Katana VentraIP

iPad Pro

The iPad Pro is a series of tablet computers, positioned as a premium model of Apple's iPad tablet computer. It runs iPadOS, a tablet-optimized version of the iOS operating system.

Developer

Foxconn (on contract)

12.9-inch 1G: November 11, 2015 (2015-11-11)

Other models
  • 9.7-inch: March 31, 2016 (2016-03-31)
  • 12.9-inch 2G, 10.5-inch: June 13, 2017 (2017-06-13)
  • 12.9-inch 3G, 11-inch 1G: November 7, 2018 (2018-11-07)
  • 12.9-inch 4G, 11-inch 2G: March 25, 2020 (2020-03-25)
  • 12.9-inch 5G, 11-inch 3G: May 21, 2021 (2021-05-21)
  • 12.9-inch 6G, 11-inch 4G: October 26, 2022 (2022-10-26)
List
  • June 5, 2017 (12.9-inch 2015 and 9.7-inch 2016)
  • October 30, 2018 (12.9 inch 2017)
  • March 18, 2019 (10.5-inch 2017)
  • March 18, 2020 (12.9-inch 2018 and 11-inch 2018)
  • April 20, 2021 (12.9 inch and 11-inch 2020)

iOS (2015–2019)
iPadOS (2019–present)

Chips used
CPU
  • 12.9-inch 1G, 9.7-inch: 2.26 GHz dual-core 64-bit ARMv8-A[1]
  • 12.9-inch 2G, 10.5-inch: 2.34 GHz hexa-core 64-bit
  • 12.9-inch 3G, 11-inch 1G: 2.49 GHz octa-core 64-bit[2]
  • 12.9-inch 4G, 11-inch 2G: 2.49 GHz octa-core 64-bit
  • 12.9-inch 5G, 11-inch 3G: 3.19 GHz octa-core 64-bit
  • 12.9-inch 6G, 11-inch 4G: 3.49 GHz octa-core 64-bit
Memory
  • 12.9-inch 1G: 4 GB LPDDR4 SDRAM[1]
  • 9.7-inch: 2 GB LPDDR4 SDRAM
  • 12.9-inch 2G, 10.5-inch: 4 GB LPDDR4 SDRAM
  • 12.9-inch 3G, 11-inch 1G: 4 or 6 GB LPDDR4X SDRAM[2]
  • 12.9-inch 4G, 11-inch 2G: 6 GB LPDDR4X SDRAM[3]
  • 12.9-inch 5G, 11-inch 3G: 8 GB or 16 GB[4]
  • 12.9-inch 6G, 11-inch 4G: 8 GB or 16 GB[4]

32, 64, 128, 256 or 512 GB, 1 or 2 TB[4][a] flash memory

12.9-inch:
2732×2048 px (264 PPI) (IPS panel) (5.5 megapixels), 12.9 in (327.8 mm) diagonal, 4:3[4]

9.7-inch:
2048×1536 px (264 PPI) (IPS panel) (3.1 megapixels), 9.7 in (246.3 mm) diagonal, 4:3[4]
10.5-inch:
2224×1668 px (264 PPI) (IPS Panel), 10.5 in diagonal, 4:3[4]

11-inch:
2388×1668 px (264 PPI) (IPS Panel), 11 in diagonal, ≈4:3[4]

12.9-inch 1G, 9.7-inch: 12-core PowerVR Series 7XT[5]

Four speakers, adjusting sound to device orientation

Multi-touch screen, headset controls and ambient light sensors, 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope, digital compass, five microphones, Bosch Sensortec BMP280 barometer

List
  • 12.9-inch 1G: 1.2 megapixels 720p front-facing and 8 megapixels rear-facing[4]
    9.7-inch: 5 megapixels 720p front-facing and 12 megapixels 4K rear-facing[4]
    12.9-inch 2G and 10.5-inch: 7 megapixels 1080p front-facing and 12 megapixels 4K rear-facing, Optical & Digital Image Stabilization[4]
    12.9-inch 3G and 11-inch 1G: 7 megapixels 1080p front-facing TrueDepth and 12 megapixels 4K rear-facing, Digital Image Stabilization[4]
    12.9-inch 4G and 11-inch 2G: 7 megapixels 1080p front-facing TrueDepth and separate 10- and 12-megapixel 4K rear-facing, Digital Image Stabilization, LIDAR sensor[4]
    12.9-inch 5G and 11-inch 3G: 12 megapixels 1080p front-facing TrueDepth and separate 10- and 12-megapixel 4K rear-facing, Digital Image Stabilization, LIDAR sensor[4]
    12.9-inch 6G and 11-inch 4G: 12 megapixels 1080p front-facing TrueDepth and separate 10- and 12-megapixel 4K rear-facing, Digital Image Stabilization, LIDAR sensor[4]
List
Built-in rechargeable
lithium-ion battery
  • 12.9-inch 1G: 3.77 V 38.8 W·h (10,307 mA·h)[6]
  • 9.7-inch: 3.82 V 27.91 W·h (7,306 mA·h)[7]
  • 12.9-inch 2G: 3.76 V 41 W·h (10,891 mA·h)[8]
  • 10.5-inch: 3.77 V 30.8 W·h (8,134 mA·h)[9]
  • 12.9-inch 3G: 3.78 V 36.71 W·h (9,720 mA·h)[10]
  • 11-inch 1G: 3.77 V 29.45 W·h (7,812 mA·h)[11]

The original iPad Pro was introduced in September 2015, and ran iOS 9. It had an A9X chip, and came in two sizes: 9.7-inch and 12.9 inch; the 9.7 inch coming out on March 2016. The second-generation iPad Pro, unveiled in June 2017 at WWDC, had an upgraded A10X Fusion chip and swapped the 9.7-inch screen for a larger 10.5-inch display. The third-generation iPad Pro, announced in October 2018, was introduced with a new all screen design, eliminating the home button, and featured Face ID; it came in 11-inch and 12.9-inch models, the same screen sizes used by every subsequent model to date. The fourth-generation iPad Pro, introduced in March 2020, included the A12Z chip, and was introduced alongside a model of the Magic Keyboard for iPad. The fifth-generation iPad Pro, announced in April 2021, incorporated a desktop-class M1 chip, making it the first iPad model to not use an A-series processor. The sixth- and current-generation iPad Pro, introduced in October 2022 alongside the 10th-generation iPad, includes the M2 chip, Apple Pencil Hover, and ProRes video.

Reception[edit]

General reviews[edit]

Despite Apple advertising the tablets as PC replacements,[39] most reviewers noted that it could not replace a laptop running the Microsoft Windows, macOS, or Linux desktop operating systems with its current operating system.[40][41][42]

2015/2016 models[edit]

Scott Stein from CNET praised the faster processor and new accessories available. However, he criticized the cost of both the unit and its accessories, while noting its slightly slower processor with less RAM compared to the larger 12.9-inch model.[43] Matt Swider from TechRadar complimented the easy handling, large 256 GB configuration and True Tone display, but was upset about the high starting price.[44] Gareth Beavis gave a positive review, commending the expansive screen and audio quality but stated that the battery life could be made longer.[45]


The iPad Pro's 9.7-inch version set a record among all currently released tablets tested in color accuracy, screen reflectance, peak brightness, contrast rating in high ambient light, and smallest color variation. However, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch version tested to having better contrast ratio in the dark.[46]

2017 models[edit]

Max Parker from TrustedReviews and Gareth Beavis from TechRadar both praised the 10.5-inch model's high-quality audio and performance, though both critics noted that it was expensive.[47][48]


Reviewing the 12.9 inch second-generation iPad Pro, Lauren Goode of The Verge complimented the quality camera, A10X processor and large screen size, but argued that the device could have been cheaper.[49]

2018 models[edit]

The third generation iPad Pro models were praised for their better displays, slimmed bezels, the addition of Face ID and general speed as well as CPU improvements. Ben Sin from Forbes noted that despite the LCD screen, the 120 Hz refresh rate makes it feel more smooth.[50] The switch to USB-C connectors received mixed reviews; external monitor support and device charging were added at the cost of extra dongles to use older cables and headphones.[51] Some reviewers noted that although the hardware updates are great steps forward, iOS's limitations, including the lack of external storage capabilities, prevents the third generation from competing against computers. Its high prices were also criticized.[52][53]


iPadOS addresses the lack of external storage on supported iPads by adding support for external storage.[54]


The body has been criticized for bending and breaking easily. Users on forum boards have reported the iPad bending after a few days of use, or after carrying it around in a backpack. YouTuber Zack Nelson then published a video on his channel JerryRigEverything showing the device cracking and snapping in half after applying just a small amount of pressure with his hands in the center of the device.[55][56] Nelson concluded that the "two weakest points [were] right dead center on either side of the iPad Pro, [and] the crack happened at the very poorly placed microphone hole and the new Apple Pencil 2 charging duct".[57] Users reported devices already bent right out of the box, mostly cellular models. Apple responded to these reports quickly, asserting that this is normal and a non-issue,[58] a response that has been criticized.[59][60] According to Apple, the bending is a byproduct of its new manufacturing process. Apple has added a support page relating to these issues.[61]

2020 models[edit]

The 2020 model of the iPad Pro was seen as a minor enhancement amongst technical reviewers. The LIDAR sensor which Apple added for increased AR capability was touted as a feature only a handful of customers will use. The new camera setup in the 2020 model was noted for providing good image quality. The addition in RAM and change in storage options were welcomed, but the 2020 model was sometimes seen as "overkill".[62]

2021 models[edit]

The 2021 models had a vast range of reviews feeling that the already powerful processor was made excessively powerful, stating that the processor wasn't being taken advantage of due to iPadOS still being considered too limiting and not having professional apps from macOS.[63][64] Camera placement has been criticized for video conferencing.[65] The Verge has criticized that they should have had multiuser support like the Mac but they gave positive reviews to the Mini-LED and cameras.[64]


Despite having 8 and 16 gigabytes of RAM, iPadOS only initially allowed 5 gigabytes for apps, but this was changed in iPadOS 15.[66][67]

Pen computing

Graphics tablet

– official site

iPad Pro