Apple unveiled at an event in New York an updated version of its iPad Pro. The tablets come with the new Liquid Retina displays, a faster processor, Face ID replacing the Touch ID to unlock the device, a new USB-C Connector, gigabit LTE and the magnetic Apple Pencil. Available in 11- and 12.9-inch models, the new iPads go on sale 07 November in stores.
Adopting the Liquid Retina LCD display of the iPhone XR, the new iPad Pro offers enhanced resolution as well as an increased screen-to-body ratio compared to the previous 10.5-inch model thanks to the elimination of the touch sensor in favour of Face ID. Both models are just 5.9 mm thick, the thinnest iPad design yet, and come with a new design of rounded corners on the unibody casing.
Apple upgraded the A12 Bionic chip used on the latest range of iPhones to create the faster A12X Bionic with next-generation Neural Engine for the iPad Pro. The company said the upgraded chip will support new AR applications, such as measuring the reflection on real-world objects and navigating buildings in 3D, as well as new creative applications like Adobe's upcoming Project Aero. In addition, the company eliminated its Lightning connector in favour of USB-C, which can be used to connect a monitor or charge an iPhone.
Targeting high-end, business users, the new tablets are 92 percent faster than all portable PCs sold in the year to June, Apple claims. They offer storage options of 64, 256, 512 or a new 1 TB, making them a suitable replacement for traditional laptops, as well as optional LTE modems with gigabit speeds.
To enhance usage, Apple offers separately the Apple Pencil to write and draw on the screen, as well as the new Smart Keyboard Folio, a combination cover and keypad for the device. The second-generation Apple Pencil magnetically attaches to the iPad Pro for pairing and wireless charging. A double tap on the pencil allows users to change modes within apps like Notes.
The new iPad Pro will be available in silver and space gray finishes and starts at USD 799 for the Wi-Fi model and USD 949 for the LTE version. The top 12.5-inch model with 1 TB and LTE costs USD 1,899. Initial availability is planned for over 40 countries. The Apple Pencil will sell for USD 129, and the Keyboard Folio starts at USD 179.
Apple also announced at the event new Mac computers, including an updated MacBook Air laptop and a more powerful Mac Mini, its portable desktop computer. The company said it has reached over 100 million Mac users worldwide.
