ppi (Retina Display)2732-by-2048 pixel resolution at 264 ppi (Retina Display)2224-by-1668 pixel resolution at 264 ppi (Retina Display)2732-by-2048 pixel resolution at 264 ppi (Retina Display)2388-by-1668 pixel resolution at 264 ppi (Retina Display)
CameraiSightMP, ƒ/2.4 apertureHDR for photos, Autofocus, five-element lens, Hybrid IR filter,
Backside illumination, Face Detection, Exposure controlPanorama (up to 43 MP), Burst mode, Tap to focus, Photo geotaggingTimer mode, Video Recording, 1080p video recording (30 fps), Slo-mo video support for 720p at 120 fps, Time-lapse video, Video image stabilization, 3× digital zoomVideo geotagging
12 MP, ƒ/2.2 aperture, Auto HDR for photos, five-element lens, Hybrid IR filter, Backside illuminationAutofocus with Focus Pixels, Improved face detectionExposure controlPanorama (up to 63 MP), Burst mode, Tap to focus, Photo geotaggingTimer mode, Video Recording, Cinematic video stabilization4K video recording (30 fps), 1080p HD video recording at 30 fps or 60 fps, Slo-mo video support for 1080p at 120 fps and 720p at 240 fps, Time-lapse video, 3× digital zoom, Live Photos, True Tone LED flashSapphire crystallens cover, Improved local tone mapping, Improved noise reductionVideo geotagging12 MP, ƒ/1.8 aperture, Auto HDR for photos, Autofocus with Focus Pixels, six-element lens, Hybrid IR filter, Backside illumination,Improved face detection, Exposure control, Panorama (up to 63 MP), Burst mode, Tap to focus,
Photo and video geotagging, Timer mode, Video Recording, Cinematic video stabilization, 4K video recording (30 fps), 1080p HD video recording at 30fps or 60fps, Slo-mo video support for 1080p at 120 fps and 720p at 240 fps, Time-lapse video, 3× digital zoom, True Tone LED flash, Sapphire crystal lens cover, improved local tone mapping, improved noise reduction
12-megapixel camera, ƒ/1.8 aperture, up to 5x digital zoom, five‑element lens, quad-LED True Tone flash, panorama (up to 63 MP), backside illumination sensor, hybrid IR filter, autofocus with Focus Pixels, tap to focus with Focus Pixels, Live Photos with stabilization, wide color capture for photos and Live Photos, improved local tone mapping, exposure control, improved noise reduction, smart HDR for photos, photo geotagging, 4K video recording at 30 fps or 60 fps, 1080p HD video recording at 30 fps or 60 fps, 720p HD video recording at 30 fps, slo‑mo video support for 1080p at 120 fps and 720p at 240 fps, time‑lapse video with stabilization, cinematic video stabilization (1080p and 720p), continuous autofocus video, playback zoom
FaceTime1.2 MP, ƒ/2.2 aperture720p HD video recording, Auto HDR for photos and videos, Backside illuminationExposure controlBurst modeTimer mode and Face DetectionMP, ƒ/2.2 aperture720p HD video recording, Retina Flash, Auto HDR for photos and videos, Backside illuminationExposure controlBurst modeTimer modeand Face DetectionMP ƒ/2.2 aperture1080p HD video recording, Auto HDR for photos and videos, Backside illuminationExposure controlBurst modeTimer modeand Face DetectionMP, Portrait mode, Portrait Lighting, Animoji and Memoji1080p HD video recording at 30 or 60 fps, Retina Flash, ƒ/2.2 aperture, Wide color capture for photos and Live Photos, Smart HDRBackside illumination, Auto image stabilizationExposure controlBurst modeTimer mode(Face ID supported)
WirelessWi-FiWi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac); dual channel (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz); HT80 with MIMO
Bluetooth 4.2 technology
Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac); dual channel (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz); HT80 with MIMO
Bluetooth 5.0 technology
Wi-Fi + CellularAbove plus:
UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA(850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz); GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz), CDMA EV-DORev. A and Rev. B (800, 1900 MHz), LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 38, 39, 40, 41), Data only, Includes Apple SIM (U.S.UK, and Germany only)
Above plus:
UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz); GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz), CDMA EV-DO Rev. A and Rev. B (800, 1900 MHz), LTE Advanced (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41), Data only, Embedded Apple SIM
Above plus:
  • UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC‑HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz); GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
  • Gigabit-class LTE (Models A2013 and A2014: bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66, 71)
  • Data only
  • Wi-Fi calling
  • eSIM[63]
GeolocationWi-Fi
models
  • Digital compass
  • Wi-Fi
  • iBeacon microlocation[63]
Wi-Fi + Cellular
models
Above plus:
  • Assisted GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS
  • Cellular[63]
Environmental sensors
Battery3.77 V 38.8 W·h (10307mA·h) rechargeable lithium‐polymer battery[5]3.82 V 27.91 W·h (7306mA·h) rechargeable lithium‐polymer battery[64]3.77 V 41 W·h (10875mA·h) rechargeable lithium‐polymer battery[65]3.77 V 30.8 W·h (8134mA·h) rechargeable lithium‐polymer battery[60]3.76 V 9720 mA·h rechargeable li-ion battery[66]3.77 V 29.45 W⋅h (7812mA⋅h) rechargeable li-ion battery[67]
Dimensions305.7 mm (12.04 in) (h)
220.6 mm (8.69 in) (w)
6.9 mm (0.27 in) (d)
240 mm (9.4 in) (h)
169.5 mm (6.67 in) (w)
6.1 mm (0.24 in) (d)
305.7 mm (12.04 in) (h)
220.6 mm (8.69 in) (w)
6.9 mm (0.27 in) (d)
250.6 mm (9.87 in) (h)
174.1 mm (6.85 in) (w)
6.1 mm (0.24 in) (d)
280.6 mm (11.05 in) (h)
214.9 mm (8.46 in) (w)
5.9 mm (0.23 in) (d)
247.6 mm (9.75 in) (h)
178.5 mm (7.03 in) (w)
5.9 mm (0.23 in) (d)
WeightWi-Fi model: 710 g (1.57 lb)
Wi-Fi + Cellular model: 720 g (1.59 lb)
Wi-Fi: 437 g (0.963 lb)
Wi-Fi + Cellular: 444 g (0.979 lb)
Wi-Fi model: 677 g (1.493 lb)
Wi-Fi + Cellular model: 692 g (1.526 lb)
Wi-Fi: 469 g (1.034 lb)
Wi-Fi + Cellular 477 g (1.052 lb)
Wi-Fi: 631 g (1.391 lb)
Wi-Fi + Cellular 633 g (1.396 lb)
468 g (1.032 lb)
Mechanical keys
  • Home button
  • Sleep/Wake
  • Volume control
  • Sleep/Wake
  • Volume control
Connectors
SpeakersQuad stereo
Greenhouse gas emissions240 kg CO2e[68]210 kg CO2e[69]122 kg CO2e[70]100 kg CO2e[71]136 kg CO2e[72]113 kg CO2e[73]

Timeline[edit]

iPad Pro (2018)iPad Pro (2018)iPad Pro (2017)iPad Pro (2017)iPad ProiPad ProiPad Mini 4iPad Mini 3iPad Mini 2iPad Mini (1st generation)iPad (2018)iPad (2017)iPad Air 2iPad AiriPad (4th generation)iPad (3rd generation)iPad (2nd generation)iPad (1st generation)
Source: Apple Newsroom Archive[74]

See also[edit]

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