Apple revealed updated versions of its iPad Air and iPad Pro models on Tuesday.
TakeAway Points:
- Apple unveiled the first new iterations of the iPad Air and iPad Pro tablet computers since October 2022.
- The company also added that there will be two sizes for Apple’s most expensive and sophisticated tablet, the iPad Pro: an 11-inch device and a 13-inch variant.
- Apple reduced the cost of its entry-level iPad from $429 to $349.
First New Iterations of the iPad Air and iPad Pro Tablet
Apple CEO Tim Cook stated in a brief video that was uploaded to the company’s website, “This is the biggest day for iPad since its introduction.”
Since the device’s introduction in 2011, Apple has not introduced new iPad models until October 2022, which is the longest period of time between updates.
There will be two sizes for Apple’s most expensive and sophisticated tablet, the iPad Pro: an 11-inch device and a 13-inch variant, the company announced. The company called the product its thinnest ever, coming in at 5.1 millimetres thick.
Prices and Specifications
The pricing of the larger 13-inch device with 256GB of storage starts at $1,299, a modest premium over the smaller iPad Pro, which starts at $999.
The iPad Pro is designed to fit into a new aluminium shell called Magic Keyboard, which connects the tablet to a keyboard and trackpad. According to Apple, utilising the case will make using an iPad Pro “exactly like a MacBook,” or comparable to using a laptop.
Depending on size, the Magic Keyboard will cost $249 or $299. Additionally, Apple revealed the $129 Apple Pencil Pro, an upgraded stylus.
The pricing of the larger 13-inch device with 256GB of storage starts at $1,299, a modest premium over the smaller iPad Pro, which starts at $999.
The iPad Pro is designed to fit into a new aluminium shell called Magic Keyboard, which connects the tablet to a keyboard and trackpad. According to Apple, utilising the case will make using an iPad Pro “exactly like a MacBook,” or comparable to using a laptop.
Depending on size, the Magic Keyboard will cost $249 or $299. Additionally, Apple revealed the $129 Apple Pencil Pro, an upgraded stylus.
The M4, a new Apple semiconductor that replaces the M3 chips that presently power Apple computers, is used in the updated iPad versions. According to Apple, the M4 CPU is a “outrageously powerful chip for AI,” citing, among other things, its capacity to run software that separates video subjects from their backgrounds.
“This stunning design and breakthrough display required we make the leap to the next generation of Apple silicon,” John Ternus, an Apple hardware executive, said.
Apple has announced that the iPad Pro tablets will utilise a new type of display known as OLED, which is the same technology that Apple uses in its iPhones. The company also said that the new tablets will have more vibrant colours and be brighter than previous models. To create the screens, which are known as Ultra Retina XDR, Apple developed a technology known as “tandem OLED.”
iPad Pro’s Final Cut Camera
The iPad Pro has a 12 megapixel rear camera that can record 4K video, according to Apple, and the company also announced an update to the camera’s flash that should make scanning documents easier. The new tablets and accessories are available for preorder now and will go on sale next week.
The company also mentioned that the iPad Pro could be a useful tool for professional video producers and revealed a new app called Final Cut Camera that can control multiple iPhone cameras.
According to Apple, the iPad Air will be available in two sizes: a larger 13-inch device and an 11-inch variant that is compatible with older models. Both have Apple’s M2 chip installed. The larger iPad starts at $799, while the smaller iPad costs $599 for 128GB of storage.
In order to better facilitate video conferences, Apple has also shifted the front-facing camera to the longer side of the device, or landscape mode, to match the more costly iPad Pro versions.
The iPad Air, which comes in blue, purple, and gold hues, will go on sale in stores the following week.
Additionally, Apple reduced the cost of its entry-level iPad from $429 to $349.
