At its hardware event today, Apple introduced its all-new iPad Pro. The most anticipated device of the day seems to have matched most expectations, just about. It was only yesterday we discussed the probability of Apple leaning on the design and features of the iPhone X for its new iPad Pro, and that is what has happened for the most part.
It's true, the new iPad Pro is not a direct lookalike of the iPhone X, but you can certainly see where Apple drew its inspiration. With that in mind, we don't get quite the all-display aesthetic of the X. Instead, the new iPad has drastically reduced its bezels… but they are still there. The result is a sleeker device.
Is this the most drastic change in the history of iPad? We said yesterday Apple would need to make such a change to reignite tablet sales (declining overall, not just for Apple). The new iPad Pro is probably not that seismic aesthetic shift, but it is the most individual iPad yet.
Not least because Apple has removed the Home button for the first time on its tablet. In its place is FaceID, making the journey from the iPhone, and a reliance on gesture controls.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ5q8Wrkbdw
Under the hood is Apple's excellent A12x Bionic CPU built on 7nm manufacturing. Cutting to the chase of this processor, it basically ensures the iPad Pro is going to be a blazing performer. If you are unfamiliar with the A12X, it powers the latest iPhone Xs Max and comes with 8 cores and 7-core GPU.
Apple says the result will be 35% faster single core performance and 90% faster multi-core. In other words, if you are a power user coming from an older iPad, you will notice the difference. In a little nod to gamers, Apple said the processor GPU is in the same class as the GPU in the Xbox One S.
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The all-new iPad Pro is now available with up to 1TB storage and interestingly, Apple has ditched its Lightning port in favor of USB-C (take note Microsoft). Through this connection, users can connect the iPad to any display up to 5K. As for the display on the device, it is available in 12.9-inch or 11-inch and the product is just 5.9mm thick.
Apple says pre-orders start today and shipments will begin November 7. The entry price for the 11-inch iPad Pro is $799, which the 12.9-inch model starts at $999. Last year's 10.5-inch variant is hanging around and will cost at least $649.
