After years of rumors and speculation, Apple has unveiled a larger more powerful verso of the traditional iPad – the iPad Pro.
iPad Pro uses a 12.9-inch display, 2732 x 2048 resolution with 264 ppi, and uses the same technology found in the 5K IMac display to bring the pixels to life.
The new iPad is powered by Apple’s new A9X processor which is 1.8 times faster than the previous chip. Graphics on the new iPad have also doubled in terms of performance. On stage Phil Schiller said that iPad Pro “is faster than 80 percent of the portable PCs that shipped in the last 12 months,” and “In graphics tasks it’s faster than 90 percent of them.”
To highlight its performance credentials, Apple says the iPad Pro will last 10 hours on battery with the ability to edit three streams of 4K video simultaneously.
Thew new iPad comes with a four-speaker audio system and iOS 9 will balance the sound based on how you’re holding the device.
The width of the iPad Pro is the same as the height of the iPad Air 2, is just 6.9mm thin and weighs in at just 1.57 pounds.
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At the keynote, Apple has also introduced a Smart Keyboard for the iPad Pro, which is attached to the iPad Pro via three new circles along the side of the device act as a new Smart Connector – you know, similar to Microsoft’s Surface keyboard.
Apple has also unveiled a new stylus for the iPad Pro – the Apple Pencil. When you’re using the Pencil, the iPad Pro increases the amount of scanning on the surface of the display to improve accuracy. The Apple Pencil has sensitivity sensors so you can press lightly for brief strokes or harder for wider strokes. Apple claims it feels like a true writing or drawing instrument.
Apple Pencil can be recharged using a Lightning connector that plugs directly into the iPad Pro, and a 15-second charge will last for 30 minutes. Apps like the built-in Mail and Notes apps all support Apple Pencil, allowing you to ink in notes or email messages.
The new iPad Pro also includes a Touch ID sensor and support for LTE. Apple has placed an 8-megapixel iSight camera on the rear, and a FaceTime HD Camera at the front.
Apple is planning to release the iPad Pro in November in silver, gold, and space grey finishes. A 32GB model starts at $799, while a 128GB version is priced at $949. If you want to opt for LTE then the only choice is the 128GB model that comes in at $1,079.
NOTE: the Smart Keyboard and/or Apple Pencil are a separate purchase. Apple Pencil will cost you $99 and Smart Keyboard will sell for $169