Smart Connector

The iPad Pro is a series of tablet computers, positioned as the premium line of Apple's iPad brand. It runs iPadOS, a tablet-optimized fork of the iOS operating system. Early models were distinguished from other iPads by their ability to use the Apple Pencil stylus and their larger screen size. As other iPads have gained these features over time, the latest 7th generation iPad Pro is notable among other features for its powerful processor (the M4 chip) and being the thinnest Apple product ever released.

The original iPad Pro was introduced in September 2015, and ran iOS 9. It had an A9X chip, and came in two sizes: 9.7-inch and 12.9 inch; the 9.7 inch coming out in March 2016. The second-generation iPad Pro was unveiled during the June 2017 WWDC event. It came with an upgraded A10X Fusion chip and superseded the 9.7-inch model with a 10.5-inch model. The third-generation iPad Pro was announced in October 2018 with a new all screen design. As a part of the redesign, the home button was removed in favor of Face ID. It came in 11-inch and 12.9-inch models, the same screen sizes used by every subsequent model to date.

The fourth-generation iPad Pro, introduced in March 2020, included the A12Z chip, and was introduced alongside the Magic Keyboard for iPad. The fifth-generation iPad Pro, announced in April 2021 incorporated Apple’s desktop-class M1 processor, making it the first iPad model to not use an A-series processor. The sixth-generation iPad Pro was introduced in October 2022 alongside the 10th-generation iPad. It includes the M2 processor, Apple Pencil Hover, and ProRes video. The seventh-generation iPad Pro and current-generation iPad Pro was introduced in May 2024 alongside the 6th-generation iPad Air, launching with the M4 processor, Apple Pencil Pro, a new Magic Keyboard with function keys and is the first iPad with an OLED display.

History

First generation

The first generation of iPad Pro came in two sizes: 12.9-inch and 9.7-inch. The 12.9-inch version was announced on September 9, 2015 and released on November 11, 2015. It was larger than all previous iPad models, and was the first iPad to feature LPDDR4 RAM. It originally shipped with iOS 9.1. The 9.7-inch iPad Pro was announced on March 21, 2016, and released ten days later. It was based on the form factor of the iPad Air 2 and originally shipped with iOS 9.3.

Second generation

On June 5, 2017, the second generation iPad Pro was announced, which features A10X Fusion processors, with storage options of 64 GB, 256 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. Both sizes employed refresh rates up to 120 Hz, better HDR and TrueTone white balancing. Following this announcement, both models of the first-generation iPad Pro were discontinued. The two 2nd generation models were the last iPad Pro models with Home Button and a USB-lightning connector.

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. The home button was completely removed in favor of a larger display and uniform bezel sizes on all sides. These were also the first iPads to come with a USB-C connector. It was launched with a Smart Keyboard Folio (sold separately), but also supports the Magic Keyboard with a trackpad launched in early 2020.

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 module, an Apple A12Z processor, 128 GB minimum storage, LiDAR Scanner, and support for the Magic Keyboard case.

Fifth generation

The fifth generation of iPad Pro was announced on April 20, 2021, with the same design and screen sizes as the previous generation. It includes the Apple M1 processor, 5G connectivity, Thunderbolt 3/ USB 4 connectivity (up to 40 Gbit/s), external display output up to 6K resolution, 8 or 16 GB of RAM, and on the 12.9" variant, a mini-LED display marketed as the "Liquid Retina XDR" display.

Sixth generation

The sixth generation iPad Pro was announced on October 18, 2022, along with the iPad (10th generation). They use the same design as the previous generations (since 2018). It includes an Apple M2 processor, Apple Pencil Hover (a feature that allows the display to detect the Apple Pencil hovering up to 12mm above the display), and ProRes Video Recording (limited to 1080p for 128 GB storage and up to 4K for at models with at least 256 GB storage).

Seventh generation

The seventh generation iPad Pro was announced on May 7, 2024, along with the iPad Air (6th generation). This generation features a redesigned chassis that is thinner than the previous generations. It includes the Apple M4 processor, a landscape camera with a Face ID array, and a Tandem OLED display. The display, referred to by Apple as the Ultra Retina XDR display, has a contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1 and can reach a full screen brightness of 1000 nits (SDR content) or 1600 nits (HDR content). Nano-texture display glass is availble on models with 1TB and 2TB storage. The base storage was increased to 256 GB, with an option to get up to 2 TB of storage.

Accessories

There are three primary accessories made specifically for iPad Pro, all of which are sold separately: 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 are specific with iPad Pro using the visible Smart Connector; a magnetic connection with three pins that provides data transfer and power. The keyboard doubles as a kickstand, and 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 (2018), iPad (2019), iPad Air (2019) and iPad Mini (5th generation). 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 launch announcement, Apple demonstrated drawing, managing publication layout, and document annotation.

Second generation

On October 30, 2018, Apple announced an updated Pencil alongside the third generation iPad Pro. The second-generation Apple Pencil functions exclusively with the 2018 and later iPad Pro models, the iPad Air 4, and the iPad mini 6. It is similar in design and specifications to the first model, but without the detachable connector, and part of the stylus is flattened to inhibit rolling. It contains tap-sensitive zones on its sides that can be mapped to functions within apps. Custom laser engraving is available when purchased via the Apple Store online.

USB-C accessories

Apple created various adapters to pair with the 2018 iPad Pro models, which are the first iPad models to come with a USB-C connector replacing the proprietary Lightning connector. 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 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, a USB-C to Lightning cable to charge a phone or AirPods. An iPad can even be charged 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 a television or monitor; wired keyboards and mice also work.

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 by all iPad Pro devices introduced since 2018. Though initially expected to launch in May 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. With the launch of the 5th generation of iPad Pro in 2021, a white color was also been added to the Apple Store.

Reception

General reviews

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.

First Generation

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.

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.

Second Generation

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.

Third Generation

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. iPadOS addresses the lack of external storage on supported iPads by adding support for external storage.

The body has been criticized for bending and breaking 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. Users reported devices already bent right out of the box, mostly cellular models. Apple responded to these reports quickly, asserting that this is normal and a non-issue, a response that has been criticized. According to Apple, the bending is a byproduct of its new manufacturing process. Apple has added a support page relating to these issues.

Fourth Generation

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. The new camera setup in the 2020 model was noted for providing good image quality. The addition in RAM and change in storage options were welcomed, but the 2020 model was sometimes seen as "overkill".

Fifth Generation

The 2021 models had a vast range of reviews feeling that the already powerful processor was made excessively powerful, stating that the processor wasn't being taken advantage of due to iPadOS still being considered too limiting and not having professional apps from macOS. Camera placement has been criticized for video conferencing. The Verge has criticized that they should have had multiuser support like the Mac but they gave positive reviews to the Mini-LED and cameras.

Despite having 8 and 16 gigabytes of RAM, iPadOS only initially allowed 5 gigabytes for apps, but this was changed in iPadOS 15.

Model comparison

Support

Models

Timeline

See also

* Pen computing
* Graphics tablet

Notes

References

External links

* – official site

{{Apple

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Tablet computers
Touchscreen portable media players
Tablet computers introduced in 2015
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Products introduced in 2015