WWDC 2017: Apple's updated iPad Pro comes in 10.5in and 12.9in models and is more powerful than your PC
Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference is traditionally about software, but that certainly isn’t the case this year as the tech giant has refreshed its Mac line, and introduced a new HomePod speaker.
Apple today also introduces all-new 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pros powered by a new A10X Fusion chip that Apple says "delivers incredible performance that rivals today’s fastest PC laptops" -- a clear dig at Microsoft.
A six-core CPU and 12-core GPU reportedly delivers up to 30 percent faster CPU performance and 40 percent faster graphics performance than the A9X chip, but Apple says you’ll still get all-day battery life.
The new 10.5-inch model reduces the bezels by nearly 40 percent and has a redesigned Retina display that’s 20 percent larger than the 9.7-inch iPad Pro. The display is brighter and features antireflective coating.
iPad Pro now has ProMotion, a new technology that delivers refresh rates of up to 120Hz for fluid scrolling, greater responsiveness and smoother motion content. It automatically adjusts the display to the movement of the content.
The new tablets feature the same advanced front- and back-facing cameras as iPhone 7, including a 12-megapixel camera with optical image stabilization, and a 7-megapixel FaceTime HD camera.
ALSO READ: Logitech releases Slim Combo keyboard case for new 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch Apple iPad Pro
New iOS 11 features will allow you to get more out of the iPad too. These include an all-new Files app, multi-touch drag and drop support, a customizable Dock that provides quick access to frequently used apps and documents, improved multitasking, a new document scanner in Notes, and deeper integration with Apple Pencil.
"These are by far the most powerful iPads we’ve ever created with the world’s most advanced displays featuring ProMotion, the powerful new A10X Fusion chip and the advanced camera system of iPhone 7," says Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Product Marketing. "Together with iOS 11 these new iPad Pro models will radically change what users can do with iPad."
The 10.5-inch iPad Pro comes in silver, space gray, gold and rose gold and starts at $649 for the 64GB with Wi-Fi model and $779 for the 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular model. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is available in silver, space gray and gold and starts at $799 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model and $929 for the 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular model.
You don't have to wait until the holiday season to get your hands on them either, and they are both available to order beginning today from apple.com and will ship next week. Both models will be available to buy from next week too.