Skip to main content

iPad Pro

See All Stories

The new iPad Pro is powered by the A12Z processor and features a new camera setup on the back. Apple has also unveiled a new Magic Keyboard with a trackpad for iPad Pro.

New iPad Pro vs 2020 iPad Pro

The iPad Pro is Apple’s professional tablet choice. This iPad promises to fill any professional user needs with a stunning display and high specs. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

History

The first-generation iPad Pro was first available in November of 2015 with a giant 12.9-inch screen. Later in March of 2016, Apple announced a smaller version, with a 9.7-inch display. Apple also introduced the first-generation Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard with this iPad

The Apple Pencil was a key accessory to this iPad since it rejects the user’s palm while in use and is designed for low latency to enable smooth marking on the screen. The Smart Keyboard makes it easier for the user to take notes and work anywhere with the iPad.

As of April 2021, the first-generation iPad Pro runs Apple’s latest software, iPadOS 14.

The second-generation arrived in June of 2017, featuring the A10X Fusion processor and up to 512GB of storage. The 9.7-inch model was replaced with a 10.5-inch version.

In October of 2018, Apple introduced the third-generation iPad Pro, giving the tablet its biggest update yet. With a bezel-less design, the 12.9-inch model became smaller, while Apple replaced the 10.5-inch version for the first-generation 11-inch iPad Pro.

ipad comparison

Apple added Face ID to the tablet, with the ability to unlock the iPad in any orientation. This was also the first mobile product from the company to feature an USB-C port. With up to 1TB of storage, Apple also introduced the second-generation Apple Pencil, now charging when attached to the iPad’s side, and a new Smart Keyboard Folio that protects the iPad when closed.

In March of 2020, Apple introduced the fourth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro and the second-generation 11-inch model. These iPads were the first product to feature a redesigned camera module and the LiDAR Scanner.

in April of 2021, Apple unveiled the fifth-generation iPad Pro with the M1 chip, Thunderbolt port, 5G support, and the mini-LED display technology in the 12.9-inch model.

iPad Pro Specs and Accessories

Apple sells today the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (5th generation) and the 11-inch model (2nd generation). Both versions feature the M1 chip, which is up to 50% faster than the A12Z Bionic in the previous model, 5G support, a Thunderbolt port, and up to 2TB of storage.

For the first time, Apple says the models with more than 1TB of storage have 16GB of RAM, and versions with less than 1TB of storage have 8GB of RAM.

The iPad Pro uses Face ID technology and has a redesigned camera module, with 12MP Wide Len, 10MP Ultra Wide Len, and a LiDAR Scanner, which is used for AR applications and helps to enhance focus while recording videos or taking pictures.

The TrueDepth camera now has a 12MP Ultra Wide Len with the “Center Stage” feature, which always puts the user in the center of a video call.

With up to ten hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi or up to nine hours using a cellular data network, this iPad is available in Silver and Space Gray.

The fifth-generation Pro model works with the Magic Keyboard, featuring a trackpad, backlighted keys, a hinge to adjust the viewing angle, and a USB-C port for pass-through charging. It’s available in white and black. This model also uses the second-generation Apple Pencil, which charges attached to the iPad.

Pricing

iPad Pro (2021) pricing starts at $799 for the 11-inch model, with a 128GB storage option, and Wi-Fi only. The prices can go up to $2,399 with the 12.9-inch model, 2TB storage option, and Wi-Fi + Cellular. Here are the full prices of the third-generation 11-inch model and the fifth-generation 12.9-inch version Apple sell:

11-inch iPad Pro and accessories:

  • 128GB with Wi-Fi: $799
  • 128GB with Wi-Fi + Cellular: $949
  • 256GB with Wi-Fi: $899
  • 256GB with Wi-Fi + Cellular: $1,049
  • 512GB with Wi-Fi: $1,099
  • 512GB with Wi-Fi + Cellular: $1,249
  • 1TB with Wi-Fi: $1,299
  • 1TB with Wi-Fi + Cellular: $1,499
  • 2TB with Wi-Fi: $1899
  • 2TB with Wi-Fi + Cellular: $ 2.099
  • Magic Keyboard (11-inch): $299
  • Apple Pencil (2nd gen): $129

12.9-inch iPad Pro and accessories:

  • 128GB with Wi-Fi: $1099
  • 128GB with Wi-Fi + Cellular: $1,299
  • 256GB with Wi-Fi: $1,199
  • 256GB with Wi-Fi + Cellular: $1,399
  • 512GB with Wi-Fi: $1,399
  • 512GB with Wi-Fi + Cellular: $1,599
  • 1TB with Wi-Fi: $1,799
  • 1TB with Wi-Fi + Cellular: $1,999
  • 2TB with Wi-Fi: $2,199
  • 2TB with Wi-Fi + Cellular: $2,399
  • Magic Keyboard (11-inch): $349
  • Apple Pencil (2nd gen): $129

Lower prices may be available from Apple’s official Amazon store. You can also find the Magic Keyboard and second-generation Apple Pencil.

2021 iPad Pro Launch

The fifth-generation launches in the second half of May. Orders start on April 30.

Fourth-generation iPad Pro review

In our video review of the fourth-generation iPad Pro, we say this is the perfect model to upgrade if you have an iPad older than the third-generation Pro model:

The biggest news surrounding this new iPad isn’t the hardware itself, but it’s the arrival of the brand new and long-rumored keyboard accessory, the Magic Keyboard.

If you already own the 2018 version of this iPad, then there’s really no pressing reason to upgrade to the latest-generation model. However, if you’re coming from an older model, it might make sense to go with the 2020 Pro version over a used or clearance 2018 one.

We will soon review the fifth-generation iPad Pro.

Deals

Over at 9to5Toys, you can find the best deals on the iPad Pro and other Apple products. Download the 9to5Toys iPhone app to receive push notifications for new deals as well.

5G iPad Pro rebate

Buying a 5G iPad Pro through Apple? Here’s how to get up to $200 back

The new iPad Pro is the first of Apple’s tablets to come with 5G for the cellular models. While Apple normally doesn’t do discounts, it’s partnered with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon to offer rebates when you buy a cellular iPad Pro through the Apple Store – but there is some fine print to sift through. Follow along for how the 5G iPad Pro rebate works through Apple.

Expand Expanding Close

Apple says the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro will work with the old Magic Keyboard, but ‘may not precisely fit when closed’

In a new support document published today, Apple has clarified the situation around the Magic Keyboard’s compatibility with the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro. The company now says that the first-generation Magic Keyboard is “functionally compatible” with the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro, but it may not “precisely fit when closed.”

Expand Expanding Close

Here’s how the new iPad Pro compares to the 2020 iPad Pro

New iPad Pro vs 2020 iPad Pro

Apple debuted the 2021 iPad Pro lineup just over a year after the 2020 iPad Pro arrived. The new M1 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro bring a number of hardware updates and capabilities beyond the switch to the powerful Apple Silicon chip. Not sure about picking one up or just curious about the differences? Read on for a detailed look at the new iPad Pro vs. 2020 iPad Pro.

The new iPad Pro goes up for pre-order tomorrow, April 30 – likely at 5 am PT / 8 am ET.

Expand Expanding Close

Mac and iPad Pro ‘are at opposite ends of a thought spectrum,’ Apple exec says in new interview

Last week, Apple unveil during its ‘Spring Loaded’ event the new 24-inch colored iMac and the fifth-generation iPad Pro with M1 chip, Liquid Retina XDR display in the 12.9-inch model, and more. In a new interview with TechCrunch, Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing Greg Joswiak and Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering John Ternus talk about the differences between the new iPad Pro and the M1 mac line.

Expand Expanding Close

Apple execs address merging the iPad and Mac, mini-LED, and more in new interview

Following the announcement of the new M1 iPad Pro and M1 iMac on Tuesday, Apple executives John Ternus and Greg Joswiak have sat down with the Independent for an in-depth interview. The two Apple executives spoke in the interview about Apple’s plans for the iPad and Mac, the new features of the 2021 iPad Pro, and more.

Expand Expanding Close

Opinion: The new iPad Pro is an incredible technological feat, but why should you upgrade?

Just a few weeks ago, I shared my thoughts on why the 2018 iPad Pro is one of the best products Apple has ever made and talked about how it was “one of the most future-proof computers ever made.” The key point I was trying to convey was that the 2020 iPad Pro wasn’t worth upgrading to for most 2018 iPad Pro users. Apple didn’t really give even the most diehard iPad users a reason to upgrade last year. With all of the rumors that were swirling around the next generation (now the current generation), I wanted to recap what kept many of us from upgrading in the hopes that the next version would give us a good reason. So now that we’ve seen the new iPad Pros, are they worth upgrading to? Let’s talk about it.

Expand Expanding Close
iPad Pro

How much is your iPad Pro worth right now?

The new 2021 iPad Pros are here, and while it might not be a night-and-day major upgrade of last year’s models, some might think its improved display is critical! If you’re looking to upgrade to the latest model, you probably have an older iPad to trade in. Here’s what you need to know about trading in your iPad to maximize how much you’ll get to put toward a new 2021 model…

Expand Expanding Close

Roundup: Here’s everything Apple could announce at its April 20 ‘Spring Loaded’ event

Apple spring event

Apple has officially confirmed its long-anticipated spring 2021 event. This year, Apple is holding a virtual event on April 20, and it’s teasing it with the tagline “Spring Loaded.” The event could include a new iPad Pro, AirTags, and more.

Read on as we round up everything that Apple could announce during its April 20 special event.

Expand Expanding Close

How much more would you be willing to pay for the 2021 iPad Pro? [Poll]

Apple’s Spring Loaded event is set for tomorrow, April 20, and we’re expecting to see new iPad Pro models and more. While Apple often introduces new hardware at the same price points as the outgoing devices, we’ve just seen a report that claims the 2021 iPad Pro models could land with price bumps. How much more would you be willing to pay for the 2021 iPad Pro?

Expand Expanding Close

Wedbush analysts predict new entry-level iPad and iPad mini also coming at ‘Spring Loaded’ event

Earlier today, 9to5Mac reported that Wedbush analysts had predicted a price increase for the next iPad Pro generation that will probably be announced tomorrow at Apple’s “Spring Loaded” event. The letter also provides more information about a new entry-level iPad and iPad mini that could be announced as well.

Expand Expanding Close

Apple planning for strong iPhone 13 sales; ‘modest’ price increase for iPad Pro

Apple anticipating strong iPhone 13 sales

A new analyst report suggests that Apple is expecting strong iPhone 13 sales when the new lineup is launched in the fall. Supply-chain checks indicate that Apple is gearing up for even more orders than the company initially planned for the iPhone 12.

The report also predicts “modest” price increases for the new iPad Pro models we’re expecting to see unveiled tomorrow, over pricing of the existing models …

Expand Expanding Close