iPad Pro is a 12.9-inch touch screen tablet PC with a better resolution than Apple’s existing iPad versions.
The iPad Pro was supposed to be released in November 2015, with the iOS 9 operating system.
Apple launched the smartphone in San Francisco in September 2015.
It has an A9X CPU, a Retina display with a resolution of 2732 x 2048, and a four-speaker audio system.
The tablet, which weighs 1.57 pounds and measures 6.9 mm, also has enhanced Multi-Touch capabilities, allowing users to interact with the screen with less delay than prior iPads.
The iPad Pro is aimed at corporate customers and consumers who desire a desktop PC-like tablet experience, with higher power, resolution, and support for sophisticated features.
Buyers can add an optional smart keyboard and/or Apple Pencil, a new stylus designed for drawing and writing more fluidly and precisely on the screen, to the Apple iPad Pro.
Apple’s App Store has 850,000 iPad apps, including new apps like Adobe Photoshop designed expressly for use on the Pro with the Apple Pencil.
The Apple iPad Pro also makes use of new iPad-specific capabilities in iOS 9, such as Split View, which allows users to view two running apps at the same time, and Slide Over, which allows users to run one program while rapidly glancing at another.
At A Glance
- In April 2021, the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro versions were updated with a faster M1 chip, a Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display on the 12.9-inch model, 5G connection, and other features. There’s now a new white Magic Keyboard color option, and the latest iPad Pro versions are still compatible with the Apple Pencil 2.
Features
- 9-inch 2732 x 2048 or 11-inch 2388 x 1668 display
- M1 chip with next-generation Neural Engine
- 5G connectivity
- Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display on the 12.9-inch model
- 12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra-Wide rear cameras with LiDAR scanner
- TrueDepth Camera with Face ID and upgraded 12MP camera
- Thunderbolt port
- Optional Apple Pencil 2, Magic Keyboard, and Smart Keyboard Folio
Should You Buy the iPad Pro?
Apple’s high-end tablet computer is the iPad Pro.
The latest iPad Pro versions have a strong M1 chip, a Thunderbolt port, an enhanced front-facing camera, a bigger variant with a Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display, and up to 16GB of RAM and 2TB of storage.
The iPad Pro is normally updated every 12 to 18 months by Apple.
There are presently two iPad Pro variants available.
The first has an 11-inch LED Liquid Retina display and a beginning price of $799, while the second has a superior 12.9-inch mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display and a starting price of $1,099.
The M1 iPad Pros, which were announced in April 2021, are about halfway through their product cycle, which means that now is still an excellent time to buy.
The 11-inch iPad Pro is the most portable iPad Pro alternative, as well as being thinner and lighter than its larger sibling, whilst the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is excellent for leisure and work jobs that can benefit from the larger display.
Aside from screen size, the two iPad Pro versions use distinct display technology. Even though they both have the same key features such as 120Hz Promotion, P3 wide color, and True Tone, the 12.9-inch model has a mini-LED display. The larger iPad Pro can now produce up to 1,000 nits of full-screen brightness, 1,600 nits of peak brightness, a 1 million-to-1 contrast ratio with deeper blacks, and true-to-life HDR. The 12.9-inch model is recommended for users who watch or create HDR content, or who simply prefer a larger display.
The two iPad Pro versions are similar save for screen size and display technology. The price difference between the smaller and larger models is $300, so acquiring the larger model is only worthwhile if you can benefit from the mini-LED display or the larger screen. Some peripherals, such as the Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio, are likewise $20 to $50 more expensive for the bigger model.
What’s Next for the iPad Pro
Apple is working on upgraded versions of the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models, which will have some interesting modifications.
Both new tablets are expected to include wireless charging capabilities, and Apple is expected to include the new M2 chip in the 2022 iPad Pro.
There have been some reports of a new Apple Pencil, but those have died down recently, and we’re hoping to see OLED iPad Pro models in the future. According to rumors, Apple is working on a 14.1-inch iPad Pro that will be released in 2023.
Refreshed 11 and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models are scheduled to come in September or October 2022, with more details in our dedicated 2022 iPad Pro guide.
Apple is also said to be working on new 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models with OLED panels, which are slated to be released in 2024.
What are the best cases for iPad Pro 2021?
Original case covers do not always have to be the best.
For starters, they are prohibitively expensive.
Second, they do not provide 360-degree coverage, leaving the corners susceptible.
We have a list of the top iPad Pro 11 case covers at Ebook Friendly.
There you will find:
- Best Smart Cover substitutes
- Modified tri-fold covers
- Fashionable cases and sleeves for ladies
- Award-winning keyboard case from Brydge
- Heavy-duty cases with innovative features
- Multi-functional sleeves and organizers
- Sleeves handcrafted from natural cotton or genuine leather
The iPad Pro 2021
Apple upgraded its iPad Pro portfolio in April 2021, bringing a faster Mac M1 chip, a Liquid Retina XDR display on the 12.9-inch model, 5G connectivity, a Thunderbolt connection, and more.
The iPad Pro remains unchanged in terms of design, available in 11 and 12.9-inch versions with an all-screen design and an edge-to-edge display that does not contain a Home button.
The 2021 iPad Pro, like the 2018 and 2020 models, has a TrueDepth camera system with Face ID, which employs face recognition for biometric verification, but it now has an enhanced 12-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies.
The aluminum shell of the iPad Pro models, available in Silver or Space Gray, wraps around the Liquid Retina display.
The 12.9-inch variant has a new Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display with exceptional dynamic range, bringing it to the iPad Pro for the first time.
The Liquid Retina XDR employs over 10,000 LEDs across the back of the display to give up to 1,000 nits of full-screen brightness, 1,600 nits of peak brightness, a 1 million-to-1 contrast ratio, and true-to-life HDR to enhance creative workflows for a “stunning” visual experience.
The Liquid Retina display on the 11-inch model remains unchanged from the 2020 model, with wide color support, True Tone for adjusting to ambient light, an anti-reflective coating, and ProMotion 120Hz refresh capabilities.
The rear camera system is unchanged, with two cameras: a 12-megapixel wide-angle camera and a 10-megapixel ultra wide-angle camera that can zoom out twice for a wider field of view, as well as a LiDAR Scanner for AR experiences.
The front-facing TrueDepth camera on the 2021 iPad Pro gains Center Stage to follow a user around a room during video conversations, enhanced dynamic range for video up to 30 frames per second, and a brighter True Tone flash.
The 2021 iPad Pro is powered by an M1 chip with the next-generation Neural Engine, an 8-core CPU, and an 8-core GPU.
The M1 chip in the iPad Pro outperforms the preceding A12Z Bionic chip by up to 50% in CPU performance.
Similarly, the 8-core GPU provides up to 40% quicker GPU performance.
The iPad Pro now has up to 16GB of RAM and up to 2TB of storage thanks to the M1 processor, just like Macs with the M1 chip.
For the first time, the 2021 iPad Pro includes a Thunderbolt connection, allowing for substantially quicker data transfer and support for Thunderbolt peripherals.
The M1 chip allows the 2021 iPad Pro models to have all-day battery life on a single charge. WiFi 6 support, Gigabit-class LTE for cellular models, and storage options ranging from 128GB to 2TB round out the iPad Pro’s features.
The 2021 iPad Pro is compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil, which magnetically attaches to the iPad and charges via a direct physical connection, as well as the Magic Keyboard for the iPad.
Apple has also released a new white Magic Keyboard color option alongside the 2021 iPad Pros, however, keep in mind that the 2020 Magic Keyboard for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro does not fit the 2021 model precisely.
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How to Buy
The iPad Pro is available for purchase from the Apple Store online as well as third-party stores such as Best Buy and Amazon.
The 11-inch iPad Pro begins at $799, while the 12.9-inch iPad Pro begins at $1099.
Cellular connectivity is available for an extra $200 over the standard price for each storage tier.
The Apple Pencil 2 that comes with the iPad Pro costs USD 129.
The Smart Keyboard Folio for the 11-inch iPad Pro costs $179, while the Smart Keyboard Folio for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro costs $199.
The Magic Keyboard with trackpad costs $299 for the 11-inch model and $349 for the 12.9-inch size.
Reviews
The iPad Pro with the M1 chip has received favorable reviews, with critics applauding the M1 chip, 5G connection, iterative improvements to the front-facing camera, and the new Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display.
The review videos below provide an in-depth look at the iPad Pro’s increased performance and new display.
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro’s Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display has been dubbed a “dream screen.”
According to the company, the new display is functionally similar to a high-end OLED TV and is ideal for viewing HDR content with deep blacks.
5G connectivity was hailed as a “huge thing” for customers in places with mmWave 5G coverage, with speeds faster than gigabit Wi-Fi.
The new Center Stage function on the 12MP front-facing camera was another favorite among reviewers, keeping users ideally framed during video conversations.
According to reviews, the feature performed surprisingly well, moving around swiftly and smoothly as needed.
While the new iPad Pro is roughly 50% quicker than the previous generation tablet with the A12Z CPU, most reviewers concluded the iPadOS operating system was holding back this great performance boost.
Even though the iPad Pro is “very, very capable,” reviewers thought that its software “frequently feels restricted compared to the Mac.”
This is similar to how reviewers felt about the addition of a Thunderbolt connector, where they thought that the new port’s functionality was constrained by iPadOS, with limited compatibility for peripherals such as external monitors.
Reviews might assist potential consumers to decide whether or not to buy the new iPad Pro.
Issues
Blooming
Some consumers have noted that the Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro has more blooming than intended.
RAM Limitations
Despite Apple releasing the M1 iPad Pro in 8GB and 16GB memory configurations, developers stated early on that apps were limited to 5GB of memory use, independent of the model the app was running on.
Design
The 2021 iPad Pro models have undergone no significant design updates and continue to resemble the 2018 and 2020 iPad Pro models.
Display
Mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR Display
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro has a fresh new mini-LED display with a resolution of 2732 x 2048 at 264 pixels per inch, which Apple refers it as a “Liquid Retina XDR display.”
The iPad Pro’s Liquid Retina XDR display adds extreme dynamic range, providing a “stunning visual experience” with more true-to-life details and HDR.
The iPad Pro’s mini-LED display contains over 10,000 LEDs that produce up to 1,000 nits of full-screen brightness, 1,600 nits of peak brightness, and a 1 million-to-1 contrast ratio.
This catches even the darkest photos’ brightest highlights and delicate details, allowing creatives to see and edit true-to-life HDR content on a large, portable display.
The Liquid Retina XDR display retains the previous iPad Pro’s display technology, such as 120Hz ProMotion, True Tone, and P3 broad color compatibility.
LED Liquid Retina Display
The LED “Liquid Retina Display” on the 11-inch iPad Pro remains the same as on the 2020 edition.
The resolution of the 11-inch iPad Pro is 2388 x 1668 at 264 pixels per inch.
With only 1.8 percent reflectance, the display can produce up to 600 nits of brightness.
It retains its antireflective and fingerprint-resistant coating.
Wide color support ensures rich, vivid colors that are true to life and accurate, while True Tone adjusts the display to match the room’s white balance to make the screen easier on the eyes.
ProMotion display technology with a 120Hz refresh rate is featured, making material in motion on the screen smoother, sharper, and more responsive for navigating, gaming, and watching movies, among other things.
As a battery-saving strategy, the iPad Pro’s display refresh rate is dynamic and can alter based on what is on screen.
The refresh rate is set to 120Hz when viewing a movie or playing a game but automatically adjusts to compensate when reading a web page or gazing at a photo.
Face ID and TrueDepth Camera System
Instead of using a Touch ID fingerprint system to authenticate and unlock the iPad Pro, Apple has been introducing the Face ID functionality to its products since 2017.
Face ID performs the same functions as Touch ID, such as unlocking your iPad, granting access to third-party passcode-protected apps, confirming transactions, and authenticating Apple Pay payments.
Face ID uses sensors and cameras embedded into the iPad Pro’s top bezel, and Apple refers to its multi-component configuration as the TrueDepth camera.
A dot projector projects over 30,000 invisible infrared dots onto your face to make the scan that is required for authentication.
An infrared camera reads the dot map, and the structure of your face is communicated to the M1 chip in the iPad Pro, where it is turned into a mathematical model.
The iPad Pro scans your face, recognizes you, and unlocks the tablet in a fraction of a second.
Face ID is more secure than Touch ID, and it cannot be deceived by a photo, mask, or other face impersonation.
An “Attention Aware” security feature ensures that your iPad Pro unlocks only when you stare at it with your eyes open, so it knows not to work when no one is in front of it.
Face ID data is encrypted and saved in the M1 chip’s Secure Enclave.
Authentication takes place on-device, with no data being kept in the cloud, transferred to Apple, or accessible via apps.
Face ID was intended by Apple to work in the dark while wearing sunglasses, and with beards, glasses, makeup, scarves, and other accouterments partially covering the face.
Face ID can also adjust to changes in the face, so if you’re gradually growing out a beard or hair, it will still recognize you.
Face ID on the iPad Pro works in both landscape and portrait mode, which is a unique feature of the iPad.
Face ID on iPhones requires the smartphone to be held in portrait mode for it to function properly.
Selfie Camera
The front-facing TrueDepth camera system comprises a new 12-megapixel sensor with a larger aperture for selfies and FaceTime movies, as well as Portrait Mode, Portrait Lighting, and Animoji and Memoji support.
Center Stage, a function that automatically keeps users perfectly framed during video conversations, is enabled by a new Ultra Wide front camera. Center Stage recognizes and keeps users centered in the frame by utilizing the substantially bigger field of vision on the new front camera and the machine learning capabilities of M1.
Center Stage automatically pans to keep users in the shot as they move around. When others join the call, the camera recognizes them as well and smoothly zooms out to fit everyone into the vision and ensure they are part of the conversation.
Center Stage will be compatible with both FaceTime and third-party apps.
iPad Pro M1 Chip
The latest iPad Pro models are the first to include Apple’s M1 chip, which was the company’s first bespoke silicon chip created for the Mac.
According to Apple, the M1 chip delivers the iPad Pro a “huge increase in performance.”
According to Apple, the 8-core CPU architecture includes the world’s fastest CPU cores in low-power silicon, giving up to 50% greater CPU performance than A12Z Bionic.
Similarly, the 8-core GPU provides up to 40% quicker GPU performance.
This has since been demonstrated in early benchmarks.
The iPad Pro’s M1 chip also includes a variety of proprietary technologies, including as a next-generation 16-core Apple Neural Engine and a more powerful picture signal processor (ISP).
For the first time, the M1 processor enables the iPad Pro to handle 2x quicker storage and up to 2TB of storage, as well as a unified, high-bandwidth memory architecture with up to 16GB of memory. Previous models could only accommodate 1TB of storage and 6GB of RAM.
Rear Cameras and LiDAR Scanner
The iPad Pro retains the previous model’s camera system, which includes a 12-megapixel wide-angle camera with a /1.8 aperture and a 10-megapixel ultra wide-angle camera with a /2.4 aperture and a 125-degree field of view.
There has a True Tone Flash, 5x digital zoom, 63-megapixel panoramas, wide color capture, noise reduction, smart HDR, burst mode, Live Photos support, and auto picture stabilization.
The 2021 iPad Pro models, like the 2018 and 2020 models, lack optical image stabilization.
A LiDAR Scanner (Light Detection and Ranging) is located next to the two main cameras and uses reflected light to measure the distance from the iPad Pro to surrounding objects that are up to five meters (16.4 feet) away, either indoors or outdoors.
At nanosecond speeds, measurements are taken at the photon level.
Depth frameworks in iPadOS combine depth point measured by the LiDAR Scanner, data from the two cameras, and data from motion sensors with computer vision algorithms handled by the M1 chip to create a more detailed and complete understanding of a scene, enabling instant AR placement, improved motion capture, and people occlusion.
The M1’s ISP and Neural Engine enhance the iPad Pro’s camera system, enabling Smart HDR 3 capability for the first time. In low-light circumstances, the ISP and LiDAR Scanner can focus photos and movies rapidly and correctly to capture details with almost no light at all.
With either camera, the iPad Pro can capture 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, extended dynamic range video at up to 30 fps, slo-mo video, time-lapse video, and cinematic video stabilization when recording at 720p or 1080p.
Battery Life
Thanks to the power efficiency of the M1 chip, both iPad Pro models offer “all-day battery life,” with up to 10 hours of battery life when surfing the web or viewing a video.
When using cellular 5G, WiFi + Cellular devices provide up to nine hours of battery life.
Other iPad Pro Features
Microphones and Speakers
The iPad Pro comes with five studio-quality microphones for capturing exceptionally clean audio and the smallest details.
Apple has also outfitted the iPad Pro with a four-speaker audio system that adapts to any position.
The iPad has two speakers on top and two speakers on the bottom, allowing for stereo sound.
When an MFi-compliant case, such as the Magic Keyboard or Smart Keyboard, is closed on the iPad Pro, a hardware microphone disconnect feature disables the microphone entirely.
5G Network Connectivity
Cellular iPad Pro versions now include 5G connectivity, which allows for even faster cellular speeds even on the go.
According to Apple, the iPad Pro has the 5G bands of any device of its kind and provides the broadest 5G coverage worldwide.
In the United States, iPad Pro versions support millimeter wave, a higher frequency form of 5G, allowing the iPad Pro to achieve exceptionally fast wireless rates of up to 4Gbps.
A slower sub-6GHz 5G connection is available in some nations.
The iPad Pro also supports eSIM, making it simple to connect to a network and sign up for a 5G data subscription on the spot.
WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 Support
The 2021 iPad Pro models, like the previous edition, include Bluetooth 5.0 and WiFi 6, also known as 802.11ax.
When there are several WiFi devices in the same area, the revised standard provides faster speeds, more network capacity, higher power efficiency, lower latency, and improved connectivity.
WiFi 6 devices also support WPA3, a security standard with enhanced cryptographic strength.
Storage and RAM
The iPad Pro models from Apple start with 128GB of storage and can be increased to a maximum of 2TB.
For the first time, RAM is also variable.
Those with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage have 8GB of RAM, while models with 1TB or 2TB of storage have 16GB of RAM.
Thunderbolt
For the first time, the 2021 iPad Pro models include a Thunderbolt and USB 4 port, providing 4x greater bandwidth for wired connections than the previous iPad Pro, with speeds up to 40Gbps.
Thunderbolt enables 10Gbps Ethernet and creates an ecosystem of high-performance accessories, such as faster external storage, and higher-resolution external monitors, such as the Pro Display XDR, which offers a full 6K resolution.
The iPad Pro now can support more devices and accessories than ever before, at far quicker rates.
Smart Connector
The iPad Pro’s Smart Connector on the back is intended to communicate with and power peripherals such as the Smart Keyboard Folio.
Because the Smart Connector interface can transfer both power and data, accessories that attach to the iPad Pro via it do not require batteries.
Available Models
The iPad Pro is offered in two common configurations from Apple:
- $799 for an 11-inch LED Liquid Retina display with Wi-Fi only, an M1 CPU, 8GB RAM, and 128GB storage.
- $1,099 for a 12.9-inch mini-LED Liquid Retina display with Wi-Fi only, an M1 CPU, 8GB RAM, and 128GB storage.
Configuration Options
When purchasing the iPad Pro, you have the option of upgrading the storage and adding 5G cellular connectivity:
- 256GB SSD – +$100
- 512GB SSD – +$300
- 1TB SSD – +$700
- 2TB SSD – +$1,100
- 5G Cellular – additional $200
Those with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage have 8GB of RAM, while models with 1TB or 2TB of storage have 16GB of RAM.
Accessories
Magic Keyboard and Trackpad Support
Apple sells the Magic Keyboard, a folio-style shell with a complete illuminated keyboard and a trackpad, to go with the iPad Pro. To deliver 1mm of travel, the Magic Keyboard employs scissor mechanisms similar to those seen on the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro keyboards.
The Magic Keyboard is magnetically attached to the iPad Pro and has cantilevered hinges that allow it to work on a desk or a lap. The hinges enable for viewing angle modifications of up to 130 degrees, allowing it to be customized for any application.
The Magic Keyboard’s design allows the iPad to “float” in the air, with the bottom of the case tilting backward when in keyboard mode.
When not in use, the folio-style design of the keyboard protects the iPad Pro by covering the front and back of the iPad. The Magic Keyboard includes a USB-C port for passing through inductive USB-C charging, freeing up the iPad Pro’s Thunderbolt port for accessories such as Apple external drives and displays.
Trackpad gestures allow users to switch between apps, access the app switcher, and activate the Dock, Control Center, and apps in Slide Over.
The trackpad’s multi-touch motions enable rapid and effortless navigating within iPadOS.
Apple built trackpad support to work with both first-party and third-party apps.
Scrolling across web pages in Safari and photo libraries in Photos, for example, are supported, as are precise text editing in notes and other apps, seeing and organizing correspondence in Mail, and other features.
The Magic Keyboard is now available in a new white color option with the 2021 iPad Pros.
The iPad Pro was designed to work with the Magic Keyboard for iPad, but it also works with the Magic Mouse, Magic Mouse 2, Magic Trackpad, Magic Trackpad 2, and third-party mice through Bluetooth or USB.
Apple also provides the basic Smart Keyboard Folio for the 2021 iPad Pro models as a less expensive alternative to the Magic Keyboard, which lacks backlighting, a touchpad, and a scissor mechanism.
Apple Pencil
2021 iPad Pro models are compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil, which was released in 2018.
The Apple Pencil, which costs $129, connects to the iPad Pro via magnets and charges inductively when attached magnetically.
The magnetic attachment is also used for pairing.
With the second-generation Apple Pencil, you can change brushes or rapidly transition from a brush to an eraser with a tap rather than picking up the pencil and selecting a new tool.
The Apple Pencil is compatible with both first and third-party apps on the iPad Pro, while it is intended primarily for usage with writing and sketching apps. It has enhanced palm rejection, incredible precision, and negligible lag for a paper-like writing experience that no other stylus can match.
By increasing the amount of pressure on the iPad’s screen, thinner and thicker lines can be drawn, and side nib recognition enables shading when the Apple Pencil is tilted.
What is the difference between iPad Pro 11 and 12.9?
For the first time, the considerable change is not confined to screen size. The gadgets have various displays:
- The iPad Pro 12.9 features a revolutionary mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display.
- The iPad Pro 11 has the same Liquid Retina display as the 2020 model.
FAQs
Can I buy iPad Pro on Amazon?
Yes, the iPad Pro is available for purchase online, not only through Apple’s website but also through major retailers such as Amazon.
Is it safe to buy iPad Pro on Amazon?
Yes, purchasing the iPad Pro from Amazon is risk-free.
Amazon inked a contract with Apple in late 2018 to open a dedicated Authorized Apple Reseller store.
This means you can use your Amazon account to buy everything at Apple in the most secure manner imaginable.
Even better, some Apple-branded items are available at lower pricing on Amazon, something you won’t find in the Apple online store.
Does iPad Pro come with 5G wireless connectivity?
Yes, both versions are compatible with rapid 5G connectivity.
They support millimeter wave, the higher frequency variant of 5G in the US, allowing the iPad Pro to attain speeds of up to 4 Gbps.
Is iPad Pro 2021 compatible with Apple Pencil 2?
Yes, the 2021 iPad Pro model is compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil.
Date and pricing of the iPad Pro 2021
- Released on May 21, 2021
- Starts at $1,099 / £999 / AU$1,649 for 128GB
- No accessories are included
Conclusion
The new iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) is the best tablet money can buy, with top-tier power, a brilliant display, a slew of new minor updates, and an overall experience that makes it a must-have for both Apple aficionados and those looking for an unparalleled tablet experience.
It isn’t for everyone, due to its big size and high price, and you could be better served by a more portable and affordable tablet, but make no mistake: this is the finest of the best.
