Apple has this morning unveiled the next-generation iPad Pro. In what is their first major product announcement for 2020. And is available for order from Apple’s online store starting today.
The new iPad Pro features a breakthrough LiDAR Scanner, Pro Cameras, A12Z Bionic Chip, and studio-quality Mics. Plus an all-new Magic Keyboard designed for iPad Pro with a trackpad and more.
New Technology
From the outside, the new iPad Pro is fairly identical to the previous model, other than the new Camera module. But Apple has packed in a fair amount of new and upgraded technology which makes it the best iPad Pro yet,
Key new technology includes:
- A12Z Bionic Chip with 8-core graphics and enough processing power to make the iPad faster than most modern PC Notebooks
- 11-inch and 12.9-inch displays with P3 wide colour and a refresh rate of up to 120 Mhz
- Pro Cameras with 12MP wide camera and second 10MP Ultrawide camera
- Five studio-quality microphones
- LiDAR Scanner
- Support for new Magic Keyboard with Trackpad and more
Those last two points are perhaps most significant to the new device. Because it is going to open up more possibilities and change the way we can use the iPad.
LiDAR Scanner
The LiDAR Scanner is a brand new technology which Apple goes on to describe as “enables capabilities never before possible on any mobile device”. The scanner is capable of measuring the distance to surrounding objects up to 5 meters away. And it works outdoors and indoors at nano-second speeds.
iPad Pro combines data-points from the scanner, both cameras, motion sensors, and more. All of which is then processed on the fly by the A12Z Bionic Chip. Bringing a more detailed understanding of the real-world scene around you – insane!
Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro
Joining the new iPad Pro is an all-new attachable Apple-designed keyboard. One which Apple is calling the Magic Keyboard.
The new keyboard features a unique cantilevered hinge which allows the iPad to magnetically float. At a viewing angle of up to 130 degrees according to Apple. But in addition, the new keyboard also brings:
- A full-sized keyboard
- Backlit keys
- New scissor mechanism with 1mm key travel
- USB-C for charging both the keyboard and iPad Pro
In addition, Magic Keyboard features a ‘click-anywhere’ trackpad – the first Apple has brought trackpad to iPad.
Complimenting the trackpad is support for it in iPadOS 13.4 which will be available to eligible devices from March 25th. It brings a unique experience designed just for iPad. Including fluid gestures, smooth scrolling, circle cursor, and more.
While iPad Pro is available for order today, Magic Keyboard will be available a little later – from May. At a Recommended Retail Price of A$499 for the 11-inch iPad Pro and A$589 for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro
Pricing and Release
In Australia, the new 11-inch iPad Pro is priced starting at a Recommended Retail Price of A$1,329. While the 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at a Recommended Retail Price of A$1,649.
Pricing does vary between models which differ in connectivity (Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi + Cellular) and storage and display size.
University students and teachers of all educational institutes can save A$80 off the Recommended Retail Price. With Apple offering special educational pricing on iPad Pro from their online store for Education.
All new iPad Pro models can be ordered from Apple’s online store. All orders include fast, free delivery and 14-day returns. A one-year free membership to Apple TV+ is also included to those customers eligible for the offer.
