For years, iPad fans have been hoping to see a new iPad that actually features major upgrades. It is true that Apple has managed to release new iPads in the last few years, but apart from a few minor tweaks, none of these releases have been really exciting. That changes now with the introduction of the iPad Pro (which along with other products was unveiled together with the new iPhone 6s and the iPhone 6s Plus).
Size Matters. At the risk of belaboring the obvious, the iPad Pro is really big. With a screen that measures 12.9 inches and a display that features 2,732 by 2,048 pixels, Apple’s newest iPad can simply display more stuff. Considering its huge display screen, the iPad Pro will unavoidable find itself being compared to the 12 inch retina MacBook, but that device runs on OS X while the newest tablet from Apple runs on the iOS 9 mobile operating system (more on this below).
Split Screen. With its generous display screen real estate, it makes so much sense for the iPad Pro to come with a split screen functionality. This feature basically allows users to view and run two separate apps side by side on the tablet’s screen without sacrificing processing speed. And with a 12.9 screen, people still get two quite adequate halves of the display.
The Apple Pencil. This is the stylus that Apple purposely developed and designed to used with the iPad Pro. Fingers are more than enough to operate a tablet, but with a stylus like the Apple Pencil, one’s capabilities are magnified, especially when the tablet user is using the iPad Pro for graphic design, photo editing, and other content creation tasks. If enough artists take a liking to using the iPad Pro and the Apple Pencil, Wacom better watch out.
A9X Chip. Apple put its third generation 64 bit processor inside the iPad Pro in order to make its latest tablet perform up to 1.8 times better (in terms of CPU prowess) than the iPad Air 2. After all, if the iPad Pro can display two apps on its 5.6 million pixel display screen at the same time, it should be able to deliver on the processing side of things.
iOS 9. Apple claims its newest iOS is the most advanced mobile operating system in the planet. When it is paired with the iPad Pro’s processing power, you get something that is more than just the sum of its parts. And since the iPad Pro is designed for more than just the usual needs of casual users, its software comes with more features and functionalities to match the “pro” preferences of its owner.
Smart Keyboard. As far as tablet accessories go, the Smart Keyboard is pretty swell. It is completely portable, and when used with the Smart Connector, a groundbreaking new interface that facilitates an unparalleled two way exchange of power and information, it becomes more than just another input device.
Hardware specs. The iPad pro also comes with dual camera on the front and back, twin speakers both at the top and bottom, a lightning port, a headphone jack, side buttons, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.
The iPad Pro will start shipping on November at $799 for the 32 gigabyte edition, $949 for the 64 gigabyte edition, and $1,079 for the 128 gigabyte edition. The Apple Pencil is priced at $99 while the Smart Keyboard goes for $169.
