Apple today announced the latest generation iPad Pro, touting improvements including 5G connectivity and the same M1 processor you'll find in the manufacturer's latest Macs.
If you opt for a cellular model, the latest iPad Pros now have 5G connectivity - just like the iPhone 12 family. In our testing, we've seen download speeds over 700Mbps on Australian 5G networks. As with the iPhone 12, you can pick between a physical SIM card or use an eSIM to get the iPad Pro connected.
Both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro are powered by an M1 processor, which Apple is also using in its new range of Macs (including a newly announced iMac refresh). Apple says the M1 chip delivers a "huge jump" in performance, with a 50% increase in CPU performance and 40% increase in graphics performance over the previous model.
If you opt for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, you'll get the benefit of a Liquid Retina XDR display that uses Mini LED technology. Mini LED allows for greater peak brightness, deeper blacks, and greater contrast, and make the 12.9-inch iPad Pro HDR-ready. The 11-inch iPad Pro features a standard LCD display as we’ve seen in previous models.
Both models share the same rear-facing camera configuration made up of a 12MP primary camera, a 10MP ultra-wide camera, and a LiDAR sensor. As with the iPhone 12 Pro, the LiDAR sensor should improve both lowlight photography and enhance augmented reality applications.
On the connectivity front, the new iPad Pro supports Thunderbolt 3 and USB 4 over its USB C connector.
The new iPad Pro starts at $1,199 for an 11-inch 128GB Wi-Fi only model, or $1,449 if you want to add 5G. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at $1,649 for a 128GB Wi-Fi only model, or $1,899 if you're opting for 5G. As is standard, you can pick from a choice of Space Grey or Silver finishes.
Apple will start taking iPad Pro pre-orders from April 30 ahead of retail availability in the second half of May.
Apple also introduced a new white colourway of its Magic Keyboard to go alongside the new iPad Pro. It will be available to order from April 30, and will set you back $449 for an 11-inch version, or $549 for the 12.9-inch version. Other than the new hue, the white Magic Keyboard is identical to the black model Apple launched around this time last year.
Alex Choros
