Finally, after months of speculation, Apple announces the new iPad, which is aptly called the iPad Pro. From the Keynote, I feel that this 12.9-inch iPad Pro is really catered for the Pros like designers, artists, doctors and others.
The iPad Pro will only be available in November. That is about 2 month from now.
Pricing wise, there is no mention in the Singapore Press Release. However, based on the Keynote, a 32GB iPad Pro with WiFi is USD799 while the highest end model, the 128GB with WiFi+Cellular is USD1,079.
For these prices, you are getting some nice specs. Love the 10 hours of battery life and the four speaker audio. Not stated here is the thickness of this iPad Pro. It is just 6.9mm thin and weighs 1.57 lb (0.71kg – about the weight of the first generation iPad).
For the first time, Apple makes a 12.9-inch tablet.
In terms of pixels, it has 5 million pixels (2732 pixels by 2048 pixels which is 5.59 MPX). Underneath the screen, it has a variable refresh rate feature that according to Apple, able to save some battery life. I actually like this feature.
As to why it makes such a size, it has its explanation. First, a comparison of the current iPad vs iPad Pro
The iPad Pro looks huge based on the comparison. In fact, the width of the iPad Pro is actually the height of the current iPad.
So, based on Apple, when you tilt your iPad Pro to landscape mode, it is actually the size of the current iPad with some space on the side. And this space is where the new split screen feature comes in. The new iPad Pro has a split screen function, just like the Windows 8.1 (unfortunately, Microsoft removed this feature in Windows 10).
And to add to the controversial that Apple is copying Microsoft Surface, it has a physical keyboard accessory too, the Smart Keyboard. That, in my opinion, is an accessory for serious worker.
The keyboard is attached to the iPad Pro using magnet (sounds familiar?). This 3 dots on the iPad Pro is the Smart Connector.
And when you place the Smart Keyboard near it, it will be connected to the iPad Pro that provides power and connection.
The next innovation from Apple is the Apple Pencil. It is a very long stylus that is super sensitive and able to sense pressure well.
Here is a video showing how it works.
On the top of the Apple Pencil is a lightning connector that you can connect it to the port of the iPad Pro to charge it. Looking at the video, I think this stylus is very useful for artists or designers. There is no mention of battery life of this Apple Pencil.
Another new innovation is the four speaker audio. I think this is a big leap for the average iPad for sound quality.
During the presentation, I think the most awkward moment is when they introduce Microsoft to demonstrate Microsoft Office on iPad Pro. The presentation is very sleek but if you know the relationship between Apple and Microsoft, it is really interesting to watch. Anyway, I think Microsoft is pushing very hard for Microsoft Office apps to be popular on Apple iOS.
Accessories
The Apple Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil are sold separately at USD169 and USD99 respectively.
The all new Apple iPad mini 4
Without any presentation, Apple also introduced the new Apple iPad mini 4. It is actually the same iPad mini but with the specs of the iPad Air 2 (except the screen size). Check out the full price list of the iPad range below.
Click Here to Check Out Apple iPad mini 4
Price Comparison
You can follow this link to compare all the iPads.
http://www.apple.com/sg/ipad/compare/
If you still need more information, here is the Press Release. Enjoy reading.
Press Release
Apple Introduces iPad Pro Featuring Epic 12.9-inch Retina Display
Apple Pencil & Smart Keyboard Bring Breakthrough Levels of Precision & Utility to iPad Pro
SAN FRANCISCO — 9 September, 2015 — Apple® today introduced the all-new iPad Pro™, featuring a stunning 12.9-inch Retina® display with 5.6 million pixels, the most ever in an iOS device, and groundbreaking performance with the new 64-bit A9X chip, rivalling most portable PCs. The new larger iPad Pro is thin and light and provides all-day battery life. There are more than 850,000 apps in the App Store℠ designed specifically for iPad®, and the new iPad Pro will enable a new generation of advanced apps for everything from productivity, design, illustration, engineering and medical, to education, gaming and entertainment.
Apple today also introduced Apple Pencil™ for iPad Pro, a precision input device available for purchase separately, which makes drawing and sketching feel remarkably fluid and natural. The touch subsystem of the Multi-Touch™ display in iPad Pro has been redesigned to work with Apple Pencil to dramatically reduce latency and deliver incredible accuracy for activities like fine art illustration and detailed 3D design. Advanced sensors in Apple Pencil measure both pressure and tilt for a fast and fluid drawing experience, while a built-in Lightning® connector makes for quick and easy pairing and charging. Apple Pencil also works with popular apps like Mail, Notes, Procreate and Office 365 for iPad, offering new levels of creativity and productivity.
Apple’s new Smart Keyboard further extends the utility of iPad Pro, offering a full-sized keyboard in a thin, durable design so you can take it anywhere. The Smart Keyboard, available for purchase separately, attaches to iPad Pro’s innovative Smart Connector port, eliminating the need for a separate battery, on/off switch or Bluetooth pairing. The Smart Keyboard is covered in custom woven fabric and features keys that provide the accuracy, stability and satisfying key feel of standard keyboards, but is also easily foldable and can transform into a Smart Cover®. The Smart Keyboard also works seamlessly with new QuickType® features in iOS 9 to make typing even faster and easier.
“iPad Pro is the most advanced and powerful iPad we have ever made. Its beautiful and large 12.9-inch Retina display has 5.6 million pixels and provides an immersive experience for content and apps. The iPad Pro is far and away the fastest iOS device we have ever made — its A9X chip beats most portable PCs in both CPU and graphics tasks, but is thin and light enough to hold all day,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “The innovative Apple Pencil and new Smart Keyboard enable users to customise their iPad Pro experience to the particular apps they use and the work they do, making iPad Pro ideal for everything from professional productivity to advanced 3D design.”
Innovative Design
iPad Pro’s 12.9-inch Retina display, with 5.6 million pixels and refined Multi-Touch technology, is the most advanced and highest resolution display ever in an iOS device. It delivers greater contrast, more uniform brightness and improved energy efficiency through photo alignment technology, oxide TFT and variable refresh rate. A new four-speaker audio design provides powerful, clear and rich stereo sound, and a refined unibody enclosure of anodised aluminium gives iPad Pro a sturdy feel with a thin and light design that is easy to hold.
Powerful Technology
iPad Pro delivers groundbreaking performance and energy efficiency, so you can tackle the most demanding tasks. Apple’s powerful new 64-bit A9X chip, with third-generation 64-bit architecture, provides desktop-class CPU performance and console-class graphics. Ultra-fast wireless connectivity keeps you connected wherever you go with 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO technology, support for a wide range of LTE bands and other fast cellular network technologies (DC-HSDPA, HSPA+).* All-day 10-hour battery life** delivers the efficiency that users have come to expect from iPad.
iOS 9
iOS 9, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system, brings more intelligence to iPad with proactive assistance, powerful search and improved Siri® features, all while protecting users’ privacy. New multitasking features designed specifically for iPad allow users to do more at the same time, while built-in apps become more powerful with a redesigned Notes app and detailed transit information in Maps***. The foundation of iOS is even stronger with software updates that require less space to install and advanced security features to further protect your device.
Pricing & Availability
iPad Pro comes in three gorgeous metallic finishes including silver, gold and space grey and will be available starting in November from Apple.com/sg, through select carriers and Apple Authorised Resellers. For more information, please visit http://www.apple.com/sg/
Apple Pencil, Smart Keyboard in charcoal grey, and iPad Pro Smart Covers in charcoal grey and white will be available starting in November.
*Data plan required. LTE is available in select markets and through select carriers. Speeds vary based on site conditions. For details on LTE support, contact your carrier and see www.apple.com/ipad/LTE
**Battery life depends on device settings, usage and other factors. Actual results may vary.
***Transit information in Maps will be available in select major cities including Baltimore, Berlin, Chicago, London, Mexico City, New York City, Philadelphia, the San Francisco Bay Area, Toronto and Washington D.C., as well as over 300 cities in China, including Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai.
Apple revolutionised personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, the Mac and Apple Watch. Apple’s three software platforms — iOS, OS X and watchOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay and iCloud. Apple’s 100,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth, and to leaving the world better than we found it.
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