As part of its “Spring Loaded” media event on Tuesday, Apple unveiled its 2021 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro tablets, each featuring the 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU M1 chip as well asx a new Thunderbolt connector (over the same USB-C port). The larger 12.9-inch model also sports a new mini-LED screen, which Apple calls ‘Liquid Retina XDR’.
This marks the first time that the iPad Pro is available in a 2TB storage option as well as up to 16GB of RAM. The cellular iPad Pro model now supports 5G connectivity, with the 11-inch iPad Pro retaining its $799 entry point, while the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is now $100 more expensive, and starts at $1,099.
Per Apple, the M1 processor found in the iPad Pro is up to 1,500x faster than the original 2010 iPad, and up to 50 percent faster than the 2020 iPad Pro.
Apple also stated that the updated Thunderbolt port offers a range of new accessories, and now sports up to 4X faster bandwidth, allowing the iPad Pro to drive the Apple Pro Display XDR at full 6K resolution.
The new iPad Pro also features an upgraded camera system for photography and augmented reality purposes. The front-camera now features a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens. For FaceTime calls, the new ultra-wide camera now automatically pans around to keep the person in frame as they move around the room.
The new Liquid Retina XDR display offers a high dynamic range similar to that of the Apple Pro Display XDR, and has around 2500 local dimming zones, enabling a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio and 1600 nits peak brightness.
Alongside the new iPad Pro, Apple updated the Magic Keyboard accessory, which is available in a new white color option.
The new iPad Pro models can be pre-ordered as of April 30, and will ship in the second half of May.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via 9to5Mac and store.apple.com