Apple has launched updated versions of its
iPad Pro tablets. This includes the iPad Pro 12.9-inch, which is now in its
fourth generation, and the second generation of the iPad Pro 11-inch. One of
the main new features of these updated iPads is the new camera system. The iPad
Pro models now have a two cameras on the back in a housing similar to that of
the iPhone 11. The camera system now includes a 12MP f/1.8 regular camera
carried over from the previous generation model and a new 10MP f/2.4 ultrawide
camera exclusive to these tablets. Both cameras can do 4K video up to 60fps.
However, the ultrawide module is not the
most interesting part of the camera system. With the new iPad Pro models, Apple
is introducing a hardware LiDAR scanner, which further cements the company's
dedication to AR. A LiDAR scanner is a ToF depth sensor that works by bouncing
laser off an object to determine its distance from the sensor. The sensor is
commonly used to accurately map the shape of the Earth's surface for mapping
applications, and also in autonomous vehicles. On the iPad Pro, the sensor
works alongside the two cameras and motion sensors to accurately measure depth
for all sorts of augmented reality applications.
The new iPad Pro models also premiere
Apple's latest A12Z Bionic chipset. This features an eight-core CPU and a new
eight-core GPU along with improved thermal design and tuned performance
controllers, which Apple claims provide more performance than most laptops. The
new iPad Pros come with 128GB of base storage and can also be bought with
256GB, 512GB or 1TB.
Another new feature of the 2020 iPad Pro
tablets is the support for the new Magic Keyboard. It features cantilever
hinges that allows you to position the iPad at any angle up to 130 degrees and
the way it snaps to the back makes the iPad float above the keyboard at a
comfortable height. The keyboard has backlit keys and USB-C passthrough that
lets you can charge the iPad Pro and still use the port on the iPad for other
accessories.
However, by far the most important feature
on this new Magic Keyboard is the integrated trackpad. While the iPad did
support mice, the new trackpad support in the upcoming iPadOS 13.4 refines this
further. With the new software, the mouse pointer now appears as a small white
circle on screen, and as you move around, it automatically snaps to UI elements
making it easier to click on things.
The new trackpad support in iPadOS is
designed to embrace the touch-first nature of the UI and also works
automatically with all iPad apps with no effort required by developers. They
can, however, spend some time and take better advantage of the new trackpad
support using the new APIs. The new trackpad support is coming with iPadOS 13.4
arriving on March 24. It will also support Apple's Magic Mouse 2, Magic
Trackpad 2, and other third-part mice over USB or Bluetooth.
The new iPad Pro models also feature an
updated microphone system. You now get five "studio-quality"
microphones for calls, voice recording and audio recording. These are likely
the same great microphones found on the new 16-inch MacBook Pro. As before, you
have a four speaker system, with one at each corner, that automatically adjusts
sound based on which orientation you hold the tablet.
These are largely the new changes on the
iPad Pro. The designs are largely similar to the previous generation models, as
are the 120Hz ProMotion displays with P3 wide color support, 600 nits
brightness and antireflective coating. The new models also feature the same
TrueDepth Camera from the previous model, which includes the 7MP f/2.2 sensor
that can do 1080p video up to 60fps. More importantly, it supports Face ID for
secure biometric unlocking of the device and applications that support it.
On the connectivity front, the new iPad
Pro models adds the Wi-Fi 6 standard, along with Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, and USB-C
connectivity. LTE is available as an option with eSIM. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch
model has a 36.71 watt-hour battery while the 11-inch model has a 28.65
watt-hour battery, which are largely identical to previous generation models.
Apple claims 10 hours of use for both of them on Wi-Fi. Both can be
fast-charged over USB-C Power Delivery chargers.
Prices are same as before, with the
11-inch model starting at US$ 799 in the US for the Wi-Fi model and US$ 949 for the
LTE model with 128GB storage. The 12.9-inch model starts at US$ 999 for the Wi-Fi
model and US$ 1149 for the LTE model with 128GB storage. The new Magic Keyboard
for iPad Pro is priced at US$ 299 for the 11-inch model and US$ 349 for the 12.9-inch
model. You can also use the Smart Keyboard Folio (US$ 179/US$ 199) or the
second-generation Apple Pencil (US$ 129) with these new models.
The new iPad Pro models are available
online in 30 countries today and will be in retail stores next week.
