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Apple made a big splash on Tuesday with the announcement of its latest iPad Air and iPad Pro tablets.
In a short video posted on the company's website, Apple CEO Tim Cook declared, “This is the biggest day for iPad since its introduction.”
These new iPad models mark the first update from Apple since October 2022, marking the longest interval between updates since the device's launch in 2011.
The iPad Pro, Apple’s top-of-the-line tablet, will be available in two sizes: an 11-inch model and a 13-inch model. Apple boasts that it's the thinnest iPad ever, measuring just 5.1 millimeters thick.
Pricing for the smaller iPad Pro starts at $999, while the larger 13-inch model starts at $1,299 for 256GB of storage, a slight increase from previous models.
Both iPad Pro models are designed to work with a new case called the Magic Keyboard, made from aluminum and featuring a keyboard and trackpad. Apple promises a laptop-like experience, stating it will feel "just like a MacBook." The Magic Keyboard will be available for $249 or $299, depending on size. Additionally, Apple announced an updated stylus called the Apple Pencil Pro, priced at $129.
These fresh iPad models are powered by the new Apple M4 chip, a significant upgrade from the M3 chips currently used in Apple’s laptops. Apple describes the M4 chip as "outrageously powerful for AI," highlighting its ability to power software that can isolate subjects from their backgrounds in videos.
Apple's iPad Pro tablets will feature a new OLED display technology, similar to what's used in iPhones. The company claims these new tablets will be brighter and have more vibrant colors than previous models. Apple has developed a technology called "tandem OLED" to create these screens, branded as Ultra Retina XDR.
The iPad Pro is positioned as a valuable tool for professional video producers, with Apple introducing a new app called Final Cut Camera that can control multiple iPhone cameras. The iPad Pro also includes a 12-megapixel rear camera capable of recording 4K video, along with an improved flash for easier document scanning.
Pre-orders for the new tablets and accessories are open now, with sales starting next week.
In addition to the iPad Pro, Apple also announced updates to the iPad Air, which will come in two sizes: an 11-inch option and a larger 13-inch model. Both will feature Apple's M2 chip. The smaller iPad Air will cost $599 for 128GB of storage, while the larger iPad Air starts at $799.
Apple has made some design changes to the iPad Air, moving the front-facing camera to the longer side of the device for better video conferencing, matching the more expensive iPad Pro models. The iPad Air will be available in stores next week and comes in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, and gold.
Lastly, Apple has reduced the price of its entry-level iPad to $349, down from $429, making it a more affordable option for consumers.
