Apple has just launched the new iPad Pro 2021 and it’s packed with tech, including a Mini LED display on the 12.9-inch version, 5G connectivity and the use of the firm’s powerhouse M1 chip.
We’ve been waiting for a big update to Apple’s flagship tablet for a while, with the previous model being a little light on new features.
That really can’t be said about the iPad Pro 2021 as this is easily the most powerful tablet we’ve ever seen. Could this be the best tablet of the year? Here’s a look at everything we know so far.
iPad Pro 2021 release date – The new iPad Pro is finally here
- iPad Pro 2021 official
- Orders start on April 30
- Price increase for the 12.9-inch model
Apple has announced that the iPad Pro 2021 will be available to order from April 30, with units shipping out in the ‘second half’ of May.
Pricing for the 11-inch model, which lacks the Mini LED display tech, will start at $799/£749. The more premium 12.9-inch model’s pricing starts at $1099/£999. This can go as high as £2149 for the 5G 2TB model.
Screen – Apple ups the game with a Mini LED XDR display on the 12.9-inch model
- New screen tech could be a big upgrade
- The updated display restricted to the larger model
The most significant change for the iPad Pro 2021 is a switch to a mini-LED display. This an alternative to OLED that offers improved contrast, darker blacks and more efficient lighting.
Apple is restricting this new display tech to the 12.9-inch model, saying it can hit 1000 nits consistent and 1600 nits peak brightness. This should really help HDR video pop and the screen generally look more dynamic. Like the iPhone 12 line and the Pro Display, there’s XDR branding for Extreme Dynamic Range.
The new iPad Pros keep many of the previous generations’ perks, like the 120Hz ProMotion tech, True Tone and support for the wide P3 colour gamut.
Apple said, during the event, the pixels here are 120x smaller than found in the previous iPad LCD.
The 11-inch will keep the same Liquid Retina Display as before, with 600 nits peak brightness, ProMotion, P3 support and True Tone.
Performance, features and 5G – Apple’s first 5G tablet also packs the M1 chip
- M1 chip sits inside with 8n or 16GB RAM
- 5G option
- Thunderbolt 4 with the USB-C port
Many had predicted Apple would launch the iPad Pro 2021 with an M1-like chip, but in reality it just launched it with an actual M1 chip. This is paired with 8GB or 16GB (1TB and 2TB models) RAM.
Apple has said this chip offers a 75% faster CPU and 40% faster graphics than the previous iPad Pro. This is an 8-core CPU with an 8-core GPU.
It also boasts the 16-core neural engine and Apple even said the graphics are 1500x faster than the first iPad.
As the rumours had suggested, there’s a 5G option (this comes at a premium) and the USB-C port is now Thunderbolt 4 enabled for better connectivity. This port is capable of up to 40Gb/s speeds and can even drive the Pro Display XDR at full 8K resolution.
There’s also a 2TB option for the first time, doubling the previous 1TB version. It also comes in 128, 256 and 512GB options.
In terms of cameras. the new iPad Pro 2021 has a new ultra wide 12MP front camera with a 122-degree field of view that works alongside a new camera tracking feature called Center Stage. This follows you around as you move and looks ideal for video calls.
On the back there’s a 10MP ultra wide and 12MP wide camera, along with the LiDAR scanner introduced last year.
Rumours had suggested the iPad would come alongside an updated Apple Pencil, however that isn’t the case. The previous model works though, and there’s a fancy new white version of the Magic Keyboard.
Design – Very familiar, still looking good
- Design looks very much unchanged
- Grey or silver options
Apple hasn’t changed the design of the iPad Pro and from initial impressions it looks very much the same. That’s no bad thing, as this is probably the best tablet around for looks.
You can see the design in the pictures below. It retains the flat edges and back, a full-screen look on the front and Smart Connector on the back for accessories.
Trusted Take – iPad Pro 2021
Max Parker, Deputy Editor: “I use the iPad Pro every day and I didn’t really think I would need anything else. But, wow, these upgrades are quite something. The M1 is a fantastic chip and if we can get apps on here to really take advantage of it then I might finally be able to ditch the laptop for good.
The screen on the 12.9-inch looks astounding too, although I am disappointed Apple didn’t keep parity between both screen sizes. Does the 11-inch Pro really seem ‘Pro’ if it doesn’t have this screen? I’m not so sure.”