What you need to know
- Apple's brand new iPad Pro features 5G connectivity.
- Apple says that carriers will offer buyers subsidies of up to $200 to make the leap.
A new report notes that carriers will offer iPad Pro buyers subsidies of up to $200 to make the leap to 5G.
From Bloomberg:
Apple Inc.'s wireless carrier partners in the U.S. are offsetting the cost of the iPad Pro's 5G upgrade, a rare move by the technology giant to encourage consumers to link the new tablets to cellular networks. The Cupertino, California-based technology giant is selling the new iPad Pro models in both Wi-Fi-only and 5G configurations, and the 5G upgrade costs an additional $200. That's a steeper price than the $130 up-charge for the 3G and 4G LTE upgrades on earlier models.
As per Apple's website, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint will all offer buyers $200 gift cards when they buy a new 5G iPad Pro, whilst AT&T will ofer $150. Carriers have previously done this for iPhone 12, but report notes the strategy "is more unusual for iPads".
Apple's new iPad Pro features a brand new mini-LED display and Apple's M1 chip, from the announcement:
Apple today announced the most powerful and advanced iPad Pro ever, pushing the limits of what's possible on iPad. The addition of the Apple-designed M1 chip delivers a massive leap in performance, making iPad Pro the fastest device of its kind. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro features a new Liquid Retina XDR display that brings extreme dynamic range to iPad Pro, offering a stunning visual experience with more true-to-life details to the most demanding HDR workflows. Cellular models with 5G deliver even faster wireless connectivity when on the go, and to provide users with pro-level throughput for high-speed accessories, iPad Pro now includes support for Thunderbolt. Additionally, an all-new Ultra Wide front camera enables Center Stage, a new feature that automatically keeps users perfectly framed for even more engaging video calls. The new iPad Pro is available to order beginning Friday, April 30, on apple.com, and will be available in the second half of May
The new iPad Pro is the first iPad to feature Apple's M1 processor, the same chip that powers the Mac.
