IPad Pro


The iPad Pro family is a line of iPad tablet computers designed, developed, and marketed by Apple Inc. and first available in November 2015. They run the iOS and iPadOS mobile operating systems. The current generation is available in two screen sizes, and, each with four options for internal storage capacities: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB.

History

First generation

The first iPad Pro, the 12.9-inch version, was announced on September 9, 2015 and released on November 11, 2015. It is larger than all previous iPad models and the first iPad tablet to feature LPDDR4 RAM. 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.

Second generation

On June 5, 2017, the second-generation iPad Pro was announced, which features A10X Fusion processors, with storage options of 64 GB and 512 GB. Upgraded displays include a 10.5-inch version to replace the 9.7-inch model, while the 12.9-inch version was refreshed. Following this announcement, both models of the first-generation iPad Pro were discontinued.

Third generation

The third generation of iPad Pro was announced on October 30, 2018, and was made available in two screen sizes: and. 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 ID using a sensor array on the top bezel which, unlike iPhone models featuring Face ID, can unlock the iPad in any orientation. Due to not having Touch ID, these devices are the first iPads to lack a physical button on the front.

Fourth generation

The fourth generation of iPad Pro was announced on March 18, 2020, with the same screen sizes of the previous generation. It offers a redesigned camera modules, A12Z processors, 128 GB minimum storage, and support for the Magic Keyboard with a trackpad that is sold separately and is also compatible with the 3rd generation iPad Pro.

Accessories

There are three primary accessories made specifically for iPad Pro, all of which are sold separately: an active bluetooth tracking stylus, Apple Pencil; an attachable keyboard, Smart Keyboard; and a form-fitted silicone case that is compatible with the Smart Keyboard. Additionally, with the inclusion of a USB-C connector in the third-generation and newer iPad Pro, it is now possible to connect to other displays and devices, and to charge other devices with the iPad Pro.

Smart Keyboard and Smart Cover

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

Apple Pencil

First generation

The first-generation Apple Pencil is a precision stylus exclusive to the iPad Pro, iPad, iPad, iPad Air and iPad Mini. The accessory is rechargeable via the Lightning port on iPad itself on the pre USB-C models. iPad Pro introduces a new display with increased responsiveness and precision over previous iPad displays with Apple Pencil support added. During the keynote, Apple demonstrated drawing, managing publication layout, and document annotation.

Second generation

The second-generation Apple Pencil functions exclusively with the 2018 and 2020 iPad Pro models. The new features include:
The second generation Apple Pencil is only compatible with:
All other model iPad Pros require the first generation Apple Pencil.

USB-C accessories

Apple created various adapters to pair with the 2018 iPad Pro models. These adapters utilize the new USB-C connector which allows the iPad to connect with HDMI cables, USB ports, and read SD cards. Using an HDMI cable, users can connect their iPad to another display, such as a computer, laptop, or television. The USB and SD card support allows user to transfer and save files to and from external memory storage devices.
Third party developers have taken advantage of the inclusion of USB-C connection in the third-generation iPad Pros to create other adapters, which can include several adapters in one connection. The USB-C port has allows the iPad Pro to integrate with various USB-C accessories, ranging from USB-C docking stations, USB-C to USB-A generic adapter with a flash drive, ethernet, and so on. It can also charge other devices; for instance, you can plug in a USB-C to Lightning cable to charge your phone or AirPods; you can even charge one iPad with another one with the included USB-C to USB-C cable. There are also USB-C to USB-A adapters, and a USB-C to HDMI adapter to view the iPad display on your television or monitor; wired keyboards and mice also work. This is not restricted to supported/approved devices.

Magic Keyboard

The Magic Keyboard features the first trackpad designed for an iPad, a hinge to adjust the viewing angle and includes a USB-C port for pass-through charging. The Magic Keyboard is supported on 2018 and 2020 iPad Pro devices. Though initially expected to launch in May of 2020, orders shipped starting in late April 2020.
The Magic Keyboard was met with mixed reviews. While providing many features which users wanted, there were some downsides to it. The Magic Keyboard provided a proper typing experience and supplied a good trackpad bundled with excellent build quality. On the downside, the added weight to the iPad Pro for this functionality, a missing function key row and a steep price, made the Magic Keyboard an accessory only for a niche market.

Reception

General reviews

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.
Despite Apple advertising the tablets as PC replacements, most reviewers noted that it could not replace a laptop running the Microsoft Windows, macOS, or Linux desktop operating systems with its current operating system.

2015 model reviews

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. Matt Swider from TechRadar complimented the easy handling, large 256 GB configuration and True Tone display, but was upset about the high starting price. Gareth Beavis gave a positive review, commending the expansive screen and audio quality but stated that the battery life could be made longer.

2017 model reviews

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.
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.

2018 model reviews

The third generation iPad Pro models were praised for their better displays, slimmed bezels, the addition of Face ID and general speed as well as CPU improvements. Ben Sin from Forbes noted that despite the LCD screen, the 120 Hz refresh rate makes it feel more smooth. 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. 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.
iPadOS addresses the lack of external storage on supported iPads by adding support for external storage.

2020 model review

Although the addition in RAM and change in storage options were welcomed, the 2020 model of the iPad Pro was seen as a minor enhancement amongst technical reviewers. The LIDAR sensor which Apple added for increased AR capability was touted as a feature only a handful of customers will use. A new camera setup in the 2020 model did provide good image quality. All in all, building on the previous generation's success, the 2020 model was seen as a product valuable to those customers who needed features specific to the 2020 model, such as the LIDAR sensor, a new camera setup and more processing power.

Model comparison


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Timeline