New iPad Pro & iPad Air Plus A Price Cut On iPad (10th Generation)
On May 8, 2024, Apple announced significant updates to its iPad lineup from California, introducing new iPad Pro and iPad Air models, alongside new accessories, App updates and a notable price reduction to iPad (10th Generation).
All New iPad Pro
The new iPad Pro is available in two sizes, 11 inches and 13 inches with both featuring the breakthrough Ultra Retina XDR display. This cutting-edge display utilises state-of-the-art tandem OLED technology to deliver spectacular brightness and contrast, enhancing every visual experience. The new iPad Pro models are still available in the two classic colour options of Silver and Space Grey.
Tandem OLED technology is display technology that uses two OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) layers stacked one on top of the other. This dual-layer approach is used to enhance the performance of the display in several key areas.
The new iPad Pro models are also impressively thin, with the 11-inch model measuring just 5.9mm and the 13-inch model even slimmer at 5.9mm. This ultra-thin profile is not just about sleek looks; it helps make iPad Pro incredibly light and portable.
The iPad Pro 11-inch starts at A$1,699 for 256GB and has storage sizes of up to 2TB wit the 13-inch iPad Pro starting at A$2,199 for 256GB. Nano-texture glass is also available for 1TB and 2TB iPad Pro models.
Performance Enhancements With M4 Chip
At the heart of the new iPad Pro lies the M4 chip, which brings significant performance enhancements with its advanced CPU and GPU capabilities. This powerful chip not only supports the dynamic capabilities of the Ultra Retina XDR display but also ensures the iPad Pro can handle professional-grade applications and AI-enhanced tasks with unprecedented efficiency.
This architecture allows the M4 to provide up to 50% faster CPU performance compared to its predecessor, the M2 chip. This improvement is crucial for professionals who use their iPad Pro for complex tasks such as video editing, 3D design, and large-scale data analysis.
Better Connectivity & New Accessories
The new iPad Pro models support Wi-Fi 6E and optional 5G connectivity, ensuring fast and reliable internet wherever you go. They are also compatible with the new Apple Pencil Pro, offering improved precision for artists and professionals alike, and the redesigned Magic Keyboard, elevating the versatility of the iPad Pro.
Next-Generation Magic Keyboard
Accompanying the new iPad Pro is a redesigned Magic Keyboard that promises a thinner and lighter form factor while incorporating pro-friendly enhancements. These improvements include a larger trackpad for improved navigation and a dedicated function row for quick access to system controls.
This new Magic Keyboard is designed exclusively for use with this iPad Pro, ensuring a seamless fit is available from $499.
iPad Air With Two Sizes
The iPad Air is now offered in two sizes for the first time – an 11-inch iPad Air and a larger, 13-inch iPad Air. Both are equipped with a vibrant Liquid Retina display that includes True Tone technology and supports a wide P3 colour gamut. These enhancements make the new models ideal for professional and personal use, providing more screen space and vivid visuals.
These new models are available in two new shades of blue and purple, as well as starlight and space grey. There is also upgraded cameras and audio for high-quality video calls and media consumption. The front-facing Ultra Wide 12MP camera has also moved to the landscape edge as most users use their iPad in landscape mode.
The iPad Air starts at $999 with 128GB storage and the 13-inch iPad Air starts at $1,299.
Now With M2 Chip
The iPad Air models are powered by the M2 chip, which considerably enhances their processing power compared to their predecessors. This chip allows for a responsive user experience and enables the handling of more demanding applications and multitasking effortlessly.
This brings substantial improvements in processing power, graphics performance, and efficiency with its 8-core CPU for rapid processing and a 10-core GPU for superior graphics performance, all optimised for efficiency and power.
Both New iPad Models Support Apple Pencil Pro
Both the M4 iPad Pro and the sixth generation iPad Air now support the newly introduced Apple Pencil Pro. This advanced stylus includes innovative features like a squeeze gesture, which allows for a variety of custom actions tailored by apps to enhance user productivity and creativity.
Additionally, a built-in gyroscope enables users to roll the Pencil, providing unmatched precision for the tool in use. The inclusion of Find My integration ensures that users can easily locate their Apple Pencil Pro if misplaced, adding an extra layer of security and convenience.
The Apple Pencil Pro is priced at $219 with the Apple Pencil (USB-C), which is compatiable with both models is available for $139.
Also Announced: Final Cut Pro 2 and Logic Pro 2
Apple has significantly upped its software game with the introduction of Final Cut Pro 2 and Logic Pro 2 for iPad, showcasing the powerful capabilities of the new hardware. Final Cut Pro 2 introduces advanced features such as Live Multicam, which revolutionizes video production by allowing real-time editing from multiple camera feeds.
Similarly, Logic Pro 2 offers new audio editing capabilities like stem splitting, enhancing music production workflows. These applications demonstrate Apple’s commitment to providing professional-grade software that leverages the robust performance of its latest iPad models.
Introducing Final Cut Camera App
In a surprising move, Apple also announced the Final Cut Camera app, a new utility for both iPhone and iPad set to launch later this spring. This app is designed to support the Live Multicam feature in Final Cut Pro 2 and will serve as a standalone video capture tool with advanced manual controls for professional users.
The introduction of the Final Cut Camera app further emphasises Apple’s focus on enhancing content creation across its devices, making advanced video production more accessible to professionals and enthusiasts alike.
iPad (10th Generation) Price Reduction & No iPad mini
In addition to the exciting new releases, Apple has reduced the price of the iPad (10th generation) to $599. This price adjustment makes the popular device more accessible to a broader audience, ensuring that more customers can enjoy iPad. Other than these updates, there was no news about any other Apple products or the iPad mini which was also expected to have an update.
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