Apple iPad Pro 2020
The first new hardware to be released by Apple in 2020 is the upgraded iPad Pro models along with an improved Air laptop. However, the big news isn’t just the hardware, but the new OS and accessories.
Apple launched iPad OS 13.4 shortly after announcing the new 2020 iPad Pro, which will be among the first Apple tablets to now support TrackPad and Mouse input!
Features
On the outside, Apple has stuck to the same styling as the 2018 3rd Gen models and remained with the 11″ & 12.9″ display sizes. For me, these now represent the best options.
At 12.9″, which is what I currently use, the amount of space when using productivity apps for tasks such as photo or video editing is perfect, but it is big. At 11″, the slightly smaller display still gives plenty of space but not as commanding in your backpack.
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One obvious change is the main rear camera which has been beefed up to be in the same ballpark as the iPhone Pro models for high-end image capturing.
The new iPad Pro adds an Ultra-Wide camera, studio-quality mics and a breakthrough LiDAR Scanner that delivers cutting-edge depth-sensing capabilities, opening up more pro workflows and supporting pro photo and video apps.
Apple.
Pro Camera
Thanks to devices such as the new iOgrapher PRO case, iPads are no longer just for watching movies but great for creating them! The new 2020 Apple iPad Pro models both boast a more powerful dual-lens configuration.
At the back of each model is a 12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra-wide angle camera with 2x Optical and up to 5x Digital Zoom capabilities.
Not only will the new Pro camera record 4K video, but Apple claims, will capture stunning photos and is now a game changer for digital creatives. I think I can agree with them on this now!
To the top of the iPad Pro are 3 microphones for improved audio recording and 4 speakers as we saw on the previous models back in 2018. There are additional microphones on the side and rear.
LiDAR Scanner
An important and neat new feature is the Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) Scanner. Recently, Augmented Reality has made large strides into the travel industry from better navigation to personalised airport experiences.
The new LiDAR scanner uses data from both cameras and the motion sensors for a far better understanding of the area around you. However, I can see most users would rather experience AR on their smartphones rather than an iPad Pro when out and about.
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Inside, Apple has replaced the A12X processor with the new A12Z Bionic chip.
Display & Accessories
With the exception of the size difference, both iPad Pro models come with the same Liquid Retina Display. They have ProMotion technology, True Tone and are near ‘edge to edge’ of the iPad providing as bigger display as possible while keeping the device as small as can be.
The most important news though is the release of OS 13.4 which brings with it support for TrackPad and selected Bluetooth enabled mouses.
This is a feature I have always wanted/needed for me to be anywhere near as productive as I am on a laptop.
To mark this milestone Apple has a new Magic keyboard case for the iPad Pro. There is one to fit either size and has a USB-C power pass-through port.
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It’s most unique feature though is the floating cantilever design which will give the user a better viewing angle. Apple claim the keyboard will offer the best typing experience on an iPad.
A bold claim given the quality of the current Logitech offerings!
Specifications
With the move to USB-C connectivity back in 2018 and now supporting input devices such as a bluetooth mouse/trackpad, the new Apple iPad Pro could be a more viable option than a laptop when travelling.
I still think file storage and the user interface on how Apple OS presents the files have some was to go compared to Mac OS, but as an overall offering, the accessories do make the Pro a solid alternative to a laptop.
- Dimensions –
- 11″ – 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.23″ and 471/473g
- 12.9 – 11.04 x 8.46 x 0.23 and 641/643g
- Colour Options – Silver | Space Grey
- Storage Options – 128/256/512 GB & 1 TB
- USB-C Connector
- Smart Connector for Keyboards
- Display Models –
- 11-inch LED-backlit Multi-Touch display with IPS technology
- 12.9-inch LED-backlit Multi-Touch display with IPS technology
- 5x Studio Quality Microphones
- 4x Audio Speakers
- Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi + Cellular
- Main Camera –
- 12MP Wide
- 10MP Ultra-Wide
- 2x Optical & 5x Digital Zooms
- Autofocus with Focus Pixels (Wide)
How Much does the Apple iPad Pro 2020 Models Cost?
The new 2020 Apple iPad starts from $799/£769 for the 11″ Wi-Fi only model with 128GB of storage.
At the top end a 12.9″ Wi-Fi + Cellular with 1TB of storage is $1,649/£1619.
Both versions of the new Magic Keyboard are yet to go on sale but will be priced at $299/£299 for the 11″ and 9/£349 for the 12.9″ when they are launched in May 2020.
Join the Conversation
Does the new Apple iPad Pro 2020 models have enough to make you want an upgrade? How important is a powerful main camera set up to you on a tablet device?
Comment below or join the conversation on Twitter.
Visit apple.com for further information.