Apple Introduces iPad Pro

Today, Apple announced a new member of the iPad line: the iPad Pro. It features a 12.9” Retina display with 5.6 million pixels, more than a 15” MacBook Pro with Retina display, and uses variable refresh rate and other technologies to save energy. Apple claims a 10 hour battery life, and it measures in at 6.9 mm thick and 1.57 lb. The iPad Pro has 4 speakers, which dynamically rebalance depending on how it’s held to consistently provide clear and rich stereo sound.

Its new 64 bit A9X chip is 1.8x faster than the A8X chip, and has a 2x faster GPU. According to Apple, that makes the iPad Pro faster than 80% of portable PCs sold in last month, and 90% better on graphics. It uses 802.11ac WiFi with MIMO, and supports many LTE bands and cellular technologies (DC-HSDPA and HSPA+).

Apple introduced a stylus for the iPad Pro called the Apple Pencil, which must be purchased separately. The iPad Pro’s Multi-Touch sensors have been redesigned to communicate well with the Apple Pencil for precision and accuracy across varied pressures and even tilt angles, allowing for many new input methods for design and other purposes.

Apple announced a new Smart Keyboard accessory, which also must be purchased separately, that boasts a full-size keyboard and can transform into a Smart Cover. The case connects to the iPad Pro through a new Smart Connector port, avoiding the need for a battery or Bluetooth. The keyboard is covered in woven fabric and features Apple’s new key mechanism.

The new iPad Pro and accessories will be available in November, starting at $799 USD for the 32 GB with Wi-Fi model, and up to $1079 USD for the Wi-Fi + Cellular 128 GB model. Apple Pencil will be $99 USD and the Smart Keyboard will be $169 USD in charcoal gray. New iPad Pro Smart Covers will be $59 USD, available in charcoal gray and white. New iPad Pro Silicone Cases will be available for $79 USD in charcoal gray and white.