Today, Apple took a leap forward in the tablet market with the introduction of its latest iPad Pro lineup. In a virtual event streamed from its headquarters in Cupertino, California, Apple unveiled the new iPad Pro models, along with an all-new Apple Pencil Pro. CEO Tim Cook called it “the biggest day for iPad since its introduction.” The star of the show is Apple’s custom M4 processor, which promises four times the performance of previous iPad Pro models. Cook described it as an “outrageously powerful chip for AI.”
The new iPad Pro comes in two sizes: 11 inches and 13 inches. The 11-inch model is Apple’s thinnest yet, measuring at just 5.1 mm and weighing less than a pound. It features a stunning display that combines two OLED panels to provide maximum brightness. The iPad Pro is available in two finishes: silver and space black.
For the first time, the iPad Air is also available in the same two sizes as the iPad Pro. Priced at $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch model, the iPad Air offers 30% more screen real estate compared to the 11-inch iPad Pro. It is powered by Apple’s custom M2 processor, which boasts a faster GPU and neural engine that is 50% faster than the previous iPad Air. The M2 chip is specifically designed to support AI-powered software. Additionally, the iPad Air features a front-facing landscape camera.
To complement the new iPads, Apple introduced an upgraded Apple Pencil priced at $129. The Apple Pencil now includes a new squeeze function that allows users to bring up tools and customize drawing layers. It also incorporates haptic feedback and supports Find My, making it easier to locate when it goes missing. Apple also showcased a redesigned Magic Keyboard with a haptic trackpad, aiming to enhance the iPad’s functionality and make it more like a laptop.
Aside from the hardware updates, Apple also announced significant upgrades to key apps, including Final Cut. Users can now incorporate AI-based audio or edit with the help of AI, further enhancing the creative capabilities of the iPad.
The new iPad lineup is available for pre-order starting today and will be available in stores next week. This announcement comes shortly after Apple reported a 17% decline in iPad revenue for the last quarter. However, the company expressed optimism about the future, expecting double-digit growth in the iPad business for the upcoming quarter.
Ben Wood, a chief analyst at market research firm CCS Insight, believes that the introduction of the iPad Pro’s M4 chip and its significant performance improvements could generate excitement among consumers. While it may not immediately revive the tablet market, Wood thinks it will provide a compelling reason for customers with aging products to upgrade. He also notes that Apple is determined to regain its edge in the AI space, as evidenced by the company’s emphasis on artificial intelligence during the event.
During an earnings call last week, Cook hinted at the inclusion of generative AI tools in Apple products in the coming weeks. This move will help Apple catch up to its competitors in the AI arena. Cook sees generative AI as a significant opportunity across Apple’s product lineup and believes that the company has unique advantages in this area.
With the introduction of the new iPad Pro and iPad Air models, Apple is aiming to redefine the tablet experience. The improved performance, sleek design, and AI capabilities make these devices a compelling choice for both creative professionals and everyday users. As Apple continues to innovate and push boundaries, it remains to be seen how the tablet market will respond to these game-changing advancements.
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