Today, Apple has announced a brand new iPad Pro model which has a new camera system, LiDAR, new system on a chip and also a new keyboard accessory which has an integrated trackpad. The last version of the iPad Pro was introduced at the end of 2018 and featured the new design with no home button, Face ID and edge to edge displays.
The new iPad Pro models are based on that version and take it a step further.
What’s new with the new iPad Pro?
Starting off with the design, the design as mentioned is very similar to the last generation iPad Pro models, we still get the two sizes with the 11-inch and the 12.9-inch versions.
The only real visible exterior change is the new camera bump, which looks similar to the iPhone 11 Pro. However it does look a bit different, on the iPhone 11 Pro we have three different lenses, one standard, one ultra wide and one telephoto. For the new iPad Pro, we have a standard lens at 12MP and the ultra wide lens is added at 10MP.
Also tucked away in the new camera module is now a new LiDAR scanner, which is going to be used for getting much better data for use in ARKit apps, it can be used for up to five metres away.
“The custom-designed LiDAR scanner uses direct time of flight to measure reflected light from up to five metres away, both indoors and out.”
On the inside of the new iPad Pro models, there is a brand new Apple designed A12Z Bionic Chip, which has an eight core GPU and a redesigned thermal architecture. Also new is support for 802.11ax WiFi (or WiFi 6) and sixty percent faster LTE, which is now ‘gigabit-class.’
Apple has also added more microphones to both iPad Pro models, with five ‘studio-quality microphones’, similar to the new MacBook Pro 16-inch and the same four speakers remain.
Magic Keyboard
For the new iPad Pro, Apple is launching a brand new keyboard accessory which has a much better MacBook style, backlit keyboard with an integrated trackpad – now for the first time on an iPad. iOS 13.4 when it launches soon, will have native support for the trackpad. The iPad docks into the stand magnetically and can be adjusted to much greater angles than the previous keyboard cover.
The keyboard is now full size, has 1mm of key travel and is fully backlit. The keyboard also has a USB-C port for pass through charging of the keyboard and the iPad.
When I get the new iPad?
The new iPad Pro is available from today to order on apple.com and the Apple Store app, obviously not in any Apple Stores at the moment as they are all closed until further notice.
The 11-inch version starts at £769 and comes in Space Grey and Silver, storage can be upgraded to 256GB, 512GB or 1TB and comes with 128GB as standard. The cellular models are a bit of a price jump from the WiFi versions. WiFi and Cellular iPad Pro 11-inch with 128GB is £919.
The 12.9-inch version starts at £969 and also comes in same colours and storage upgrade options. The 12-inch iPad Pro starts at £969 for 128GB and WiFi. Upgrading to WiFi and Cellular bumps the price up to £1,119.
The new Magic Keyboard case/cover with the trackpad will be available to buy in May starting at £299 for the 11-inch version and £349 for the 12.9-inch version.
Apple is also selling the Smart Keyboard Folio still, redesigned for the new camera bump on the 4th generation iPad Pro models. £179 for the 11-inch version and £199 for the 12.9-inch version.
Apple is also launching a new Smart Folio case for the iPad Pro, with a more traditional style similar to the old Smart Cover cases from older iPads, but the new Smart Folio covers the front and the back of the iPad Pro. £79 for the 11-inch version and £99 for the 12.9-inch version.
