You've got the biggest, most beautiful screen on a portable device, and you'd like to keep it pristine. A screen protector might be a good idea. Whether you prefer tempered glass, plastic, or even liquid, we've got you covered. Here are some of the best screen protectors for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, 2018 and later. And yes, these screen protectors will work perfectly with the 2021 iPad Pro as well.

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Keep it protected

If you want protection that you can see and feel, I'd recommend the Tech Armor Screen Protector. This is a known brand that makes quality products you can trust. If you're an artist looking for a more natural feel when using the Apple Pencil or a supported stylus on your iPad Pro, try Paperlike for a, well, paper-like experience.

If you want something thick enough to protect your screen, then the amFilm Glass Screen Protector is a good pick. It won't interfere with Face ID and it can hold its own against some pretty heavy hits. Just take care to follow the instructions when installing to avoid any unwanted bubbles. No matter what kind you're looking for, we're sure one of these best screen protectors for a 12.9-inch iPad Pro will be the perfect fit. Be sure to also check out some of the best cases for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro as well for maximum protection!

Professionals of all kinds love the iPad Pro. Whether you're a business professional, a teacher/professor, engineer, or an artist/creative, you've decided the iPad Pro is the best iPad for your particular needs. Now you just need to decide: which size? We're here to help you choose.

11-inch vs. 12.9-inch iPad Pro: Breaking it down

If you are the type of person who cares solely about internal specs, both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro are the same on the inside. Both feature Apple's M2 chip, which has four performance cores and four efficiency cores, just like the M2 Macs. You can get all of the details in our iPad Pro (M2) review. Let's break down the pertinent specs.

They both have an 10-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine. Also, you get 8GB of RAM on models with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage, but 16GB RAM on the 1TB or 2TB models. Both models support accessories like the Apple Pencil 2, Apple Pencil (USB-C), and the Smart Keyboard Folio. The only real difference between the two is the display, and we don't just mean size.

11-inch vs. 12.9-inch iPad Pro: All in the details

Overall, when it comes to "which iPad should I buy," for the iPad Pros, we think the 11-inch model is the better pick for most people. It's much more lightweight and portable while still providing a ton of power with the M2 chip. With the M2 chip inside, you are getting a powerful iPad gaming machine, as well as a device that is no pushover when it comes to getting work done.

If you get the Wi-Fi + Cellular version, you can even go work anywhere with 5G coverage. And even though it's using the regular Liquid Retina display from the last generation, it's still very capable and beautiful for most people, especially when it comes to watching videos or reading. Plus, since the 11-inch is more compact, it's easier to hold up when reading eBooks or watching movies without feeling wrist fatigue.

For most people, the 11-inch iPad Pro should be more than enough. However, if you are a serious professional who is constantly dealing with high-brightness and high-contrast HDR content, then the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is the best iPad for you, even more so if you opt for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model with 5G.

The Liquid Retina XDR display was made to deliver extreme brightness, deep blacks, and all of the subtle details that may otherwise be hidden. It's the best way to view and edit high-brightness and high-contrast content, such as HDR photos and videos. If that sounds like what you need, then the 11-inch may not cut it.

The larger screen estate for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is also warranted if you need a bigger, more comfortable canvas for the best drawing apps for Apple Pencil. The 12.9-inch is also great if you want less cramped keys on the iPad Magic Keyboard or other similar keyboard cases.

11-inch vs. 12.9-inch iPad Pro: Which iPad should you buy?

If you can adjust to smaller, more compact keyboard accessories, don't plan on drawing or handwriting notes too much, and don't work with HDR content, then the 11-inch iPad Pro (2022) should be good enough for you. Especially now that it has the M2 chip, it has plenty of power. It's also a much easier size to take with you, and you won't get tired of holding it. Plus, it starts at $300 less than the 12.9-inch and would be a great complement to any existing setup.

If you need the additional display real estate or highly value the HDR capabilities of the XDR display, then it's worth spending the extra to get the 12.9-inch version for the best iPad experience. You'll also benefit from full-size keyboard accessories, allowing you to transform your iPad Pro into nearly a full-on laptop replacement. 

One thing to keep in mind when buying pricey tech is that these models are both over a year old at this point. Don't let it stop you: these are powerhouse machines that will be amazing for years to come. But with the M3 chip already in several Mac models, we can certain that the M3 iPad Pro won't be far behind.

Back in the spring, Apple unveiled its latest iPad Pro. Like most new Apple products, iPad Pro deals have been pretty hard to come by but we're starting to see more movement in price now that the devices have been our for a few months.

Right now at Amazon, you can save $100 on the 12.9-inch model, dropping its starting price to just $999. That's a match for the lowest we have seen it go so far.

Apple's iPad Pro got a huge power boost this year with the addition of the M1 chip, Apple's custom-designed silicon.

Apple also states the RAM in the iPad Pro 2021, which is something it hasn't specified before. The 2020 devices reportedly had 6GB RAM, but the 2021 model has been upped to 8GB on the low end and 16GB on the high end so everybody gets a RAM bump.

Another boon for power users is the 2021 iPad Pro's support for USB 4 and Thunderbolt 3. Now you'll be able to utilize its USB-C port to its fullest potential, with blazing-fast data transfer speeds.

The back camera array remains unchanged from the 2020 model but the TrueDepth camera on the front of the iPad Pro has gotten a big upgrade in 2021. It's been bumped to 12MP, from 7MP, for better picture quality and it's now a wide-angle lens so it can get more in shot than before. Plus, a new feature called Center Stage keeps you in the frame on FaceTime calls even if you're moving around.

With the 12.9-inch model, you also benefit from the gorgeous new Liquid Retina XDR display that utilizes mini-LED technology for OLED-quality black levels and power efficiency without the same risks of burn-in.

Believe it or not, while Apple gear does tend to not run cheap we regularly see a good deal or two. We track the best iPad deals, and today we've got another good one for you. The 4th-generation 2020 12.9-inch iPad Pro has dropped to $799.99 on Amazon. This is a great low price that comes around because of Amazon's direct price drop to $900 and another $100 that sneakily gets discounted after you've added the tablet to your cart. That's $150 off its regular price on Amazon and $200 less than Apple's price. This version on sale has 128GB of storage.

Read our review of the iPad Pro 2020, which praised all of its different upgrades, including support for the Magic Keyboard, the fantastic camera upgrades, the LiDAR scanner, and more. The 2020 version is a generation behind though, so you can also check out this roundup comparing it to the 2021 version.

The 12.9-inch tablet features an edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display with ProMotion, True Tone, and P3 wide color. It also has Apple's A12Z bionic chip and neural engine. The camera upgrade includes several different types of cameras on both the front and back. On the rear you'll find a 12MP wide camera, a 10MP ultra wide camera, and a LiDAR scanner. The LiDAR scanner was a core upgrade in 2020 that allows the iPad to scan the environment around it. This is a tech that helps enhance AR apps, create better images in portrait mode, and things like that. If you've never used it before, you'll definitely notice the difference.

The tablet also includes Wi-Fi 6 for connectivity, a USB-C port for charging and attaching accessories, and more. The battery life lasts up to 10 hours. It also supports the Magic Keyboard, Apple Pencil, and the Smart Keyboard Folio.

What you need to know

• Apple will reportedly make the new 11-inch iPad Pro available for sale from May 22.
• The same report has the 12.9-inch iPad Pro available from May 21.

Apple will make its new 11-inch iPad Pro available for sale on May 22, according to leaker Jon Prosser. But oddly, the same tweet also says that the 12.9-inch iPad Pro will be available a day earlier – starting May 21.

There is currently no explanation as to why the two different devices would go on sale on different days.

Apple announced the two refreshed iPad Pro models during its Spring Loaded event last week with pre-orders going live this coming Friday, April 30. However, Apple did also say that the tablets wouldn't be ready to ship until the second half of May – fitting in well with Prosser's claims. But, again, the difference in launch days makes little sense. It's possible Apple is trying to limit the number of people heading to Apple Stores on any given day, but it seems highly unlikely given the low sales numbers of iPad Pro when compared with a new iPhone, for example.

May 22 is also a Saturday, a day that Apple doesn't tend to release products on if only due to shipment problems on a weekend. I'd suggest taking this one with a pinch of salt for now, at the very least.

Once the new 12.9-inch iPad does go on sale, it's sure to be the best iPad for graphic designers yet thanks to its large Mini-LED screen.

What you need to know

• Brydge has announced the 12.9 MAX+.
• The new keyboard case features the "largest native multi-touch trackpad ever included in a tablet keyboard."

Brydge, a popular accessory maker for the iPad, has announced its newest keyboard, the 12.9 MAX+ for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

Nick Smith, CO-CEO and Founder of Brydge, says that its new keyboard is a "breakthrough all-in-one device for users - whether on the road, in the office or at home."

Below is the full list of features for the new keyboard:

• Native Multi-Touch Trackpad - Featuring the largest multi-touch trackpad ever for an iPad keyboard - 2x larger than the Brydge 12.9 Pro+ (5.5 in x 3.3 in / 140 mm x 85 mm).
• Magnetic SnapFitTM Case - Simply snap your iPad into the magnetic back cover and easily remove for a flexible workflow.
• Long Battery Life - Up to 3 months battery life on a single charge, based on 2 hours use per day.
• Backlit Keys - 3 levels of LED backlight that meet visibility demands and provide the ultimate typing experience in low to no light conditions.
• Typing Experience - Real tactile typing with the feel, sound, and response you expect. A full QWERTY keyboard, with a top row of dedicated iOS special function keys.
• Compatibility - iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th & 5th generations).

The 12.9 MAX+ is available in Space Gray, Silver and White is available now for pre-order for $250 on the Brydge website. Orders will begin shipping in June.

What you need to know

• The upcoming 12.9-inch iPad Pro will reportedly be thicker than the current generation.
• The new iPad will apparently be 0.5mm thicker to accommodate the mini-LED display.

The upcoming 12.9-inch iPad Pro might add some thickness in order to handle that mini-LED display.

As reported by MacRumors, the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro will be 0.5mm thicker than the current generation. This change in thickness is apparently due to the inclusion of a mini-LED display, a first for any Apple device. The outlet got its hands on photos from a "source that designs accessories for Apple devices."

In addition to the 12.9-inch iPad Pro increasing in overall thickness, it may also grow its camera bump. That's in stark comparison to the new 11-inch iPad Pro, which is expected to stay the same size and potentially shrink its camera bump. This could be due to the rumor that the mini-LED display will be reserved for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

The new iPad Pros are expected to be unveiled at tomorrow's 'Spring loaded' Apple Event. In addition to new iPads, Apple is also rumored to announce its long-rumored AirTags, new Apple silicon iMacs, and even Apple Podcasts+.

What you need to know

• Apple is strongly rumored to be launching a Mini-LED 12.9-inch iPad Pro soon.
• A new Bloomberg report says that new screen could cause stock shortages.

Apple could be set for a supply issue for a product that hasn't even been announced yet. The refreshed iPad Pro, at least in 12.9-inch guise, is expected to ship with a new Mini-LED screen and it's that part in particular that could cause stock issues for those looking to bag a new tablet.

That's according to a new Bloomberg report which notes that the tech is proving difficult to produce, with poor manufacturing yields set to cause a shortfall in overall production numbers.

The report says that Apple still intends to go ahead with a launch as soon as this month, although it's possible the 12.9-inch iPad Pro could ship at a later date due to the screen issues. The smaller 11-inch model is expected to retain the same screen it's used in recent years and thus won't suffer from the same shortages.

The current iPad Pro is still one of the best iPads you can buy, while the updated model will likely benefit from a faster processor and other improvements.

What you need to know

• The 12.9-inch iPad Pro with Mini-LED might release as soon as this month.
• It is also expected to feature 5G connectivity and a new processor.

Apple's long-awaited 12.9-inch iPad Pro with a Mini-LED display could launch as soon as the end of March.

According to a new report by DigiTimes (via MacRumors), GIS, a popular supply chain partner of Apple's when it comes to touch displays, is ramping up capacity for new products.

According to the report, one of the new products is likely the rumored 12.9-inch iPad Pro with Mini-LED display. Those familiar with the supply chain believe the tablet could see a release date in the coming weeks.

In addition to the new display, the 2021 iPad Pro is expected to feature 5 connectivity for its cellular model as well as a new processor.

If you're okay living without expected new features of the 2021 iPad Pro, check out our list of the Best iPad in 2021 to find the right one for you now.

Apple is rumored to be holding its first event of the year in March, where the company could unveil the iPad Pro along with AirTags and perhaps even a new Apple TV.

If you want to turn your iPad Pro into a full-time work machine, you can't go far wrong Apple's own Magic Keyboard. The premium keyboard turns your iPad into a laptop instantly with no fussy pairing process and no clipping in and out of a case.

And right now, you can score the 12-inch model at close to $100 off via Amazon. It's never gone this low before and we don't know how long this deal will last so don't wait on placing your order. You'll see the full savings at checkout.

For many people, the iPad Pro straddles the line between a full laptop and a tablet, though iPadOS gaining the ability to support mouse and trackpad input has really boosted its usability for a lot of folks.

Connecting a Bluetooth mouse or trackpad can be a clunky experience though and keeping your peripherals charge is another headache entirely. That's why Apple's Magic Keyboard is so clever.

It gives you the physical typing experience of its laptop keyboards, complete with backlighting, as well as a multi-touch trackpad for navigating the iPad's UI. It also doesn't need to be paired. Instead, it works via the Smart Connector and magnetically attaches to the back of your iPad Pro. It even features USB-C pass-through charging so you can keep your iPad's USB-C port free for plugging in a USB stick or other accessory.

Today's price on the Magic Keyboard is the lowest we've seen by far since its release. This latest sale hitting the 12.9-inch model is in addition to the previous $100 discount on the 11-inch variant that is still available, dropping that version down to $199. That version also works with the 4th-gen iPad Air.

For more information on exactly how well the keyboard works (spoiler: very well), check out our iPad Magic Keyboard review in which we called it "a typing experience on iPad like no other".

What you need to know

• Report says the mini-LED iPad Pro is coming at the beginning of 2021.
• It may also feature 5G connectivity for cellular models.

Reported by DigiTimes, a 12.9-inch iPad Pro with a mini-LED display will launch in the first quarter of 2021. The outlet says that Apple has been able to diversify its supply chain with BOE getting approval to manufacture the OLED displays for the iPhone. This has reportedly freed up GIS to supply the mini-LED panels that will power the upcoming iPad Pro models.

A new iPad Pro with a mini-LED has long been rumored, with reports from The Elec pointing out that the new technology will bring local dimming to the device and improve contrast ratios. It has also been reported that Apple plans to bring mini-LED to its MacBook lineup as well.

In addition to the inclusion of mini-LED panels, other reports mention that the new iPad Pro models may get an upgrade in the cellular department too. A report from November says that the new iPads may be upgraded to 5G connectivity instead of the current LTE that comes inside the current lineup of iPad Pros.

Apple recently announced some shiny new iPad Pro models, but not everyone needs or wants the latest device. The now previous-gen 12.9-inch model is on sale with some serious savings at B&H today only which may make it the best choice for you right now.

The iPad Pro on offer is the 256GB model with Wi-Fi and cellular that sold for $1,299 prior to the introduction of the 2020 model. Today, it's on sale for just $829 — a saving of almost $500 and one of the best iPad deals around right now. If the 256GB cellular model is a bit overkill for your needs, B&H is discounting various other 2018 iPad Pro configurations with prices from just $799.

$899.99 $1299.00 Save $399 1623157769

Having now been replaced by the 24-inch M1 iMac, Apple's 21.5-inch iMac has been discontinued. That means big savings at third-party retailers including at Amazon where it's discounted by $399.

Prices Vary 1622214797

This sale includes iPhone models, the Apple Watch, iMac and iPad devices, Beats headphones, Apple services, and more. The deals vary by product, so be sure to check them all out now.

$103.99 $129.99 Save $26 1621604395

Change how you use your iPad with the Apple Pencil. This stylus lets you use your iPad as a notepad, a canvas, or a drawing board for all of your ideas. Today's deal saves you 20% instantly at Verizon.

$599.99 $699.00 Save $99 1621519150

Updated in late 2020, the Mac Mini has Apple's M1 chip that combines CPU, GPU, and machine learning for faster performance, better graphics, and an all around streamlined device. This version has 8GB RAM and a 256GB solid state drive.

From $329 1621244196

Apple Watch Series 6 models are available for some of their best prices ever right now. The lowest price is on the red 40mm version which is $70 off with 44mm and cellular models seeing discounts of up to $91.

There are many reasons why you might opt for the 2018 iPad Pro rather than the new 2020 model, but price is possibly one key factor. Going for the previous-gen saves you a chunk of cash and you're still getting a highly performant device. The 2018 iPad Pro has the same stunning Liquid Retina edge-to-edge display as the new model, Face ID, Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio support.

It's also packing the super-powerful A12X Bionic chip which is only bested marginally by the 2020 model's A12Z Bionic chip. The 2018 model even supports Apple's extremely cool Magic Keyboard with built-in trackpad that is one of the bundle options in today's deal.

The main differences center around the new camera module in the 2020 devices which features a 12MP standard wide-angle lens and a 10MP ultra-wide lens as well as a LiDAR scanner that stands to be a huge boon for AR use cases. There's also a new studio-quality mic array. If those things matter to you, go for the 2020 model.

It's worth checking out our 5-star iPad Pro review and second look at the device for an in-depth take on all its features and capabilities. If you don't want or need all the power that the iPad Pro has to offer, you may want to instead opt for the updated 10.9-inch iPad Air which now has a Pro-like design and a lot of power for its price.

Alternatively, the latest 10.2-inch iPad now supports the Smart Keyboard and first-gen Apple Pencil at a more affordable price.

What you need to know

• DigiTimes says we can expect two brand new mini-LED devices from Apple next year.
• The first is a 12.9-inch iPad Pro coming in "early 2021."
• The second is a high-end MacBook launching in the second half of the year.

A new DigiTimes report says Apple will launch a new iPad Pro with a mini-LED display early next year, and a new high-end MacBook in the second half of 2021.

From the report:

The report continues noting Apple will launch a mini-LED "high-end MacBook", likely a MacBook Pro, in the second half of the year.

The report reflects several previous reports suggesting Apple plans to switch at least some of its products over to mini-LED display technology.

A DigiTimes report from July previously stated Apple may adopt mini-LED display tech later this year, and that a mini-LED iPad Pro would be released in late 2020.

This latest report says that the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro may be delayed until Q1 of 2021. Rumored features of the new iPad Pro include a new A14X chip, a more-powerful, unlocked variation of the A14 in September's new iPad Air 4, and 5G connectivity. Leaker l0vetodream has also reiterated this will come in Q1 or Q2 of 2021.

Apple recently announced some shiny new iPad Pro models, but not everyone should immediately place an order for the latest device. The now previous-gen 12.9-inch model is on sale with some serious savings at B&H today only which may make it the best choice for you right now.

The iPad Pro on offers is the 64GB model with Wi-Fi and cellular that sold for $1,149 prior to the introduction of the 2020 model. Today, it's on sale for just $669 — a saving of almost $500 and one of the best iPad deals around right now. On top of that, you can bundle the iPad with AppleCare+, the Magic Keyboard, or both and save even more.

$899.99 $1299.00 Save $399 1623157769

Having now been replaced by the 24-inch M1 iMac, Apple's 21.5-inch iMac has been discontinued. That means big savings at third-party retailers including at Amazon where it's discounted by $399.

Prices Vary 1622214797

This sale includes iPhone models, the Apple Watch, iMac and iPad devices, Beats headphones, Apple services, and more. The deals vary by product, so be sure to check them all out now.

$103.99 $129.99 Save $26 1621604395

Change how you use your iPad with the Apple Pencil. This stylus lets you use your iPad as a notepad, a canvas, or a drawing board for all of your ideas. Today's deal saves you 20% instantly at Verizon.

$599.99 $699.00 Save $99 1621519150

Updated in late 2020, the Mac Mini has Apple's M1 chip that combines CPU, GPU, and machine learning for faster performance, better graphics, and an all around streamlined device. This version has 8GB RAM and a 256GB solid state drive.

From $329 1621244196

Apple Watch Series 6 models are available for some of their best prices ever right now. The lowest price is on the red 40mm version which is $70 off with 44mm and cellular models seeing discounts of up to $91.

There are many reasons why you might opt for the 2018 iPad Pro rather than the new 2020 model, but price is possibly one key factor. Going for the previous-gen saves you a chunk of cash and you're still getting a highly performant device. The 2018 iPad Pro has the same stunning Liquid Retina edge-to-edge display as the new model, Face ID, Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio support.

It's also packing the super-powerful A12X Bionic chip which is only bested marginally by the 2020 model's A12Z Bionic chip. The 2018 model even supports Apple's extremely cool Magic Keyboard with built-in trackpad that is one of the bundle options in today's deal.

The main differences center around the new camera module in the 2020 devices which features a 12MP standard wide-angle lens and a 10MP ultra-wide lens as well as a LiDAR scanner than stands to be a huge boon for AR use cases. There's also a new studio-quality mic array. If those things matter to you, go for the 2020 model.

It's worth checking out our 5-star iPad Pro review and second look at the device for an in-depth take on all its features and capabilities. If you don't want or need all the power that the iPad Pro has to offer, you may want to instead opt for the updated 10.5-inch iPad Air or the latest 10.2-inch iPad, both of which now support the Smart Keyboard and first-gen Apple Pencil at a more affordable price.

If you don't want to spend top dollar on Apple's 2020 iPad Pro, this one-day sale on the previous-gen model at Woot has what you need. It offers the 12.9-inch 2018 iPad Pro from just $729.99 in refurbished condition. You can choose from 64GB to 1TB capacity and take your pick between space gray and silver models. All of the models are Wi-Fi-only configurations. Despite not being new, the iPads are backed by a 90-day Woot warranty and make for some of the most affordable ways to get an iPad Pro right now.

$899.99 $1299.00 Save $399 1623157769

Having now been replaced by the 24-inch M1 iMac, Apple's 21.5-inch iMac has been discontinued. That means big savings at third-party retailers including at Amazon where it's discounted by $399.

Prices Vary 1622214797

This sale includes iPhone models, the Apple Watch, iMac and iPad devices, Beats headphones, Apple services, and more. The deals vary by product, so be sure to check them all out now.

$103.99 $129.99 Save $26 1621604395

Change how you use your iPad with the Apple Pencil. This stylus lets you use your iPad as a notepad, a canvas, or a drawing board for all of your ideas. Today's deal saves you 20% instantly at Verizon.

$599.99 $699.00 Save $99 1621519150

Updated in late 2020, the Mac Mini has Apple's M1 chip that combines CPU, GPU, and machine learning for faster performance, better graphics, and an all around streamlined device. This version has 8GB RAM and a 256GB solid state drive.

From $329 1621244196

Apple Watch Series 6 models are available for some of their best prices ever right now. The lowest price is on the red 40mm version which is $70 off with 44mm and cellular models seeing discounts of up to $91.

There are many reasons why you might opt for the 2018 iPad Pro rather than the new 2020 model, but price is possibly one key factor. Going for the previous-gen saves you a chunk of cash and you're still getting a highly performant device. The 2018 iPad Pro has the same stunning Liquid Retina edge-to-edge display as the new model, Face ID, Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio support. It's also packing the super-powerful A12X Bionic chip which is only bested marginally by the 2020 model's A12Z Bionic chip. The 2018 model even supports Apple's extremely cool Magic Keyboard with built-in trackpad that just came out.

The main differences center around the new camera module in the 2020 devices which features a 12MP standard wide-angle lens and a 10MP ultra-wide lens as well as a LiDAR scanner than stands to be a huge boon for AR use cases. There's also a new studio-quality mic array. If those things matter to you, go for the 2020 model.

It's worth checking out our 5-star review and second look at the 2018 iPad Pro for an in-depth take on all its features and capabilities. If you don't want or need all the power that the iPad Pro has to offer, you may want to instead opt for the updated 10.5-inch iPad Air or the latest 10.2-inch iPad, both of which now support the Smart Keyboard and first-gen Apple Pencil at a more affordable price.

To browse all of the current iPad promotions and price drops, be sure to take a look at our best iPad deals roundup for more.

Shipping at Woot is normally $6 per order, though you can score free shipping there by logging in with an Amazon Prime account before checkout. If you've never been a member before, you can start a free 30-day trial to score free shipping at Woot and Amazon. You'll also receive access to all of Amazon Prime's perks, such as the Prime Video streaming service, exclusive members-only deals.

If you'd prefer to go for a brand new iPad Pro 2018 rather than a refurb model, you can score a saving of up to $170 on one at Amazon right now.

If you picked up a discounted 2018 iPad Pro recently, now's the time to follow that purchase up with Apple's Smart Folio case. If you're quick enough, you can get your hands on it in charcoal gray for just $30 at Verizon. That's the lowest it has ever gone and is 70% off its retail price. Simply add it to your cart to see the final price.

The Smart Folio is the evolution of previous-generation Smart Covers for the 2018 iPad Pro models. Like the previous-gen versions, it covers the front of your device to protect the display and glass with open-to-wake and close-to-sleep functionality. It also folds back to operate as a stand for your iPad Pro either to prop it up at a great video watching angle or to lift it to a more ergonomic typing angle.

Unlike previous Apple covers, the Smart Folio also covers the back of your iPad Pro for all-around protection. It attaches to the back of the device using magnets and aligns itself perfectly every time. There are cutouts for the rear camera and mic with all other speakers, ports and buttons remaining uncovered, too. If you prefer a case with a built-in keyboard, Apple also offers a Smart Keyboard Folio, though that goes for almost $200.

It's worth noting that the Smart Folio on sale today at Verizon is only compatible with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro form 2018 and not the 2020 model. If you have the latest iPad, you'll need the updated Smart Folio which looks and works basically the same but has a larger camera cutout on the back.

What you need to know

• The Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro has started to arrive with buyers.
• That means we're getting answers to many of our questions – including about its weight.
• Putting a 12.9-inch iPad Pro onto a Magic Keyboard makes it weigh more than a MacBook Air.

Ever since we saw Apple's Craig Federighi showing off the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro on video, we've wondered how heavy it is. Federighi grabs the iPad Pro and removes it from the keyboard without any problems – suggesting the keyboard itself has plenty of heft so as not to be pulled around by the iPad Pro as it was removed. Now we know how heavy it is. And it's so heavy that it'll weigh more than a MacBook Air when it's got an iPad Pro attached to it.

As noted by one MacRumors reader who got hold of their 12.9-inch iPad Pro accessory this morning, the keyboard weighs 710 grams. The iPad? Just 641 grams.

That makes tons of sense given how the keyboard holds the iPad Pro aloft, but it does mean one interesting fact – the pair weigh more than a MacBook Air which comes in at 1,290 grams. In fact, the pair almost weigh more than the 1,370 gram 13-inch MacBook Pro.

Early keyboard reviews also noted the heft, although they were lagely positive.

None of this is bad news if we wanted the combo to work. But it's something to keep in mind when we're allowed out of our homes again!

Amidst a global coronavirus pandemic, Apple unveiled and just released new iPad Pro and MacBook Air models. With many more people now working from home, the timing is actually pretty good as people start using their own gear for work projects and realize that maybe it's time for an upgrade.

Thankfully, Amazon is making it cheaper to get your hands on the latest and greatest Apple products with $49 off both the 2020 iPad Pro and MacBook Air devices. Several different configurations are seeing the discount, though expect a delay on shipping due to both the popularity of the deals and Amazon's de-prioritization of non-essential items.

$899.99 $1299.00 Save $399 1623157769

Having now been replaced by the 24-inch M1 iMac, Apple's 21.5-inch iMac has been discontinued. That means big savings at third-party retailers including at Amazon where it's discounted by $399.

Prices Vary 1622214797

This sale includes iPhone models, the Apple Watch, iMac and iPad devices, Beats headphones, Apple services, and more. The deals vary by product, so be sure to check them all out now.

$103.99 $129.99 Save $26 1621604395

Change how you use your iPad with the Apple Pencil. This stylus lets you use your iPad as a notepad, a canvas, or a drawing board for all of your ideas. Today's deal saves you 20% instantly at Verizon.

$599.99 $699.00 Save $99 1621519150

Updated in late 2020, the Mac Mini has Apple's M1 chip that combines CPU, GPU, and machine learning for faster performance, better graphics, and an all around streamlined device. This version has 8GB RAM and a 256GB solid state drive.

From $329 1621244196

Apple Watch Series 6 models are available for some of their best prices ever right now. The lowest price is on the red 40mm version which is $70 off with 44mm and cellular models seeing discounts of up to $91.

The 2020 iPad Pro maintains the 2018 model's industrial design for the most part. It comes in the same two sizes — 11-inch and 12.9-inch —and has the same gorgeous edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display with 120hz ProMotion, True Tone, and P3 wide color gamut. The processor has been bumped to the A12Z Bionic chip, though the main differences center around the new camera module in the 2020 devices. It features a 12MP standard wide-angle lens and a 10MP ultra-wide lens as well as a LiDAR scanner than stands to be a huge boon for AR use cases. There's also a new studio-quality mic array

We have a guide to everything you need to know about the 2020 iPad Pro that links to all of our coverage of the device. Our in-depth review just dropped too, so be sure to give that a read. If you don't want Apple's newest iPad Pro, take a look at the deals on 2018 models where you can save even more.

$899.99 $1299.00 Save $399 1623157769

Having now been replaced by the 24-inch M1 iMac, Apple's 21.5-inch iMac has been discontinued. That means big savings at third-party retailers including at Amazon where it's discounted by $399.

Prices Vary 1622214797

This sale includes iPhone models, the Apple Watch, iMac and iPad devices, Beats headphones, Apple services, and more. The deals vary by product, so be sure to check them all out now.

$103.99 $129.99 Save $26 1621604395

Change how you use your iPad with the Apple Pencil. This stylus lets you use your iPad as a notepad, a canvas, or a drawing board for all of your ideas. Today's deal saves you 20% instantly at Verizon.

$599.99 $699.00 Save $99 1621519150

Updated in late 2020, the Mac Mini has Apple's M1 chip that combines CPU, GPU, and machine learning for faster performance, better graphics, and an all around streamlined device. This version has 8GB RAM and a 256GB solid state drive.

From $329 1621244196

Apple Watch Series 6 models are available for some of their best prices ever right now. The lowest price is on the red 40mm version which is $70 off with 44mm and cellular models seeing discounts of up to $91.

Similarly, Apple's new MacBook Air looks a lot like the previous-gen model but has some significant updates in key areas. First, the processors are now Intel's 10th-generation chips which should make for some power efficiency gains and the new Air features the totally redesigned Magic Keyboard that debuted last fall with the MacBook Pro. If you've got a 2018 or 2019 model, it might not be the upgrade for you but it's certainly a contender for replacing anything older than that, especially at this discount.

If you want to find out more about the new MacBook Air, peek our everything you need to know guide and our full MacBook Air 2020 review.

What you need to know

• Adobe launched its new paiting app Fresco for the iPad today.
• It will let users utilize different brushes to create life like brushstrokes.
• The app will be available for Creative Cloud users or or as a freemium version.

Today Adobe launched its new painting app, Fresco, for the iPad. The app offers a bevy of different options meant to enhance the painting and drawing experience down to the type of brush that can be used and the brushstrokes they create.

Adobe made the announcement in a blog post.

Creative Cloud users will be able to import brushes from Photoshop to Fresco on top of using Adobe's AI Sensei to use oil, watercolor and vector brushes.

The result is textured tones, bleeding paint, and specific definition. This will be especially useful on an iPad with Apple Pencil support.

The new app is now available for Creative Cloud subscribers while non-subscribers can access the app via $9.99 per month. However, if you purchase the standalone app before December 31, 2019, you will get six free months. It is also available as a freemium version with limited access to certain things like brushes, exporting and future updates.

Apple devices often cost a pretty penny, especially if you want to go for the latest model. But today is your lucky day if you've been eyeing up Apple's newest iPad Pro as the 12.9-inch tablet is $175 off right now at Amazon. The discount applies to the silver model with 64GB capacity, dropping it down to the lowest price we've seen for it since launch at $824. While you might be thinking of holding off for Prime Day, we don't know if we're going to see any discounts this steep on Apple tech so you probably don't want to let this deal pass you by.

$899.99 $1299.00 Save $399 1623157769

Having now been replaced by the 24-inch M1 iMac, Apple's 21.5-inch iMac has been discontinued. That means big savings at third-party retailers including at Amazon where it's discounted by $399.

Prices Vary 1622214797

This sale includes iPhone models, the Apple Watch, iMac and iPad devices, Beats headphones, Apple services, and more. The deals vary by product, so be sure to check them all out now.

$103.99 $129.99 Save $26 1621604395

Change how you use your iPad with the Apple Pencil. This stylus lets you use your iPad as a notepad, a canvas, or a drawing board for all of your ideas. Today's deal saves you 20% instantly at Verizon.

$599.99 $699.00 Save $99 1621519150

Updated in late 2020, the Mac Mini has Apple's M1 chip that combines CPU, GPU, and machine learning for faster performance, better graphics, and an all around streamlined device. This version has 8GB RAM and a 256GB solid state drive.

From $329 1621244196

Apple Watch Series 6 models are available for some of their best prices ever right now. The lowest price is on the red 40mm version which is $70 off with 44mm and cellular models seeing discounts of up to $91.

The latest iPad Pro devices were only just released in November 2018. With stunning new Liquid Retina displays that go edge-to-edge, Face ID, and super powerful A12X Bionic chips, the new models are absolute powerhouses and are vying to replace your laptop for good. It's worth checking out iMore's review and second look at the 2018 iPad Pro for an in-depth take on all its features and capabilities. With the money you save on the iPad, you could add on the new Apple Pencil or Smart Keyboard Folio to go completely pro.

There are discounts across the iPad Pro lineup right now, although not all are at all-time low prices like the model featured in this deal. Regardless, you could save up to $150 on select 11-inch iPad Pro models and other 12.9-inch variants are up to $220 off.

If you don't want or need all the power that the iPad Pro has to offer, you may want to instead opt for the updated 10.5-inch iPad Air which now supports the Smart Keyboard and first-gen Apple Pencil without breaking the bank.

"That's no MacBook" was my reaction to seeing the original 12.9-inch iPad Pro back in the fall of 2015. It was a Star Wars reference, of course, but the gist was this: We finally had an iPad — and an iOS device — that could double as a "notebook". Not perfectly, and not in every way for everyone, but without sacrificing what made it an iPad and what's so great about iOS.

If the original 12.9-inch iPad was Star Wars, the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation) is Empire: more serious and, for my money, just plain better. (And yes, when iOS 11 ships this fall, it will indeed be "fully operational".)

Unlike its smaller sibling, the 10.5-inch iPad Pro, the display size on the 12.9-inch model hasn't changed. (You can tell by the name). But thanks to the previous version's age, the display technologies have changed even more. It not only gets the new ProMotion 120Hz adaptive refresh rate but catches up on DCI-P3 wide-gamut color and True Tone ambient color temperature matching too. And the camera — well, it hyperspace jumps from the old, anemic iPad Air 2 system the original 12.9 was stuck with to the state-of-the-art iPhone 7 system.

It all comes together to make the 12.9-inch iPad Pro yin to the 12-inch MacBook's yang. Not an iPad-in-Mac's clothing but an iPad that can do a lot of what the Mac can, and a few major things it can't.

But is it enough? Is the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation) the powerful Apple portable you've been looking for?

See at Apple

• Laptop alternative.
• Most advanced LED panel on the planet.
• Blistering fast processors
• iPhone 7-level camera system
• Access to all the tablet apps in the App Store
• Pro-level tablet computers

• Smaller, more portable tablet
• OLED panel
• x86 processors
• Access to native Mac or Windows apps
• Cheap video and gaming tablets

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation) is now even bigger on the inside. That includes a significantly faster processor in the A10X, a more advanced display with 120Hz adaptive ProMotion, and a much better camera system — the same one found on iPhone 7. All it's missing is the rose gold option available on the 10.5-inch model.

Taken together, it makes what was already a viable laptop alternative into a compelling one, especially for creatives. With the free iOS 11 update coming this fall, drag-and-drop, Files.app, ARKit, and more will make iPad Pro a real alternative for a wider range of professionals as well.

Given its size, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro may not offer maximum portability — there's a 10.5-inch model for that — but it does offer maximum potential. Absent a trackpad and Xcode, it's also the closest thing Apple offers to a touchscreen Mac.

If I could only have only one Apple computer, this would be it.

My colleague Serenity Caldwell and I had a chance to try out both the new 10.5-inch and the updated 12.9-inch iPads Pro following Apple's WWDC 2017 keynote.

Since then, I've been using 12.9-inch iPad for about a week. That includes everything I normally do for iMore, Mobile Nations, and personally — writing, drawing, gaming, taking photos, filming, reading, watching videos, working at coffee shops and on decks, and chilling on the couch. I've used it on Wi-Fi and on LTE (on Rogers in Montreal).

In other words, I've lived on it. And yes, that includes writing this review. On tables. On my lap. Legs crossed. You name it.

The new iPads Pro build on all the iPads that have come before. Rather than repeat material from any of those reviews, please find the most recent ones here:

• 10.5-inch iPad Pro review
• 9.7-inch iPad (5th generation) review
• 9.7-inch iPad Pro review
• 12.9-inch iPad Pro review
• iPad mini 4 review
• iPad Air 2 review
• iPad Air review

iPad Pro 12.9 display

The original 12.9-inch iPad Pro's display was impressive based on its size alone. At 2732-by-2048 and 264 pixels-per-inch (ppi), it was more expansive than any iOS device that had ever come before. Expansive enough to show two regular-sized iPad apps in 50/50 split view.

Then came the 9.7-inch iPad Pro and, while its display was the same size and density as previous-generation iPads non-Pro, its DCI-P3 wide-gamut color and True Tone ambient color temperature matching made it qualitatively better.

Now the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro keeps all the original's pixel quantity but adds all that quality. And then some: DCI-P3 with deeper reds, magentas, and purples and brighter greens. Check. True Tone that makes the display look paper white, whether you're in a room with yellow incandescent lighting or cold blue iridescent. Check.

By themselves, both are impressive enough technologies that, once you get used to them, you never want to go back to the duller, off-color displays that preceded them. But then you add high dynamic range (HDR) and ProMotion, and the game changes again.

HDR is mostly aspirational right now. Thanks to a new 600 nits of brightness — 50% more than the original — the new iPad Pro display can show more detail in both the light and shadow without blowing them out or muddying them up. It's been supported for years in photography, but iPad Pro supports it in video now as well. There just isn't much HDR content available for iPad yet.

As I mentioned in my 10.5-inch iPad Pro review, I was able to watch a Dolby comparison of The Force Awakens trailer in 4K vs 1080p HDR. The HDR version, despite being lower resolution, blew away the 4K version. The difference was eye-popping.

That's why I'm happy Apple is offering the support now, so iPad Pro will be ready to go once iTunes, Netflix, Amazon, and the like go all-in.

ProMotion, though, will blow you away right now. And, if anything, it's even more impressive on the 12.9-inch screen.

ProMotion is Apple's name for its new 120Hz adaptive refresh technology. Previously, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro could ramp its refresh rate down from the usual 60Hz to 30Hz for relatively static content like photos. Since the display is the single biggest power draw on the iPad, that let it save as much power as possible.

The new iPad Pro goes both ways. Not only can it ramp down; it can ramp all the way up to 120Hz. That may negate some of the power savings, but it opens the iPad Pro up to incredibly smooth video for things like scrolling and incredibly low latency for Apple Pencil.

It's not just hardware either. iOS includes a lot of new smarts that lets it, for example, immediately jump to 120Hz when the Apple Pencil touches down on the display surface. It also lets it show a 24FPS movie without the annoying "soap opera" effect. Thanks to math (24x5=120), iPad Pro can keep a 24FPS movie playing in one view while letting Apple Pencil scroll at 120 in another. Oh, yeah.

All of this "just works", though developers can ask for specific refresh rates if their apps and content would benefit from it. iOS will then serve as a dispatcher and coordinator, giving and matching resources for the best possible combination at any time.

Toss in an all-new, all-low 1.8% reflectivity rate and the difference in experience is remarkable. It may not be as night-and-day transformative as Retina, but it's night-and-dawn close — especially on the 12.9-inch display.

ProMotion: Everything you need to know

This year, the iPads Pro are identical in every way but size. And rose gold. You can get the 10.5-inch model in all four colors, but you can only get the 12.9-inch model in (champagne) gold, silver, and space gray.

It might seem like a silly, superficial thing, but for those who like rose gold and like to color match their Apple gear, it's frustrating. Especially since the 12-inch MacBook shows how rose gold looks fire-hot on larger sized mobile devices.

Hopefully Apple will offer it in the future.

iPad Pro 12.9 Touch ID

iPad Pro didn't get the new virtual Home button introduced with iPhone 7. Instead, it keeps the traditional mechanical Home button but does add the second-generation Touch ID sensor from iPhone 6s.

Since there's no 3D Touch or Taptic Engine on the new iPad Pro (see below), Apple would have had to build force and feedback into the Home button for it to work.

It'd likely be "expensive", but I'd love it. Not only would it remove a potential point of mechanical failure, but it would be consistent with the iPhone experience. Which, yeah, felt weird to me at first but now feels like the new normal.

Meanwhile, the second-generation Touch ID is twice as fast as the original. That means it unlocks your iPad in an instant, authenticates you for apps almost immediately, and doesn't leave you hanging (touching?) when you want to use Apple Pay or authorize other purchases.

So where the Home button isn't iPhone-level yet, Touch ID absolutely is.

While iPad Pro offers pressure sensitivity through Apple Pencil, it doesn't offer the built-in 3D Touch of iPhone. That's likely due to the current technology not effectively scaling to the bigger screen, the lack of navigation necessity, and the potential collision with Pencil technology and economics.

If that explanation is too short and you want to read more:

• Why iPad Pro doesn't have 3D Touch and a virtual Home button

iPad Pro 12.9 chipset

Pushing 3,145,728 pixels requires a good amount of power. Pushing them with incredible speed and smoothness, especially when they're rendering complex imaging and 3D, requires serious power. A9X on the original 12.9-inch iPad did a great job. A10X does it better.

All the system animations and interactions don't just feel faster, they feel fuller. Almost like A9X was being just a little abrupt to keep up while A10X is flying... casual. Scrolling is impeccable and tracking feels like the pixels are elastic banded to your fingers. Also, where computationally expensive effects and rendering were speedy on A9X, now they feel pure speed force.

A10X uses the same "fusion" system introduced late last year with iPhone 7. It pairs high-performance cores with high-efficiency cores. iPhone 7 had two such pairs. iPad Pro has three. And a twelve-core graphics processor.

By the numbers, Apple claims the A10X CPU is 30% faster and the GPU is 40% faster than A9X, all while maintaining the same 10 hours of battery life as every iPad before it.

Battery life will take a while to get a firm grasp on, but the speed is immediately apparent.

I benched the 10.5-inch for geeks already:

• Single-core: 3,935
• Multi-core: 9,299
• Metal: 27,131

For the sake of thoroughness, here's how this 12.9-inch measures up:

• Single-core: 3,890
• Multi-core: 9273
• Metal: 27,528

And by way of comparison, the original 12.9-inch:

• Single-core: 3,068
• Multi-core: 5159
• Metal: 14,906

On a display as large as iPad Pro, the single-threaded operations — which put even more recent chipset competitors to shame — ensure immediate responsiveness from interface and interactions. And the multi-threaded operations — which are still more than competitive with recent competing silicon — ensure performance from even the most demanding apps.

So when using iPad Pro as an ultra-light PC, it feels almost over-powered. When using it as a giant canvas or window into augmented reality (AR), it just feels powered.

I mean, finger painting with deformation effects isn't anything I expected to see on stage this year, let alone play around with in my hands.

Apple also claims the shared memory architecture of A10X, combined with Metal, provides for applications that PCs, with split CPU/GPU memory, not only can't match but simply can't do. It's part of the reason why Apple positions iPad Pro as being more powerful than many PC laptops.

Those are all nebulous terms to me, as is "PC replacement". I prefer PC alternative.

Where the 10.5-inch model feels like a tablet that you can snap in and use as a tiny laptop when you want to, the 12.9-inch model feels like a laptop you can snap out and use as a big tablet when you want to.

Like I said in the 10.5-inch review, I rarely if ever saw any apps peg the A9X. I've only ever seen Portrait Mode and maybe some incredibly intensive photo filters peg the A10. I don't know what it would take to peg the A10X. But I can't wait to find out.

iPad Pro 12.9-inch radios

Wi-Fi on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro remains unchanged from the original: 802.11ac, multiple-in, multiple-out (MIMO) Wi-Fi at up to 866 Mbps. The cellular radio, though, has gotten much better. And because the orginal 12.9-inch predates the 9.7-inch, the difference is even greater between generations.

5 bands and 300Mbps greater, for a total of 25 bands at up to 450Mbps. That's all theoretical, of course, but it does translate into using your iPad Pro in more places and, hopefully, at much higher speeds.

Also, since Apple is doing all of this on a single modem, not two different modems like iPhone 7, if you buy an iPad Pro with LTE, you can use it on the still-CDMA-bound Verizon and Sprint in the U.S.A, and any GSM carrier anywhere and everywhere else.

No doubt we're all paying the Qualcomm tax for that simplicity, but it's a simplicity that's worth paying for for now. Especially because Apple chooses not to pay or pass on that tax for the 12-inch MacBook or MacBook Pro.

That makes the iPad Pro with LTE effectively the only truly mobile device in Apple's lineup.

iPad Pro 12.9 cameras

The first 12.9-inch iPad Pro was "pro" in almost every way — except for the cameras. The Apple A9X image signal processor (ISP) worked its usual automagic, but it didn't have much to work with. The new 12.9-inch iPad Pro optics are a very different story.

With a 12-megapixel, 4K rear-mounted camera complete with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a 7-megapixel, 1080p front-mounted camera, it's every bit as good as iPhone 7. And yes, that meansApple is finally taking iPad photography seriously, even on its biggest screen.

The difference is most apparent in low light. Because I've been shooting almost exclusively with iPhone 7 Plus since September the amount of detail this camera system can pull from low- or next-to-no-light doesn't drop my jaw the way it used to. But it still impresses me. Especially on a tablet — and extra especially on one that's come as far as the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

Here's what the rear camera can pull in really low light. 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation) (top left), iPhone 7 Plus (top right), 12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st generation) (bottom left), and 9.7-inch iPad Pro (bottom right).

Full-sized crops: 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation), iPhone 7 Plus, 12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st generation), 9.7-inch iPad Pro.

In addition to the higher resolution, you also get DCI-P3 wide color gamut, the ability to stitch together 63-megapixel panoramas, the ability to shoot 4K (2160p) video or up to 240FPS slow motion, and support for Live Photos. (Which will be getting an Instagram-style boomerang and other effects update with iOS 11 later this year.)

I do miss the dual camera system found on iPhone 7 Plus. A lot. 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode bokeh effect are the reason why I haven't touched my DSLR going on nine months. I wish Apple had included the "tele" lens on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro as well, for both the photography and the "depthy" data it collects.

For many, none of that will matter because they already have an iPhone or high-quality camera phone, or they still buy into the social stigma associated with tablet photography. (Especially when that tablet is as big as a Dungeons & Dragons tome.)

For others, though, including people who want a massive viewfinder to ensure tack-sharp photos, super-precise macros, and perfectly focused 4K video, it'll be the best thing ever.

Just look at the difference on the back of the 10.5-inch iPad (middle) compared to the old 12.9-inch model (bottom) and even the old 9.7-inch model (top).

That bump don't lie.

iPad Pro 12.9 apps and accessories

iPad Pro can use any of the hundreds of thousands of tablet-optimized apps in the iOS App Store. The amount of apps that actually support the even bigger display of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro isn't anywhere nearly that many, but it's grown since late 2015 and now, with this new model, I'm hopeful it will keep growing. Likewise apps designed to really take advantage of this next-generation hardware.

I've already called out Affinity Photo, announced alongside the new iPad Pro, a couple of times. But it deserves it, both for its incredible feature set and, hopefully, its sustainable pricing — $20.

• Best accessories for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro
• Best apps for iPad Pro
• Best games for iPad Pro

There's no difference for Apple Pencil this time around and, if there's any to the Smart Keyboard, I can't feel it. Even with the 10.5-inch model offering a "full-sized keyboard experience", the 12.9-inch model remains much fuller.

If you're upgrading from the old 12.9-inch you'll have to make sure whatever you had fits with the camera bump on what you have now. Otherwise, the new model is broadly compatible with existing Lightning and Bluetooth gear, and both can connect to and control the increasing number for HomeKit accessories on the market.

iPad Pro 12.9 and iOS 11

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro running iOS 10 is a competent PC alternative. Running iOS 11, which goes into wide release this fall, I expect it to be a compelling one.

iOS 11 is the biggest update for iPad that Apple has ever offered. It may not be a complete iPad OS, and it may still have the same icon-based launcher experience that shipped with the original, but everything else about the windowing and workflow experience has improved.

That includes a new, always-accessible Doc and a new App Switcher that's not only integrated with Control Center but saves all your spaces (side-by-side layouts). Also, drag and drop. And not just a carryover from the traditional mouse-based implementations of the past — a new one that feels born for multitouch.

Apple Pencil will be getting Instant Notes, based on a simple tap from the Lock screen, and Instant Markup for screenshots. You'll be able to take hand-written notes in English and simplified Chinese and, thanks to optical character recognition (OCR), search for them later. And you'll be able to snap a shot of a document, have it replicated on-screen, work on it, sign it, and send it on.

Files.app, which I've only been asking for since iOS 4, will be optional, but will let people who want a more old school computer file system to have it, and not just locally — for iCloud, Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, and online storage providers of all type.

Then there's ARKit, which will let you do stuff like play Star Wars chess against Jabba the Hut, see the steps you need to reboot a server, or learn geometry with real shapes floating in the middle of class.

Available as a free update this fall, it'll make iPad Pro even more Pro. And even more of a PC alternative for creatives and "productives" alike.

iOS 11: Everything you need to know

iPad Pro 12.9 Pricing and availability

The new 12.9-inch iPad Pro comes with new storage and pricing options. The entry-level model now starts at $799 for 64GB. Storage still goes up in $100 increments, but now you pay $899 for 256GB, and $1099 for 512GB.

If you opt for the LTE model, you'll pay $929, $1029, and $1229 for the same capacities.

You also have the option for AppleCare+, which provides an additional year of coverage (for a total of 2 years), and up to two incidents of accidental damage repair for $49. That's over the phone, online, or at your local Apple Store and Genius Bar.

And they're shipping now.

iPad Pro 12.9 conclusion

If I could only have one Apple computer, it would be the 12.9-inch iPad Pro running iOS 11. As someone extraordinarily fortunate enough to have access to a few different Apple computers, I don't say that lightly. My job currently requires me to have both a Mac and an iPad, so I'm currently carrying a 15-inch MacBook Pro and the 10.5-inch iPad Pro. But if I could only have one...

Microsoft spent years in the desert of Windows 8 to bring touch to its traditional operating system. Apple spent those years improving macOS as a traditional operating system and ramping up iOS as a next-generation, touch-first alternative.

The result isn't a touch layer but a true multitouch machine that can act laptop-like if and when you need it to, but can also the full-on iPad experience whenever you want it.

With a fold, I'm typing just as easily as I do on my MacBook. With a swirl, I'm drawing better than I ever did on any Wacom. With a lift, I'm pushing waves across a storm. With a smile, I'm watching Kara Zor El look to the stars, and then leap to them. And all of it faster, more smoothly, more colorfully, and more sharply than ever before.

Using the new iPad Pro and watching WWDC 2017, you can see what Steve Jobs saw back in 2010 and what Tim Cook has been talking about since 2015 — the future of personal computing.

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro might be too much iPad for most people. That's fine. There's a new 10.5-inch iPad Pro and a newly affordable iPad (5th generation) for anyone who wants a smaller or significantly cheaper window into the internet and apps.

If you have the previous 12.9-inch iPad Pro, I won't tell you to upgrade now, but I will tell you to avoid looking at the new one. ProMotion is legit and combined with DCI-P3, True Tone, A10X, and the iPhone 7 camera, it's a big upgrade for creatives and "productives" alike.

For those looking to buy for the first time, if you need to run macOS or Windows, you'll still need to get a MacBook or a Windows hybrid or tablet. If you want the closest thing to a Mac with a multitouch display, though, and an alternative to the traditional laptop, the 12.9-inch iPad might be exactly what you're looking for.

And with iOS 11 this fall, it might become something even more.

See at Apple

Apple just launched the 10.5-inch iPad Pro alongside an updated 12.9-inch model. I've always been a proponent of the smaller-is-better campaign, but this time I'm trading up. Why am I switching to the 12.9-inch iPad Pro? It's all about productivity.

See at Apple

Because the 'Biggie Pro' now has all the same stuff as the 'Baby Pro,' but it's bigger!

When the 9.7-inch iPad Pro launch about a year ago, it had a couple of sweet features that weren't available on the 12.9-inch model, namely the True Tone display and front and back-facing cameras.

True Tone, which is the internal system that naturally adjusts the screen to the light around you, making everything look more like soft paper instead of a harsh, electronic screen, is now available on both models of iPad Pro. We no longer have to choose between a smaller screen with True Tone or a larger screen without.

The iSight cameras are both now 12 megapixels with a 1.8 aperture f-stop with five times digital zoom. They are both capable of 4K video recording at 30 fps and both have a 7-megapixel front-facing camera that supports 1080p HD video recording.

Almost everything about the 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro tablets are exactly the same, the only real difference being their physical sizes. You can't even say that about the iPhone lineup.

So, when it comes to choosing an iPad Pro, size becomes the only deciding factor.

Because productivity hits maximum overdrive with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro

Thanks to its size, the 12.9-inch iPad pro is capable of running full apps side-by-side in Split View mode instead of running an iPhone UI the way the 10.5-inch model does. Full apps means more productivity.

The screen runs natively at 2732 x 2048, which also runs video smooth as butter thanks to ProMotion technology and HDR support. We're talking about a pretty robust bit of technology that is the same screen size as the smaller MacBook Pro, but about one-third the thickness because all the guts and goodies are packed tightly behind the screen. Plus, it's got a touch screen.

The new iPad Pro line is now capable of up to 120 Hz refresh rate, which is also smart-adjustable down to as low as 24 Hz for those apps that don't need as much computing power. This means more power when needed without using up a lot of battery.

This amazing new display technology also lowers the Apple Pencil's latency to about 20 milliseconds, which is going to come in really handy when handwriting notes in the Notes app.

Basically, the advancements in technology now found in the iPad Pro devices make them a replacement for a laptop on paper (I've yet to test this in practice). So, why not get a screen that's the actual size of a laptop and get to work?

Because, why not?

I've always had an iPad with a 9.7-inch screen. I never even went in for the iPad mini. I've always thought the size was the perfect fit. It's portable, yet big enough to work on, less expensive, but not quite an entry-level device, and was Apple's initial screen size when the iPad first launched seven years ago.

So, this time around, it's time for a change. I'm ready to give a different iPad screen size a chance. I'd like to know what it's like to work in Pages, or actually manage the iMore site (Trello, Slack, and all of our back-end website tools) on it with nearly the same level of ease as working on my 13-inch MacBook Pro.

To be honest, the real reason I'm going with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is that I already have a 9.7-inch model. Sure, I could trade it in for a 10.5-inch iPad Pro, but the physical screen real-estate increase is only about an inch and the speedy upgrade to the guts won't make it seem like enough of a change. If I'm going to get another iPad Pro only a year after my last one, I might as well make it completely different.

That's not to say the 'Baby Pro' isn't still my fav...

Some of the things I said about the 9.7-inch iPad Pro a year ago still hold true today for the 10.5-inch model. It is better as far as portability is concerned and it costs about $150 less than it's larger sibling.

I'm always going to love the "Baby Pro" form factor. Its size is just right, it is spec-for-spec nearly identical to the 12.9-inch model, and it costs less. What's not to love?

After thinking it over

I'll be picking up my 12.9-inch iPad Pro from my local Apple store on launch day. Though I won't be able to get one in Rose Gold to match my 9.7-inch iPad Pro and iPhone SE, I'll be getting it in Space Gray to match my MacBook Pro.

What about you? Are you thinking about getting the 12.9-inch or 10.5-inch iPad Pro? Do you have the previous model of either? Tell me why you're buying (or not buying) a new iPad Pro in the comments.

The next generation of iPad Pro is here: Apple's pro iPad line was unified and improved during WWDC's Monday keynote, bringing a new size (10.5), better screens, more storage, a speeder chip, RAM improvements, new camera specs, and so much more. Here's everything you need to know.

What's happened with the iPad Pro line?

As of Monday, the iPad Pro line now consists of two models: The 10.5-inch iPad Pro, and 12.9-inch iPad Pro. The 9.7-inch iPad Pro has been retired, leaving that screen size for the base-model iPad to occupy.

In addition, both models are now identical in terms of specs: They have the same screen, same internals, and same speakers. The only difference? Which screen size you prefer.

What are their specs, exactly?

Both the 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models now feature the following:

• Display:
  • DISPLAY
  • 10.5-inch or 12.9-inch Retina display
  • 600-nit brightness
  • Anti-reflective coating
  • ProMotion refresh technology (120Hz)
  • True Tone
  • Wide Color (P3)
  • Full-screen virtual keyboard
• Chips:
  • CHIPS & STORAGE
  • A10X system-on-a-chip
  • M10 integrated motion co-processor
  • 64GB - 512GB SSD storage
  • 4GB RAM
  • USB-C connection speeds
• Cameras:
  • CAMERAS
  • 12MP, f/1.8 iSight rear camera with OIS
  • 7MP, f/2.2 FaceTime HD front-facing camera
• Battery:
  • BATTERY
  • 10-hour battery life
  • ProMotion smart refresh adjustment (to save battery life)
  • USB-C fast-charge support (optional; not included in box)

How does this differ from the base-model iPad and iPad mini?

You can check out a full spec comparison below, but essentially: The Pro-level iPads are much faster and have more RAM, have superior screens, offer Apple Pencil and Smart Connector support, a faster Touch ID sensor, and better cameras.

*Only pertains to the cellular model.

When can I get a new iPad Pro?

They're currently available on Apple's online store, and will ship in mid-June.

See at Apple

Are they going to run iOS 11?

Not when they ship! iOS 11 will come to the new iPad Pro line, but it's not due until later this Fall. You can get a sneak peek of the features coming to the new iPads Pro in iOS 11 below, however.

• iPad Drag and Drop, Multitasking, and Split View in iOS 11: Everything you need to know!
• AR for iPad: Everything you need to know!

What's changed with the iPad Pro screen technology?

On both iPad Pros, the display is brighter and much speedier: The Retina screen features Wide Color (P3), True Tone technology, and is easier to see than ever before, with an improved 600-nits brightness. It also features Apple's new ProMotion adaptive refresh technology. Essentially, your iPad can now refresh its screen at up to 120Hz: This allows interactions to be faster than ever before, including with the Apple Pencil, which has reduced its latency from 49 miliseconds to just 20 miliseconds.

But ProMotion is also smart: It works with iOS to intelligently detect when a user needs that 120Hz refresh rate — as with drawing and high-framerate games — and when it can lower the refresh rate to save battery life and keep your iPad rocking as long as possible.

What about the dimensions of the screens itself?

The 9.7-inch iPad Pro is no more: In its place is the new, wider and taller 10.5-inch iPad Pro. (The 12.9-inch iPad Pro model hasn't changed its dimensions, as it launched with a thinner bezel than its 9.7-inch cousin.)

The 10.5-inch model is slightly bigger and taller than its 9.7-inch predecessor, offering room for a full-sized virtual keyboard and more controls in apps.

What does each iPad look like in Split View?

When using iOS's multitasking features, the 10.5-inch iPad Pro uses the Compact size class when going into Split View: This means that after you set two apps into Split View, those apps will display iPhone-style UI when set side by side in a 50-50 split, and one iPad, one iPhone-style when in a 25-75 or 75-25 split.

The reason for this is simple: The 10.5-inch iPad Pro isn't wide enough in landscape mode to fit two Regular-sized apps without their UI overlapping. Apple would need an extra 15% or more of width to make the apps scale effectively, which would make for a mighty strange iPad indeed.

In contrast, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro uses the Regular size class when going into Split View: This means that after you set two apps into Split View, those apps will display iPad-style UI when set side by side in a 50-50 split, and and one iPad, one iPhone-style when in a 25-75 or 75-25 split.

Both iPads have 4GB of RAM, allowing them to pull up a maximum of two Split View apps, one Slide Over app, and a Picture-in-Picture video all on the same screen and in focus (all are useable at the same time).

What's going on with the Home Button? Did we get a Taptic Engine?

Unfortunately not. Taptic Engines are challenging little bits of technology to produce, especially in devices with larger screens — it's why we don't have 3D Touch on the iPad Pro yet, either. But there is one bit of good news: Both iPad Pro models now have the second-generation Touch ID sensor, which is faster and more responsive at unlocking and authenticating.

Tell me more about the A10X processor and graphics?

The new iPad Pros are rocking Apple's A10X chip, which has six cores inside: three high-performance cores, and three high-efficiency cores. The results, Apple claims, are up to 30% faster CPU and 40% faster graphics performance. You'll notice that all around, whether you're surfing the web, playing a game, drawing, dragging and dropping, or just about anything else on your iPad.

What about the camera?

The new iPad Pros will be sporting improved sensors for both the rear-facing and front-facing cameras: They're now identical to those found in the iPhone 7.

The rear iSight camera can now shoot at up to 12 megapixels and capture 4K video footage at 30FPS at a f/1.8 aperture, while the front-facing FaceTime HD camera has been upgraded to a 7 megapixel sensor and integrated Retina Flash. (Apple bragged that the 12.9-inch iPad Pro had the biggest Retina Flash out there, but good luck taking taking non-photo bototh selfies with that monster.)

Will my old iPad and iPad Pro cases fit on the new iPad Pros?

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro cases should, by all rights and means, fit without too much trouble — though you may run into an issue with tightly-fitting cases due to the more pronounced camera bump. When it comes to the 10.5-inch, however, your 9.7-inch cases are out of luck: The increased length of the device means that many — if not all — cases won't snap in properly.

• Can the new 10.5-inch iPad Pro fit in 9.7-inch cases?
• Can the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro fit in 1st-generation cases?

What accessories are available for the new iPad Pro line?

The first-generation Apple Pencil is available, of course, as is a new and improved Smart Keyboard cover; there are also Pencil cases and a new leather case option.

• Best accessories for the 10.5-inch iPad Pro
• Best accessories for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro

But there's no new Apple Pencil, right?

Nope! The original Apple Pencil benefits from the improved display on the iPad Pro; no new drawing tool is necessary.

What color options are available on the new iPad Pros?

As with Apple's other iPad models, you'll be able to pick up an iPad Pro in Silver, Space Grey, or Gold in either the 10.5-inch or 12.9-inch sizes. Sadly, Rose Gold is limited to the 10.5-inch size — there's no 12.9-inch iPad Pro rose gold love.

How much will it cost?

Here's the pricing for the new iPad Pro line:

10.5-inch iPad Pro:

• $649 for 64GB Wi-Fi
• $779 for 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular
• $749 for 256GB Wi-Fi
• $879 for 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular
• $949 for 512GB Wi-Fi
• $1079 for 512GB Wi-Fi + Cellular

12.9-inch iPad Pro:

• $799 for 64GB Wi-Fi
• $929 for 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular
• $899 for the 256GB Wi-Fi
• $1029 for 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular
• $1099 for 512GB Wi-Fi
• $1229 for 512GB Wi-Fi + Cellular

Want more on the new iPad Pros?

Let us know in the comments, or head over to the iMore Forums and tell everybody about your thoughts on the new iPad Pro lineup!

While we know that the 9.7-inch iPad Pro has been phased out by Apple and replaced with the new 10.5-inch iPad Pro, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is still sticking around with some upgraded hardware.

Apple was quick to announce at the WWDC keynote that consumers would be able to pick up a Smart Cover and Smart Keyboard for its new 10.5-inch iPad Pro, but where does that leave the 12.9-inch iPad Pro? If you're looking to upgrade your first generation 12.9 Pad Pro to the newer generation, will you need to buy your Smart Cover or Smart Keyboard again?

It's the same old Smart Cover and Smart Keyboard

Good news! If you already have a Smart Keyboard or Smart Cover for your first-generation 12.9-iPad Pro, they will work seamlessly with the new generation. In fact, since the physical size of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is unchanged, nothing has changed on either the Smart Keyboard or Smart Cover, and you can order them right now!

Apple Smart Keyboard

If you plan on doing any extensive writing on your iPad Pro, the Apple Smart Keyboard is the most versatile option: It folds up into a neat package and protects your iPad's screen when not in use, but unfolds into a full soft keyboard package when you need it.

See at Apple

Smart Cover

The Smart Cover protects your iPad's screen when you're not using it and acts as a foldable kickstand when you are. It's available in both white and charcoal gray colors, and you can buy it right now!

See at Apple

Which 12.9-inch iPad Pro accessories do you already have?

Let us know in the comments below!

If you've picked up the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, you'll know how awesome the device is regardless of what you're using it for, but now first-time buyers are asking: Do you have any regrets buying the 12.9-inch iPad Pro?

Some people say that they love their 12.9-inch iPad Pro and use it daily!

… While others say they did regret their purchase, adding that it was far too big to carry around and that they ended up selling it.

At the end of the day, what do you think?

We're always having some awesome discussion in the iMore forums, so join us and let us know your opinion on whether the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is worth it or not! We look forward to seeing you there.

Join the discussion on the iMore forum!

If you've been holding out on a deal for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, today's your lucky day. The variant with 128GB storage and LTE connectivity is available for just $799 on eBay, a discount of $280 from its usual retail price of $1,079.

Need more justification? The eBay deal has the 128GB variant with LTE available for the same price as the Wi-Fi-only 32GB model of the iPad Pro at other outlets. There's no telling how long the promotion will last, so if you're interested, head to eBay from the link below to pick up the next step in Apple's tablet evolution.

See at eBay

Apple has signed a multi-year deal with Major League Baseball to put iPad Pros in the dugouts of every MLB team starting this season. Managers and coaches will be issued the 12.9-inch version of the device, along with a rugged case. Each iPad will be loaded with stats for the players on the team to which it is assigned, and the data will be proprietary to each team.

The agreement as seen the creation of the custom MLB Dugout app, which is exclusive to the devices for each team. MLB Dugout was created by the organization's Advanced Media division with assistance from Apple. Here's what Apple had to say about the deal:

The MLB Dugout app will have data pre-loaded before each game, though the hope is to have real-time data appear in the app in the future. Neither Apple nor MLB have commented on the specifics terms of the deal.

This arrangement is similar to one between the National Football League and Microsoft, which provides racks of its Surface tablets to every NFL team for use during games.

Press release:

MLB and Apple introduce latest collaboration to deliver powerful on-field technology with iPad Pro and a custom advance scouting and video analysis app

Multi-Year Initiative Marks Historic On-Field Technology Integration

Major League Baseball (MLB) today announced its latest technology collaboration with Apple to integrate powerful new on-field capabilities through the approved use of iPad Pro and a newly developed advance scouting, analytics and video app - MLB Dugout - during MLB games. The announcement, made by Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr., brings iPad Pro into all 30 Major League dugouts and bullpens and marks the first-ever on-field integration of next generation technology, putting advance scouting video and customizable reports at the fingertips of all managers, coaches and players.

Entering the 2016 MLB season, each iPad Pro has been customized for each Club and loaded with the MLB Dugout app, allowing every team's manager, coaches and players to utilize their own proprietary and strategic statistical reports, data visualizations and advance scouting videos during every MLB game from dugouts and bullpens giving them easy access to valuable, actionable baseball insights. Clubs also will have the ability to include any of their own reports with data generated from last year's first full season of Statcast™ tracking technology, bringing new stats for pitch tracking, hitting, baserunning and fielding, right on iPad Pro.

Commissioner Manfred said: "Our collaboration with Apple on the use of iPad Pro in dugouts and bullpens is part of our ongoing effort to introduce extraordinary technology into our game. We are pleased that Apple's groundbreaking products, which have already improved the access that fans have to our sport, will now inform the decisions that make our games interesting and exciting throughout the year."

"iPad is our vision for the future of personal computing, and we are so excited to be working with Major League Baseball to put this incredible technology into all of their dugouts and bullpens this season," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "With iPad Pro and the new MLB Dugout app, managers, coaches, and players will have unprecedented access to statistics, data, and scouting videos right at the touch of their fingers and when it matters most, during the game."

During the initial on-field integration, Clubs will have secure access to pre-load all pertinent analytical reports and video onto iPad Pro from a private network infrastructure installed this offseason in both the visiting and home clubhouses at each of the 30 MLB ballparks. Per League rules, when in use in the dugout and bullpen the devices will not be connected to the Internet or stream live video.

As part of a pilot program late during the 2015 regular season and Postseason, Clubs were offered the opportunity to utilize iPad Air 2 and an early version of MLB Dugout. The 2016 Opening Day version of MLB Dugout is based exclusively on Club feedback from the pilot program and has been expanded and enhanced for iPad Pro with a valuable set of shared tools that offer customizable capabilities and content based on each Club's specific needs. Dugout was developed by MLB in collaboration with Apple to leverage MLB's app development and video expertise and Apple's legendary consumer experience, hardware and software integration and developer platform.

MLB and Apple will continue to collaborate on regular updates of MLB Dugout and the overall iPad Pro experience, including adding new features such as support for Apple Pencil and video annotation functionality.

I'm sure I wasn't the only iPad Pro owner watching Apple's March event with some amount of horror at this suddenly-obsolete four-month-old device I found myself typing on. While not as bad as the time Apple upgraded the iPad's internals after just six months, it was a little disheartening.

"Wait, I thought I bought the Pro. The best iPad. And now this little 9.7-inch upstart has a better screen, better screen technology, better radios, a better camera system... and up to 256GB for storage?!"

Yesterday's Serenity might have had too much caffeine and not enough food, but her heart was in the right place. I love my 12.9-inch iPad Pro. I draw on it almost every day, and I used it to cover Monday's event. To see it somewhat upstaged by a smaller, cheaper model, only months after its release... that's a hard blow to take.

But after having some time to sleep on it, I don't feel nearly so disheartened.

The baby Pro is pretty great

Yes, the 9.7-inch Pro is the 12.9-inch iPad Pro's internal equal in many ways, and betters it when it comes to display technology. Apple's True Tone technology has the potential to radically change how our eyes (and brains) look at screens, and given how much reading and watching users do on smaller tablets, the 9.7-inch model is a great testing ground. The fact that it also gets the 4K iMac's expanded DCI-P3 color space is understandable; while I'm a bit grumpy not to have it on my 12.9-inch model, again, users are likely to view more videos on a smaller iPad, and the DCI-P3 color space was optimized around digital movie projection.

The camera improvements are certainly impressive, and while I can be envious that the tiny iPad has a better system... I don't really need 4K video or a 12-megapixel sensor on my 12.9-inch Pro. I have used this thing to take a photo precisely twice in its life span: Once to get a drawing reference, and once to snap some tablature before using my iPad as sheet music for a Breakpoints Jam.

It hurts me to think of people using iPads as cameras, but my iMore colleague Daniel Bader pointed out, rightfully, that the 9.7-inch iPad makes for a great scouting tool when it comes to planning a video shoot; the 12.9-inch iPad is a little big and a little clunky for such matters. I'm praying we don't see a bunch of 10-inch iPad screens turn into people's primary digital camera, but I also understand the appeal of a big viewscreen, and instant photo editing.

But pros, take heart

Despite these improvements, however, I don't think my 12.9-inch iPad Pro has anything to fear. I need a tablet that can also serve as a portable computer for my professional work: My current iPad Pro does this. The 9.7-inch model isn't going to be quite up to snuff.

First off, while the smaller iPad borrows a great deal of its internals from the 12.9-inch Pro, it doesn't steal everything. The biggest omission? The baby Pro has just 2GB of RAM, as first reported by TechCrunch's Matthew Panzarino and confirmed by iMore. To quote a great commercial: I don't always need my iPad's 4GB of RAM, but when I do, that 2GB limit will be a pretty frustrating wall to hit.

There's also the matter of charging and connection speeds: The big iPad Pro supports USB 3, which not only offers faster transfer speeds for items like photographs, but users will soon be able to quick-charge their 12.9-inch iPad Pro with Apple's 29W USB-C charger and a USB-C-to-Lightning cable; in contrast, the normal iPad Pro charger juices up your tablet at just 12W.

The 9.7-inch iPad Pro is limited to USB 2 — not a bad transfer speed, by any means, but not nearly as useful as USB 3 to a pro-level workflow.

Why would Apple omit these features in the the smaller Pro? Pricing is likely a major factor, but I'd also peg internal space being a potential issue: The 9.7-inch tablet still needs the majority of its space to achieve a solid 10-hour battery life, and it already had to sacrifice some internal storage for the speaker system and Smart Connector. It could just be that Apple's decided to differentiate the Pro line the same way it differentiates laptops: Slightly faster speeds, more RAM, and better ports.

Big screen, big heart

Whatever the behind-the-scenes reason, it's provided me with my own reasoning for keeping my 12.9-inch iPad Pro: If I'm going to keep on experimenting with Apple's tablet as my main laptop, it needs to have the power I need from a laptop.

There are other points of interest, of course. For one, I've come to love the large canvas when drawing with the Pencil; while I've drawn on 9.7-inch iPads for years and I'm sure I could readjust to the smaller screen, there's something very freeing about knowing I won't have to zoom in on my canvas as often as I might with another tablet. That large screen also provides a wonderful window for Split View, which I use daily in my workflow.

I am a little skeptical about the baby Pro's Smart Keyboard: I haven't gotten to type on one yet, but given the gigantic Logitech Create keyboard I've chosen to lug around with my bigger Pro, I suspect I'd end up feeling very cramped.

There's room for both

The 9.7-inch iPad Pro may not be the tablet for me, but I'm still glad it exists: It's going to make a lot of older iPad users very happy, and a lot of artists jump for joy at the prospect of using a Pencil with a device under $1000. With something like Astropad, budding artists can get a state-of-the-art pressure-sensitive second display for their Mac for under $700. As a teenager, I would have flipped to be able to take advantage of that possibility. As an adult, I have the means and the needs for a bigger screen and more powerful technology.

"That's no MacBook..."

We weren't coming out of hyperspace. We were coming out of Apple's September event. And it rose up in front of us, a 12.9-inch display atop a full-sized keyboard. Two apps ran on it, side-by-side. But not OS X. They were iOS. Close by a pencil drew, but in pixels.

All of these elements had been seen before, of course, but never from Apple and never quite this. So, instead of turning around, we tractor-beamed our way in—to the iPad Pro.

If the original iPad was meant to fit in the space between the phone and the laptop, and the iPad mini between the phone and the iPad, the iPad Pro fits somewhere between the iPad and the laptop. Just as phones have become larger and more capable, though, laptops have become lighter and more portable. And the space between them has become narrower.

Still, Tim Cook called the iPad Pro "the clearest expression of our vision of the future of personal computing", and a piece of multitouch glass he thinks can prove even more approachable, accessible, and empowering than anything that's come before.

So, how close does the iPad Pro come to achieving that vision?

• A giant display
• Improved keyboard integration
• Optional pencil input

• A pocketable tablet
• A traditional laptop
• OS X or Windows software

In brief

The iPad Pro is the next step in Apple's tablet evolution. It's a bigger, more powerful, more productive display, with an optional, amazingly creative Pencil. But it's also a first step and one that needs the software to catch up to the hardware. So, if you need a laptop, you'll want to stick with a laptop. If want a tablet that can do some laptop-y things, but with all the flexibility and accessibility that's become the hallmark of the iPad, you'll want the iPad Pro.

• Buy now from BestBuy
• Buy now from Apple

iPad Pro Table of Contents

• Review video
• Evolution
• Design
• Display
• Performance
• Speakers
• Cameras
• Connectivity
• Smart Keyboard
• Apple Pencil
• iOS 9
• Apps
• Accessories
• Bottom Line

iPad Pro Video Review

Give us 4 minutes and we'll give you the iPad Pro!

iPad Evolution

	iPad	iPad 2	iPad 3	iPad mini	iPad 4	iPad Air	iPad mini 2	iPad mini 3	iPad Air 2	iPad mini 4	iPad Pro
Code Name	K48	K94	J1	J65	P101	J72	J85	J85	J81	J96	J98
Model Name	iPad 1,1	iPad 2,1	iPad 3,1	iPad 2,5	iPad 3,4	iPad 4,1	iPad 4,4	iPad 4,7	iPad 5,3	iPad 5,1	iPad 6,7
Launch OS	iPhone OS 3.2	iOS 4.3	iOS 5.1	iOS 6	iOS 6	iOS 7	iOS 7	iOS 8.1	iOS 8.1	iOS 9	iOS 9.1
Screen Size	9.7 inches	9.7 inches	9.7 inches	7.9 inches	9.7 inches	9.7 inches	7.9 inches	7.9 inches	9.7 inches	7.9 inches	12.9 inches
Screen Resolution	1024x768 (132ppi)	1024x768 (132ppi)	2048x1536 (264ppi)	1024x768 (163ppi)	2048x1536 (264ppi)	2048x1536 (264ppi)	2048x1536 (326ppi)	2048x1536 (326ppi)	2048x1536 (264ppi)	2048x1536 (326ppi)	2732x2048 (264ppi)
Screen Type	IPS LED	IPS LED	IPS LED	IPS LED	IPS LED	IPS LED	IPS LED	IPS LED	Laminated IPS LED	Laminated IPS LED	Laminated IPS LED
System-on-a-chip	Apple A4	Apple A5	Apple A5X	Apple A5	Apple A6X	Apple A7	Apple A7	Apple A7	Apple A8X	Apple A8	Apple A9X
CPU	800MHz ARM Cortex-A8	1GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A9	1GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A9	1GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A9	1.4GHz dual-core Swift	64-bit dual core Apple A7 Cyclone	64-bit dual core Apple A7 Cyclone	64-bit dual core Apple A7 Cyclone	64-bit triple core Apple A8 Typhoon	64-bit dual core Apple A8 Typhoon	64-bit Apple A9 Twister
GPU	PowerVR SGX535	PowerVR dual-core SGX543MP2	PowerVR dual-core SGX543MP4	PowerVR dual-core SGX543MP2	PowerVR quad-core SGX554MP4	PowerVR G6430	PowerVR G6430	PowerVR G6430	PowerVR GXA6850	GX6450
Co-processor	none	none	none	none	none	M7 Motion	M7 Motion	M7 Motion	M8 Motion	M8 Motion	M9 Motion (integrated)
RAM	256MB	512MB	1GB	512MB	1GB	1GB	1GB	1GB	2GB	2GB	4GB
Storage	16GB/32GB/64GB	16GB/32GB/64GB	16GB/32GB/64GB	16GB/32GB/64GB	16GB/32GB/64GB/128GB	16GB/32GB/64GB/128GB	16GB/32GB/64GB/128GB	16GB/64GB/128GB	16GB/64GB/128GB	16GB/64GB/128GB	32GB/128GB
Cellular Data	HSPA	LTE	LTE	LTE	LTE	LTE	LTE	LTE	LTE Advanced	LTE Advanced	LTE Advanced
SIM	Micro	Micro	Micro	Nano	Micro	Nano	Nano	Nano	Apple	Apple	Apple
Rear Camera	none	1.3MP/720p	5MP/1080p	5MP/1080p	5MP/1080p	5MP/1080p	5MP/1080p	5MP/1080P	8MP/1080P	8MP/1080P	| 8MP/1080P
Front Camera	none	0.3MP/VGA	0.3MP/VGA	1.2MP/720p	1.2MP/720p	1.2MP/720p	1.2MP/720p	1.2MP/720p	1.2MP/720p	1.2MP/720p	1.2MP/720p
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 2.1+EDR	Bluetooth 2.1+EDR	Bluetooth 4.0	Bluetooth 4.0	Bluetooth 4.0	Bluetooth 4.0	Bluetooth 4.0	Bluetooth 4.0	Bluetooth 4.0	Bluetooth 4.2	Bluetooth 4.2
Wi-Fi	802.11a/b/g/n	802.11a/b/g/n	802.11a/b/g/n	802.11a/b/g/n	802.11a/b/g/n	802.11a/b/g/n MIMO	802.11a/b/g/n MIMO	802.11a/b/g/n MIMO	802.11a/b/g/n/ac MIMO	802.11a/b/g/n/ac MIMO	802.11a/b/g/n/ac MIMO
GPS	aGPS	aGPS	aGPS, GLONASS	aGPS, GLONASS	aGPS, GLONASS	aGPS, GLONASS	aGPS, GLONASS	aGPS, GLONASS	aGPS, GLONASS	aGPS, GLONASS	aGPS, GLONASS
Sensors	Ambient light, accelerometer, compass	Ambient light, accelerometer, compass, gyroscope	Ambient light, accelerometer, compass, gyroscope	Ambient light, accelerometer, compass, gyroscope	Ambient light, accelerometer, compass, gyroscope	Ambient light, accelerometer, compass, gyroscope	Ambient light, accelerometer, compass, gyroscope	Ambient light, accelerometer, compass, gyroscope	Ambient light, accelerometer, compass, gyroscope, barometer	Ambient light, accelerometer, compass, gyroscope, barometer	Ambient light, accelerometer, compass, gyroscope, barometer
Speakers	Mono	Mono	Mono	Stereo	Mono	Stereo	Stereo	Stereo	Stereo	Stereo	Stereo | Stereo
Connector	30-pin Dock	30-pin Dock	30-pin Dock	Lightning	Lightning	Lightning	Lightning	Lightning	Lightning	Lightning	Lightning
Height	9.56 inches (242.8 mm)	9.5 inches (241.3 mm)	9.5 inches (241.3 mm)	7.87 inches (199.9 mm)	9.5 inches (241.3 mm)	9.4 inches (238.8 mm)	7.87 inches (199.9 mm)	7.87 inches (199.9 mm)	9.4 inches (238.8 mm)	8 inches (203.2 mm)	12 inches (305.7 mm)
Width	7.47 inches (189.7 mm)	7.31 inches (185.7 mm)	7.31 inches (185.7 mm)	5.3 inches (134.6 mm)	7.31 inches (185.7 mm)	6.6 inches (167.6 mm)	5.3 inches (134.6 mm)	5.3 inches (134.6 mm)	6.6 inches (167.6 mm)	5.3 inches (134.8 mm)	8.68 inches (220.6 mm)
Depth	0.53 inches (13.5 mm)	0.34 inches (8.6 mm)	0.37 inches (9.4 mm)	0.28 inches (7.1 mm)	0.37 inches (9.4 mm)	0.29 inches (7.4 mm)	0.29 inches (7.4 mm)	0.29 inches (7.4 mm)	0.24 inches (6.1 mm)	0.24 inches (6.1mm)	0.27 inch (6.9 mm)
Weight	1.5 lbs (680 g)	1.33 lbs (603 g)	1.44 lbs (653 g)	0.68 lbs (308 g)	1.44 lbs (653 g)	1.0 lbs (454 g)	0.73 lbs (331 g)	0.73 lbs (331 g)	0.96 lbs (437 g)	0.65 lbs (298.8 grams)	1.57 pounds (713 grams)
Battery	6600mAh	6930mAh	11560mAh	4440mAh	11560mAh	8820mAh	6471mAh	6471mAh	6471mAh	7,340mAh	5124mAh |
Colors	Black	Black/White	Black/White	Black/White	Black/White	Space gray/Silver	Space gray/Silver	Space gray/Silver	Space gray/Silver/Gold	Space gray/Silver/Gold	Space gray/Silver/Gold
Launch Price	Wi-Fi: $499, $599, $699 Cellular: $629, $729, $829	Wi-Fi: $499, $599, $699 Cellular: $629, $729, $829	Wi-Fi: $499, $599, $699 Cellular: $629, $729, $829	Wi-Fi: $329, $429, $529 Cellular: $459, $559, $659	Wi-Fi: $499, $599, $699, $799 Cellular: $629, $729, $829, $929	Wi-Fi: $499, $599, $699, $799 Cellular: $629, $729, $829, $929	Wi-Fi: $399, $499, $599, $699 Cellular: $529, $629, $729, $829	Wi-Fi: $399, $499, $599, $699 Cellular: $529, $629, $729, $829	Wi-Fi: $499, $599, $699, $799 Cellular: $629, $729, $829, $929	Wi-Fi: $399, $499, $599 Cellular: $529, $629, $729	Wi-Fi: $749 Cellular: $949, $1079
Release Date	4/3/2010	3/11/2011	3/16/2012	11/2/2012	11/2/2012	11/1/2013	11/12/2013	10/24/2014	10/24/2014	09/09/2015	11/2015

Each generation of iPad was built on the ones before. Instead of repeating existing features here, please check out all the details in our previous reviews.

• iPad mini 4 review
• iPad Air 2 review
• iPad mini 3 review
• iPad Air review
• iPad mini 2 review
• iPad 4 review
• iPad mini review
• iPad 3 review
• iPad 2 review
• iPad review

iPad Pro Design

The iPad Pro continues the design language introduced with the iPod touch and iPad mini in 2012, carried over to the iPad Air in 2013, and now scaled up to fit the new 12.9-inch display in 2015. It brings the rounded, rectangular aluminum chassis to 12 inches (305.7 mm) high, 8.68 inches (220.6 mm) wide, and 0.27 inch (6.9 mm) deep, and to 1.57 pounds (713 grams) for the Wi-Fi version and 1.59 pounds (723 grams) for the Wi-Fi + Cellular version.

And that's a lot of iPad.

It's roughly the same weight as the original iPad, though spread out so it doesn't feel as dense. It's taken Apple half-a-decade and all the many advances in the iPad mini and iPad Air to be able to make a tablet this big that's still, relatively speaking, this light. Still, this is the first iPad that, for me, is a real two-hander.

Depending on your grip and arm strength, you can hold the iPad Pro in one hand and tap away on it with the other, just like the iPad Air. You can also thumb type in portrait mode if you simply must—though Apple doesn't provide the split keyboard, likely in recognition of how uncomfortable and unsustainable that is for any real length of time. But this iPad really demands a lap or table.

The iPad Pro comes in the same front plate colors and metallic casing finishes as the iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4, and new MacBook. That's black and space gray, and white with either silver or gold. No rose gold option like the iPhones 6s, alas.

There are some new elements, though. Two speaker grills on the top now match the two on bottom and enable the terrific new speaker system. And a new Smart Connector now sits on the left side, providing power and data for hardware keyboard attachments.

That Apple didn't use the iPad Pro to introduce a more significant design evolution is interesting. The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, which got larger display sizes last year, not only got the rounder backs, but took a step forward with rounder fronts as well, better suiting the growing number of edge gestures.

Having already reduced iOS devices to the barest of essentials, though, where else could the iPad go? Even further, perhaps, with rounded front edges like the iPhone, thinner bezels, and perhaps even a virtualized Home button? Then they could truly become multitouch panes of glass. We'll just have to wait and see.

For now, the big changes are mostly on the inside. Mostly...

iPad Pro Display

The iPad Pro delivers Apple's biggest ever multitouch display—12.9 inches (327.66) with 2732x2048 pixels at 264 pixels per inch (ppi) big.

That compares to 9.7-inches on the iPad Air 2 and 7.9-inches on the iPad mini 4, both with 2048x1536 pixels, the former at the same 264 ppi, and the latter at an iPhone 6s-equalling 326 ppi.

While the iPad Pro display may not be as dense as the iPad mini 4 and iPhone 6s, much less the 401 ppi of the iPhone 6s Plus, neither can touch it when it comes to pixel quantity. 2732x2048 equals 5,595,136 pixels. That beats the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 4's 3,145,728 pixels and the iPhone 6s Plus' 2,073,600 (physical) pixels. It also beats the 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro's 5,184,000 pixels. It's only when you get to the 21.5-inch Retina 4K's 9,437,184 pixels that you find more.

Here's how Apple's current line of Retina displays compare in terms of pixel resolution. 42mm and 38mm Apple Watch on the left; then iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone 6s, and iPhone 5s; iPad Pro and iPad Air/mini (same resolution), MacBook; MacBook Pro 15-inch and 13-inch; and iMac 27-inch and 21.5-inch on the right.

Held right in front of you, the iPad Pro's many pixels feel expansive. It's like someone replaced your living room windows with floor-to-ceiling glass.

In order to handle all those pixels, Apple is using a custom-designed timing controller (TCON), just like with the Retina iMac. It allows for greater bandwidth, which lets all those pixels respond as fast as technologically possible. So fast it looks like any other iPad, which is quite an accomplishment.

Apple's also using the same photo alignment process the company employs with the iPhones. It involves projecting ultraviolet light to create a more consistent, uniform surface across the coating on the film transistor and color filter. The result is higher contrast, blacker blacks, and richer colors when you're looking directly at the display.

To my eyes, the reds and magentas aren't as saturated as on my iPad Air 2, and technologically the iPad Pro doesn't have a DCI-P3 color space that the latest iMacs enjoy. Still, it looks great for photos, videos, games, and everything else I've thrown at it.

Also like the Retina iMac, the iPad Pro has an oxide thin film transistor (TFT). It allows for faster and more uniform pixel changing, even across the very large display.

The oxide TFT also enables something remarkable—variable refresh rate. The refresh rate measures how many times per second the screen draws the pixel data it's being fed. (It's technically not the same as frame rate, because refresh rate can contain the same frame rendered multiple times.)

So, when nothing much is happening on the screen, the iPad Pro can cycle down from 60 Hz to 30 Hz. That's how Apple manages to retain the iPad's traditionally great battery life even when lighting up all those pro pixels.

There's no 3D Touch on the iPad Pro. That's the name Apple gives to the system that measures the microscopic change in distance between the glass and LED lights on the iPhones 6s to enable the pressure-sensitive Home screen options and "peek and pop" features.

It's a different technology than what's used to enable force touch on the Apple Watch or the Mac trackpad because the iPhone has a different screen size and interactivity requirement.

So too, the iPad Pro.

Whether or not Apple could implement 3D Touch in the same way on the iPad Pro, and whether or not it would be compatible with what else they're doing, and with their weight goals for the device, I don't know. But what Apple has implemented instead is fascinating.

Along with the refresh rate, the iPad Pro display scans for the optional Apple Pencil 240 times per second as well, effectively doubling "sensitivity".

The iPad Pro's multitouch display system can also measure the relative position of the sensors in the Apple Pencil, so it can tell when the Pencil is tilted.

It's extremely clever. And, best of all, unlike competing technologies, it doesn't force a digitizer beneath the display. That means no air gap to increase glare or introduce parallax. Which you can never un-notice.

Combined with the same fully-laminated, anti-glare technology found in the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 4, it means the iPad Pro gets the benefit of Pencil-based input without the visual sacrifices made by displays that incorporate Wacom or Wacom-like technology.

That's a huge advantage whether you use a Pencil or not.

iPad Pro Performance

There's an old story about Steve Jobs wanting the best of everything, including the best people in the world to design chipsets for iOS devices. Flash-forward less than a decade and Apple has become the most exciting chip design company in the world, leapfrogging the traditional, dedicated silicon companies.

Sure, Intel is still a terrific fab, Nvidia remains super interesting, and Qualcomm and Samsung could certainly surprise us again. But Johny Srouji's team at Apple is shipping A-series processors year after year, and in a way that continuously challenges our preconceptions and expectations about ARM and mobile.

The central processor in the A9X is Apple's third-generation, dual-core 64-bit Twister running at 2.20 GHz. That's the same processor as the iPhones 6s, though clocked faster than their 1.85 GHz.

The graphics processor is a still-to-be-determined multi-core Imagination PowerVR 7XT series.

Apple claims the A9X provides roughly double the performance, central and graphical, of last year's Apple A8X inside the iPad Air 2. That iPad always felt ridiculously over-powered, so I can only describe the iPad Pro as... ludicrously so?

The Apple A9X also contains the same integrated M9 coprocessor as the A9, yet the iPad Pro doesn't offer the same unplugged "Hey, Siri!" voice activation as the iPhones 6s.

That means if your iPad Pro is across the kitchen counter while you're cooking or across the room while you're working out, like previous iPads you'll have to plug it in to control it from afar. Whether there are other technical limitations at work, or Apple simply feels there's something different about the nature of tablets and voice activation, I don't know. I do know it's tremendously convenient at times and I'd love to have it as an option.

In terms of raw power, Geekbench 3 paints an interesting picture:

What that picture doesn't paint, though, is the advantage Apple gets by designing chips to precisely match the hardware and software features they ship. It's not just optimizations either—it's freedom from the burden of supporting cross-platform technologies they don't ship.

As a result, the iPad Pro can do things like handle up to three separate streams of 4K video at the same time, something that would tax many recent Intel-based laptops., MacBooks included.

Incredibly fast engines will only get you so far if you don't also have the pipes to feed them. That's why Apple has given the iPad Pro a new storage controller as well.

We'll have to wait and see whether or not it's the same as the new controller in the iPhones 6s, which reportedly uses PCI-E and NVMe, making them, essentially, like MacBook controllers. Either way, it's fast.

4K videos, high-resolution photos, audio files, and other large objects don't splatter in a bit at a time. They flood in all at once. Almost immediately in many cases.

Likewise when you render out. If you expect your 4K video will take long enough for you to grab a cup of coffee, better make it a press rather than a pour-over or it'll likely be sitting there waiting for you when you come back.

The improvement is significant enough that I hope Apple considers bringing some USB 3.x speed to Lightning for those who still want to backup and transfer over a wire.

The storage behind that controller is still NAND flash, and you can get either 32 GB or 128 GB. There's no 16 GB option like other iPads, and no 64 GB option either.

It's unusual for Apple to offer only 2-tiers on an iOS device. Typically the low-end version gets people in the door, the mid-point version is the up-sell, and the high-end is for premium buyers.

Like the new Apple TV, though, there's only low or high here. It's almost as if Apple thinks the customers for these products will naturally gravitate to one end or the other.

32 GB might work for people who want the lowest possible price and don't intend to store a lot of content locally. That includes enterprise, education, entertainment industry, medical, government, and similar buyers.

128 GB will, of course, better suit people who do want to keep a lot of content locally.

I went for 128 GB because I wanted LTE and that's the only version that offers it, sadly. But even after two weeks I'm only using 24 GB of it. I'll be curious to see where that sits after a year.

Like the iPad Air 2 and iPads mini 3 and 4, the iPad Pro has a Touch ID fingerprint sensor. It lets you authenticate your identity to unlock your iPad and apps, including banking and password management, and it lets you authorize iTunes and Apple Pay purchases.

But it won't let you do it as fast as it does on the new iPhones 6s. Those have second-generation Touch ID sensors, and they're so fast it feels like they activate before you touch them. Almost.

Whether Apple didn't have enough second-generation Touch ID sensors to supply both the iPhones 6s and iPad Pro, or simply didn't think the benefits aren't as great on a tablet as they are on a phone, is impossible to say from the outside.

Once you get used to the speed of Touch ID on the new iPhones, though, you want it everywhere.

Looking at the iPad Pro, it's easy to wonder why Apple didn't fill up the entire casing with power cells to enable multi-day battery life.

Sadly, even if lithium-ion battery geometry worked that way, which it doesn't, and batteries weren't thermal insulators, radio opaque, and governed by international shipping regulations, which they are, the bottom line is this—they're heavy. And heaviness remains incredibly bad for usability.

To keep weight down and battery life up, Apple is using both the variable refresh rate of the display and the power efficiency of the A9-series chipset. That's letting them compromise on the same 10 hours of power for the iPad Pro that the company has compromised on for every iPad going back to the original.

I've been using my iPad Pro consistently for over two weeks now. That includes a day trip where the iPad Pro was all I brought with me, aside from my iPhone. It lasted the whole trip, including several multi-hour sessions at hotels, coffee shops, and airports between meetings, and with juice to spare.

Normally, when I'm alternating between the iPad Pro and the 2015 Retina 5K iMac I'm also in the process of reviewing, I've only had to charge it every two or three days. (Except for a few nights where I just couldn't stop drawing with the Pencil...)

The biggest difference I've found between the iPad Pro and the iPad Air 2 or iPad mini 4 is brightness. When I've cranked the iPad Pro to maximum for use outside, it's drained much faster. But that's the price we pay for so many pixels being lit up so brightly.

Can the iPad Pro replace your laptop? That's the wrong question, like asking if the iPad Pro can replace your TV or your sketchbook or, yes, if your car can replace your truck. We're in the midst of a major transition in computing but only in the midst. That means, for now, the only answers are personal ones. If the tasks you routinely perform rely on hardware or software only available on laptops, you'll still need a laptop. If not, an iPad Pro offers new hardware and software that might very well suit you better than any laptop. Figure out what you really need to do, and you'll figure out which device you really need to get.

• Should you get a MacBook or an iPad Pro?

iPad Pro Speakers

You're Apple, and you have extra space in the iPad Pro casing, space that makes no sense for power cells or anything else heavy. You also have a strong desire to improve the audio quality of the iPad. So what do you do? Easy. You fill all that space with four incredibly light, incredibly booming speakers.

The iPad speakers went stereo with the iPad mini and iPad Air, and while they haven't quite gone quadriphonic (4.0 surround) with the iPad Pro, they have gone... smart.

The four speakers, one per corner, are machined right into the aluminum casing and sealed with carbon fiber caps. Apple claims they're not only three times louder then the previous speakers, but that they have a wider frequency range and response as well, for deeper bass and richer mid and high tones.

Just like with screen rotation, the speakers can tell the orientation of the iPad Pro. That way they can send bass to all four speakers, but mids and highs just to the top. And, impressively, as you rotate the iPad Pro screen, the speakers rotate too—in perfect sync with the screen.

That's why, not only does it sound great, it always sounds great no matter how you're holding it or using it.

I listened to quite a bit of Apple Music and Beats 1 on the iPad Pro, watched several episodes of Jessica Jones on Netflix and the entirety of Ant-Man on iTunes, and played some Monument Valley and Alto's Adventure, and it was all deep, rich, and immersive.

I can't imagine how hard achieving that coordination and cross-fade, that sound depth and quality, was but Apple's audio teams absolutely killed it.

Finally, an iPad with sound to match the display.

iPad Pro Cameras

The iPad Pro has the same front-mounted FaceTime camera and rear-mounted iSight camera found in the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 4. Since the software is also identical, it leaves only one major difference between The Pro and the Air and mini—the next generation image signal processor (ISP) inside the Apple A9X chipset.

I'm sure the Apple A9X is processing those pixels even faster and smarter than the A8-series, but after taking some test shots, I'm hard-pressed to tell the difference. They all look good, given the cameras.

I did, of course, get some funny looks going out and shooting with the iPad Pro. But if you're going to shoot with an iPad, you gotta own it anyway.

Given how great a viewfinder it has, I wish Apple had added the same optically stabilized 12 megapixel, 4K video sensor to the iPad Pro that they did the iPhone 6s Plus. It still wouldn't be convenient for point-and-shoot, of course, but it would be great for mounted remote work.

It's still more than good enough to scan in documents or artwork and to handle video calls, but it could be so much more.

iPad Pro Connectivity

Like the iPad Air 2 and the iPad mini 4, the iPad Pro has 802.11ac Wi-Fi with multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) that allows for up to 866 Mbps of data transfer. Also the same, optional LTE Advanced cellular networking—though only for the 128 GB model)—with support for up to 20 bands at up to 150 Mbps.

There's even the same Lightning port at the bottom for charging, data transfer, and wired accessories. The difference is, on the iPad Pro, Lightning isn't the only port. There's also the the new Smart Connector.

The Smart Connector is vertically centered on left of the iPad Pro. It's magnetic but doesn't use inductive power. Rather, it consists of three small, circular ports that provide power, data, and ground. The magnet are what keep the connection. And like with Smart Covers in the past, they do the job well. Really well.

Right now the Smart Connector is only used for external keyboards, and Apple has an MFi (Made for iOS) program so third parties can get in on the action. Whether or not it ever goes beyond keyboards, we'll have to wait and see.

It's interesting that Apple has prioritized Bluetooth with the Mac—including the new Magic Keyboard and related peripherals—and yet the company is going back to physical connections with the iPad Pro. The reason, I suspect, is wires.

A Mac mini, iMac, or Mac Pro can't move and so the keyboard needs to move for them. For a physical connection, that means wires. If you don't want wires, that means Bluetooth. For a MacBook, any MacBook, the keyboard is attached, so no wires, no Bluetooth. For the iPad Pro to really provide laptop-like functionality, it needs to provide a laptop-like keyboard connection.

If you don't want to attach a keyboard, the Magic Keyboard or something similar will work fine, avoid wires, and let you position the keyboard separately from the iPad Pro—for example on a standing desk. If you do want to attach a keyboard, though, you now get all the advantages of an attached keyboard.

That's what the smart connector enables.

iPad Pro Smart Keyboard

The Smart Keyboard is Apple's first iPad-specific keyboard since the original in 2010, which was little more than a Mac keyboard with a 30-pin Dock connector fused on top. It worked, if you didn't mind having your iPad stuck in portrait mode, but it wasn't flexible or portable. The Smart Keyboard is both.

It's made from a single piece of custom woven fabric—taffeta isn't just for weddings any more!—and then laser ablated to form each key. While it uses the same domes inside the keys as the new MacBook, instead of butterfly switches, the structure of the fabric itself acts as part of the mechanism.

The fabric is treated with a durable water-resistant (DWR) coating to protect against spills and stains. Because there's no space between the keys, there's also nowhere for food or dirt particles to collect, and nowhere for liquids to get in.

I've been using the Smart Keyboard at airports, coffee shops, hotels, and on airplanes, and that feature is terrific. I'm super careful with my keyboards anyway, because I travel so much, but not having to be paranoid about the Smart Keyboard is a huge stress-reducer.

Folding the Smart Keyboard into place can be awkward, though, even after you've become familiar with the process, and there's no way to control the angle. It's got one position and one position only. I'd love to have two or three options, so I could adjust for lighting, for example.

The Smart Keyboard does hold its position well, whether on a table or on your lap. The connector's magnet is stronger than the keyboard's magnet as well. So, when you want to fold it back up, the connector comes off the keyboard easily, but the iPad stays stuck to the connector.

Whether it always recognizes it's connected is another story. I often find the software keyboard fails to go away when I attach the Smart Keyboard. You can't just swipe it away either, because the minute you go to enter text, it comes back. Reseating the Smart Keyboard a few times usually gets it to go away, but it's one of those things that just needs to work.

As with the MacBook keyboard, it took me about an hour to get used to typing on the Smart Keyboard. Since then I've been using it without even thinking about it, for hours at a time. Because it doesn't feel like a traditional keyboard, though, it won't appeal tor everyone—It'll likely be even more divisive than the new MacBook keyboard.

For something with this much portability, and with this low a profile, however, it's about as good as it can be. Personally, I'm fine with the compromise. If you're not, though, there's already a Logitech keyboard for the Smart Connector that has far more MacBook-like, backlit keys, and more on the way.

• Buy now from Best Buy
• Buy now from Apple

iPad Pro Apple Pencil

I grew up drawing every afternoon, all afternoon, often at the expense of my homework. I took art every year as my elective. I went to college, as much as I went to college, for art. After that I worked in design and illustration for years and, in that capacity, used Wacom tablets professionally for over a decade. So I can say this without hint of hyperbole: Apple Pencil is the best digital drawing tool I've ever used.

The design of the Pencil itself is decidedly different than previous "stylus" and "pens" as well. It is, as you might expect, nakedly Apple. A white object, pencil-like in shape, and almost nothing more. And only white. No space gray, silver, gold, or rose gold Pencils. At least not yet.

There's no eraser on the end, either, which I didn't notice at first. I haven't had erasers on the ends of my pencils since grade school, and none of the professional pencils I use have anything on the other end but end. I did have a virtual eraser on the end of some of my other styluses over the years, but I never thought to use them. I did use the undo button some of them had on the side, though. It was conveniently placed and computer-y in context.

In the real world I have gum and cheese and white erasers that I use in my other hand, and I've found myself doing similar with the iPad Pro—switching to my left to tap to undo or switch to the eraser tool. Whether or not flipping the Pencil around to erase would be physically or cognitively faster, I don't know. I do know I'd rather Apple not limit their thinking to what was and experiment with what could be.

The Pencil has a built-in lithium-ion battery. To charge it, you remove the magnetic cap on the end to expose the Lightning connector. Connector, not port, because unlike every other rechargeable Apple makes, the Pencil comes with an outy not an inny.

Charging with Lightning out rather than in lets the Apple Pencil avoid having to house the port, and technically it's fine. You plug it into the Lightning port in your iPad or any other Lightning-equipped device, or use the adapter included with the Pencil to connect it to a Lightning cable, and you charge away.

But because it's different than everything else, it took my a while to make it part of my routine. The first week I'd plug my iPad Pro in to charge, then think about the Pencil, then realize the Lightning port was already being used to charge. Since I typically plug in at night, so was my iPhone. So, I've taken to checking the charge level in Notification Center, then plugging the Pencil in between drawing sessions.

Since the Apple Pencil is close to perfectly round rather than hexagonal like some pencils, and because it doesn't have a pocket clip like a pen, Apple has weighted it to prevent it from rolling. It works well enough, weeble-wobble-style, on a slight inclines but on steeper inclines, it works like an accelerator.

There's no Pencil holder built into the iPad Pro or any of Apple's Smart covers, cases, or keyboards. It's an optional accessory, so a permanent fixture for it wouldn't be ideal. Not having any easy way to store it, though, is also not ideal. Because it's not sharp like a real pencil or pen, though, I've been putting my Pencil in my front pocket with my iPhone 6s Plus and it's been fine.

When the iPad Pro display senses the Apple Pencil, it boosts the scanning rate to 240 Hz. That makes for excellent responsiveness. The multitouch technology in the panel also detects things like the tilt in the Pencil so it can do things like switching from line rendering to shading. What's more, the iPad Pro receives data from the Pencil over Bluetooth, including pressure levels, which lets it dynamically adjust things like opacity and/or size.

Apple has also provided frameworks for coalescing and predicting touch events, allowing apps to fine-tune everything from palm rejection to Pencil tracking. The result is digital input that tracks what you're doing with remarkably little latency and remarkably high accuracy.

If you pay really close attention, you can see things like unintentional palm or finger marks that snuck past the rejection system getting quickly erased, or lines that might have been close getting redrawn so they're pixel perfect. Mostly, though, all you notice is how well it works.

Wacom and similar digitizer-based technologies have been okay at this in the past, but once you saw the air gap, the parallax, and the goofy little cursor that tracked your movements on screen, you could never un-see them. They were uncanny.

Apple Pencil, by contrast, feels like its drawing directly on the screen, with as close to one-to-one responsiveness as anything I've used, and with nothing dancing between the tip and the line its creating.

Even in a simple yet well-tuned app like Apple's Notes, using the Scribble tool to draw or write is amazing. The level of detail you can achieve, whether it be tiny letters or textured cross-hatching or small line work is incredible. When you're using apps like Procreate or Adobe Sketch or Paper by FiftyThree, it's a level beyond. So is using it with Astropad, which lets you connect your iPad Pro to your Mac as though it was a digitizing tablet.

Note taking with Notes or Notability works just as well. So well, I'd love to see a really great OCR note-taking app so I could search through my writing at some point.

My colleague, Serenity Caldwell, has done a terrific job showing how the Apple Pencil works on its own and in comparison to other popular platforms.

It's really hard to capture the experience of using a pencil or pen, especially when you're using it on glass instead of paper, but that's what Apple's done. It feels right. It looks right. So right that you almost forget you're using a digital tool. That's an incredible achievement, even after years of working on it. First time out the gate, it's beyond incredible.

• Buy now from Best Buy
• Buy now from Apple

In addition to the Smart Keyboard and Pencil, Apple has released a keyboard-less Smart Cover, as well as a silicone Smart Case. Third party keyboards and cases are also available, as are a variety of other accessories. We'll be reviewing more of them over the next few months. In the meantime, here are some of our favorites.

• Best iPad Pro keyboards
• Best iPad Pro stands
• Best iPad Pro cases
• Best iPad Pro Bluetooth headphones

iPad Pro + iOS 9

iOS 9, the latest version of Apple's mobile operating system, brings a plethora of new features to iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad, including Apple News, a new Notes app, transit directions in Maps, an updated Apple Wallet, an iCloud Drive app, and a more intelligent voice and text assistant with Siri and Search.

There are also several features unique for the iPad this time as well, and several of them are especially well suited to the iPad Pro.

The iPhones 6s come with a great feature where you can 3D Touch (press firmly) on the keyboard and it will transform into a trackpad and let you easily move the cursor around in text fields. You can even press harder to switch between cursor movement and text selection.

The iPad Pro doesn't have 3D Touch, but it does have trackpad mode. It's just activated differently—by a two-finger touch. There's no pressure sensitivity so you can't switch between movement and selection as quickly and easily as you can on the iPhones 6s, though. Instead you get one or the other. If you start fresh, you move the cursor. If you start with a selection, you move the selection boundaries.

The iPad Pro does have the Pencil, though, so it'd be great to see Apple adding a way to use it for quick text edits—circle to select, strike out to delete, underline to emphasize, tilt strikeout to bold, etc. I have no idea how practical any of that would be in actual use, but the potential is super interesting.

QuickType is the name of Apple's predictive keyboard for iOS. With iOS 9, Apple has taken advantage of the extra space on either side of the predictive results row to add shortcut keys. They're meant to provide quick access to common editing commands.

In the case of Mail, that includes undo, redo, and paste to the left side, and bold, italic, underline, and attach to the right. They can change depending on context and between apps. For example, if there's text selected, Mail swaps undo and redo for cut and copy. Because Notes has different needs, it includes different shortcuts like styles, checklists, images, and sketches instead.

The idea is, no matter the app, you shouldn't have to dig around to find the functions you need. And that's consistent across all iPads.

For iPad Pro specifically, though, Apple is using the laptop-like screen size to provide a full, laptop-like keyboard.

That includes a full number row, tab key, and all the bells and whistles... er, symbol and punctuation keys. It almost works, too. You can type pretty much as you would on a laptop keyboard but sometimes iOS conventions get the way. For example, iOS automatically engages the shift key for the first character in a sentence, but that makes it impossible to manually engage it for punctuation. So, starting a sentence with { or : is difficult. You can touch and hold numbers and symbols to get a popup with the shift-equivalent, but then you're not using it like a laptop keyboard any more.

That'll all get smoothed out eventually, of course, but it shows the transition we're in, and the collisions that can occur as the old and new try to meet somewhere in the middle.

While Apple has added the full-sized keyboard, they've taken away the split keyboard from previous iPads. The assumption is that people wouldn't want to thumb-type on the iPad Pro, given its size. For portrait at least, I'd still like the option.

You can touch and hold down on the Hide Keyboard button to pop up the Undock button. I've used it a few times in portrait mode to get close to thumb typing, but with better balance, and it's worked. Your thumb reach might vary.

Mostly with the iPad Pro, though, I've been using the external keyboard.

As mentioned previously, Apple has offered external keyboard support for iPad since the original. Over the years that support has been okay. You can type in your passcode and hit enter to unlock. You can use familiar keyboard commands for editing, like CMD + C, X, and V for copy, cut, and paste. CMD + Space will bring up Spotlight and CMD + Shift + H will take you back to the Home screen.

New with iOS 9 is CMD + Tab, which brings up a fast app switcher. It's not the same fast app switcher that comes up if you double-click the Home button, but one that looks and acts like switcher on the Mac. That there are two different fast app switchers now is admittedly odd, but each feels familiar and natural in its respective context.

Holding down a modifier key will now also show you all the available shortcuts for that key. So, hold down CMD and you see all the shortcuts for the CMD key, for example. It's up to developers to implement the feature in App Store apps, but it's extremely useful when they do.

What you can't do with an external keyboard is navigate the basic iPad interface. You can't use the arrow keys to move between apps, buttons, or list items, or the enter key to select them. For that, you still have to reach over and tap or swipe the iPad's display.

That's led to complaints about keyboard and trackpad support on the iPad. Yes, after years of complaining about lack of touch on OS X, now we're complaining about having to touch iOS.

If I had to guess, I'd say better keyboard navigation is already being worked on, at least for the Home screen and Spotlight results. Since iOS has no concept of a universal "pointer", though, I don't expect full trackpad or any mouse support. Something like the Apple TV's focus engine makes more sense. Move focus to the element you want, hit enter to select it.

Mapping the text-entry cursor and new trackpad mode to the hardware keyboard would require something like a capacitive strip on or below the space bar, or something similar.

All this to say that it's a good start. Apple is giving hardware keyboard support some much-needed attention, and hopefully there's more to come.

The most important features iOS 9 brings to iPad are slide over, split view, and picture-in-picture. With it, the iPad goes from full-screen unitasker to multi-app multitasker. All recent iPads get slide over and picture-in-picture, and the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 4 also get split view. But the scale of the iPad Pro makes these features especially valuable.

There are three types of multi-app multitasking in iOS 9 and the iPad mini 4, thanks to its 2 GB of memory, can provide for all of them.

• Slide Over lets you quickly access a secondary app as a sidebar-style overlay so you can respond to messages or mail, add to notes or check the web, or do another brief task without having to switch completely away from the primary app.
• Split View lets you pin a secondary app so it shares the screen, side by side, with the primary app so you can reference, copy and paste, or otherwise use them both at the same time.
• Picture-in-Picture (PiP), which has been available on TVs for decades, lets you float a video on top of whatever other app you're using at the time, or even two apps if you're in Slide Over or Split View modes.

With the iPad mini 4, you can get almost two iPhone 6s Plus-sized apps side-by-side. With the iPad Air 2, you can get almost two iPad mini-sized apps side-by-side. With the iPad Pro, though, you can get almost two iPad Air-sized apps side-by-side.

That's about as big as using OS X El Capitan split view on a MacBook or 13-inch MacBook Pro, especially when you have an external keyboard attached. It's so big that, unlike the iPad mini 4, where I found myself using slide over as a convenience more than split view for productivity, I mostly just stay in split view.

Thanks to the size and the memory, every interface element remains easy to use and every app remains immediately responsive.

That there are completely different methods for swapping the primary app and secondary app aren't ideal. It's lightyears ahead of the Mac, where you can't swap them at all, but it seems like we're getting to the point where new interactions need to be considered for all this new capability.

The PiP window is likewise big and easy to see, especially at its maximum size. I do find myself tucking it off to the side more often though, because of how much relative space it takes up. Enough that it makes me wonder what vertical instead of horizontal split view would be like in portrait mode...

Also, drag and drop. From the moment Apple showed off split view the idea of being able to touch, hold, drag, and drop photos, videos, text selections, detected data, and more between apps has be tantalizing. With the iPad Pro, only more so.

Even as it exists now, though, multi-app multitasking is tremendously useful. Whether it's pulling out a slide over to quickly respond to a message, or working in split view to reference and write and the same time, it lets you focus on doing instead of switching. And on the iPad Pro, that's a step forward as epic as the display.

iOS was originally iPhone OS, even when it debuted on the original iPad. The Home screen app launcher (Springboard) was and remains the same grid of icons. Instead of simply scaling up and spacing out the iPhone app interface, though, Apple split it into a two column layout (master detail view) to better take advantage of the screen size.

Since then, the iPad stayed pretty much in lock-step with the iPhone, with the exception of some multitouch navigation gestures and the above-mentioned capabilities in iOS 9.

This is in contrast with how Apple TV and Apple Watch have been handled. Though both have the same foundations, frameworks, and background and foreground managers (Backboard and Frontboard) as iOS, they also have distinct interface layers in Headboard and the top shelf, in Carousel and clock faces. They even have distinct names—tvOS and watchOS.

While they're secondary devices at extreme ends of the spectrum—tiny vs. massive screen, highly power constrained vs. plugged in—there's an argument to be made that the iPad could likewise benefit from a distinct interface layer, from an iPadOS.

I don't know what that layer would look or work like. Higher icon density on the Home screen, PiP windows for apps, split view for remote views, drag and drop, and other items have all adorned wish-lists, my own included.

Yet the biggest advantage of the iPad, bigger than its screen size, remains it's approachability. It's simple up front, and if additional functionality and complexity isn't wanted, it stays completely out of the way. That, in part, is what helped the iPad succeed where competitors who went with more desktop-like tablets failed. For the vast majority of people, a traditional interface on a tablet isn't an advantage, it's a detriment.

That's exactly the type of problem Apple is uniquely positioned to solve. And with the iPad Pro, there's more incentive than ever to solve it.

For more on the other new features in iOS 9, including Siri and Search intelligence, Apple News, the new Notes app, and more, see our in-depth review.

• iOS 9 review
• iOS 9 help

iPad Pro Apps

When Apple launched the original iPad, they didn't just launch it with the built-in apps, they reimagined their iWork productivity suite—Keynote, Pages, and Numbers—and soon thereafter, their iLife creative suite—GarageBand and iMovie—in part to show what real multitouch tablet software could achieve.

While Apple didn't use the launch of the iPad Pro to launch Xcode for iOS, they did update the iWork and iLife apps for iOS 9 multitasking, and to take advantage of the power of the A9X processor, for three streams of 4K video editing, for example. The increased size makes iMovie even easier to use and makes the piano in GarageBand a legitimate two-handed keyboard. And, as you'd expect, Pages now shows full-sized pages. All terrific.

App Store apps have likewise updated, not just to support the size and power but the Pencil. That includes Procreate and Paper, a series of Adobe apps like Photoshop Mix, Photoshop Sketch, Photoshop Fix, and Adobe Comp, and Astropad that lets you use your iPad Pro like a drawing tablet for your Mac. There are also new apps like Umake, which is 3D modeling born to multitouch.

On the productivity side, Microsoft Office—Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote—on the iPad Pro is arguably better than Office on the Mac. That's in stark contrast to Google's productivity apps, which are currently a hot mess. Panic's Coda, on the other hand, provides an integrated web development environment with live preview in Safari via split view multitasking. Omni Group, likewise, continues to be all-in on the iPad with updated versions of all their apps—OmniOutliner, OmniFocus, OmniGraffle, and OmniPlan.

The business of selling iPad apps remains tough, though. Apple gives theirs away for free with new hardware. Microsoft and Adobe have huge existing costumer bases and subscription services. Umake and the podcast editor, Ferrite, are free for basic features but have in-app purchases for advanced features. Panic and Omni, like PCalc, have held the line on up-front pricing.

Some blame Apple for not doing more to help enhance the value of apps by providing for trials and upgrading pricing, creating a "boutique-within-a-store" to highlight premium apps, enabling web-based purchasing, allowing per-platform purchases, or more. Others blame developers for racing to the bottom, having unreasonable expectations for universal success, or for taking venture capital rather than charging for their work. And still others blame customers who simply seem not to want to pay for almost anything anymore.

I still see it as the sum of all compromises, and something else that'll take concerted, creative effort from Apple and developers to solve.

Using the iPad Pro, though, as a customer, it's something I want solved more than ever. Because the software to date is terrific, and I not only want it to survive—I want it to thrive.

• Best iPad Pro apps to download right now

iPad Pro Bottom Line

The iPad Pro is the biggest, most powerful hand-held window into the internet and apps that Apple has ever released. It's also something new and doesn't yet take full advantage of all that size or power. It is, as Tim Cook says, "the clearest expression of [Apple's] vision of the future of personal computing, a simple multitouch piece of glass that instantly transforms into anything you want it to be." And we're still looking towards that future.

Yet what we have with the iPad Pro, now, today, is remarkable. It's an iPad powerful in a way we previously only thought Macs could be. With that power and the productivity enabled by split view multitasking and hardware keyboard support, the iPad Pro becomes a legitimate laptop replacement for those who value portability and flexibility even over traditional desktop apps. Even though I've been using Photoshop and Final Cut Pro for years, I can travel and work with the iPad Pro with no real compromises. (What you've heard is true, Office is better on iPad Pro.)

When combined with the Apple Pencil the iPad Pro becomes, in its first generation, and writing and drawing tool that rival the best the industry previously had to offer. From taking notes to producing technical work to creating art, the Apple Pencil responds with precision and, corny as it sounds, ignites passion. I haven't drawn this much, or had this much fun doing it, in years.

Even without the keyboard and Pencil, the iPad Pro remains an iPad. And that means it remains an incredibly approachable, accessible computer for those for whom traditional computers have always been anything but. At the larger size it might not be as portable, but it's even more accessible, and without all the legacy baggage.

It may not replace a laptop for anyone or even most people yet, but the iPad Pro and what follows will increasingly be what many people get instead of laptops.

For now, though, if you have a laptop and want to keep it, you might be happier with an iPad mini 4. If you want something light and easy to use around the home or office, you might be happier with an iPad Air 2.

If you're someone who works a lot on the go, if you want the ease of use of iOS but the power of a traditional computer, if you want tools that help you create, then what you want isn't any other tablet or laptop...

"...It's an iPad Pro."

• Buy now from BestBuy
• Buy now from Apple

There's a lot to consider when buying an iPad Pro, including screen size, storage capacity, color, carrier, and more. To help you choose the perfect iPad for you, check out our buyers guide.

• iPad Pro buyers guide

If you have bought an iPad Pro and have been having problems with the 12.9-inch tablet displaying a black screen and becoming unresponsive, you are not alone. Apple has posted up a new support document on its site stating it is working to fix this issue.

Apple's support page does offer a temporary workaround:

We will post an update when Apple has released a permanent solution to this issue.

Source: Apple; Via: Re/code

The iPad Pro is the biggest and most powerful iPad Apple's ever made. At it's introduction, Tim Cook called the iPad Pro the clearest expression of Apple's vision for the future of computing, and it's easy to see why.

• Enter our iPad Pro giveaway now!

Pixels and performance

It starts with the 12.9 inch, 2732×2048 display. That's 5.6 million high-density, Retina pixels. But they're not just pretty, they're smart. There's a custom timing controller, just like on the Retina 5K iMac, and all those pixels are precisely photo-aligned for maximum contrast.

Apple is also introducing variable refresh rate with the iPad Pro. So, the screen can ramp down to 30 Hz when static or boost up to 240 Hz when hit by the Apple Pencil. That's great for performance, it's great for battery life.

Technically, it doesn't have as wide a color gamut at the iPad Air or the iPad mini—chalk the limitation up to panels with this many pixels—but comparing them side-by-side, even in the red and magenta ranges, it's hard to tell the difference.

Guts and glory

There's everything here that you'd expect. Touch ID, an 8 megapixel 1080p iSight camera, 1.2 megapixel 720p FaceTime camera, lightning port, 3.5mm headphone jack, and all in your choice of silver, space gray, or gold, with 32 GB or 128 GB with optional LTE.

Under the hood you've got the A9X chipset. It includes Apple's industry-leading third-generation 64-bit Twister processor and a ton of graphical power. Because Apple designs its silicon to specifically match its software, in many cases it can deliver better performance and efficiency than the x86 processors found in laptops. That includes up to three simultaneous streams of 4K video, which is nuts. It also integrates the third-generation M9 coprocessor that allows for, among other things, "Hey, Siri!" voice activation.

Input/output—I/O—is ludicrously better. Thanks to a new, custom storage controller, the iPad Pro can read and write data better than some traditional computers. That's not just great for 4K video and photos, that's great for everything. It keeps that powerful processor fed so you're almost never waiting for anything to load—you're just watching it pop up ready to use.

There are four new stereo speakers as well. They're machined right into the body of the iPad Pro and give it louder volume and a wider frequency range. Highs go to the top, lows to the bottom and, as you turn the iPad, they turn with you, cross-fading perfectly back into place.

All of this in an iPad Pro that's almost 80% larger and twice as fast as an iPad Air 2, yet weighs about the same as the original iPad.

The software story

Thanks to the expansive display and 4 GB of RAM, the iPad Pro can run iOS 9 picture-in-picture video, slide over, and split view apps smoothly, and side-by-side at a scale close that rivals the iPad Air full-screen.

It's not perfect, of course. Not a lot of software has updated yet to take full advantage of the big screen, including parts of the operating system itself. I'm still hoping Apple does what they did with the Watch and TV, and give iPad its own version of iOS with an interface really optimized for its power and scale.

Apple Pencil + Smart Keyboard

The iPad Pro comes with two new, optional accessories as well. The Apple Pencil is a precision writing and drawing tool that combines advanced technology in its tip and built-in sensors, and in the iPad Pro display, and new frameworks in apps, to produce and amazing results.

Unlike older technologies, there's no air gap and so no parallax when you're working, and its not capacitive so not only can it can produce sharp lines that appear in real time, right in the glass, but it doesn't interfere with multitouch gestures either.

I've been using stuff like this for decades and iPad Pro and Apple Pencil is the closest thing I've ever felt to a real pencil in the digital world.

The Smart Keyboard uses the new Smart Connector on the iPad Pro to create a next-generation hybrid that can type like a laptop without forcing you to use legacy laptop software. It's made from laser-ablated, custom-woven fabric—part taffeta, if you can believe it!—and attaches magnetically and transfers power, data, and ground right through the casing.

The feel is very close to the new MacBook, fast but shallow, and while its thin and liquid resistant, it's also tough and high performance. It took me about an hour or so to get used it, and then I was typing away without a second thought.

It takes advantage of the new external keyboard support in iOS 9, including easy shortcut discovery, command-tab task switching, command-space search, shift-command-h Home screen escape, and more. You can't scroll perfectly or navigate at all with the keyboard just yet, but you have to imagine that's coming next.

(My hope is for some kind of Apple TV Focus Engine inspired navigation system and a capacitive area in the keyboard bezel that transits the iOS 9 keyboard's trackpad mode.)

The transition

Technology doesn't means anything until you get your hands on it, though. That's when it comes alive. Whether it's a killer productivity device for mobile accomplishers, an amazing tool for artists on the go, an incredible portable, personal TV and gaming machine, or simply a computing device accessible and approachable for everyone, that's when you can tell whether it all matters to you or not.

The iPad Pro isn't the ultimate evolution of the original iPad and it isn't the beginning of the end of MacBooks. It's an transition point. It's the moment when tablets that are highly accessible also became highly capable.

If you still want a MacBook with you wherever you go, you might be happier with an iPad mini 4—or if you have big screen iPhone, an iPad Air 2. If you want something else, though, something more personal and approachable than a traditional PC, and something more empowering, then you'll want an iPad Pro.

There are still limitations, there are still caveats. That's the tradeoff when you try to pull the future into the present. But the iPad Pro really is the iPad gone IMAX. It's Apple's biggest window yet into apps and the web, and it's got potential as epic as its display.

With every new product that Apple announces, the third-party accessory makers are always right on the ball and get a whole host of cases out there for launch. The iPad Pro is Apple's biggest iPad yet, but that doesn't make it any less portable. Folks are going to toss it in a bag and take it on the road with them. And this little lot will help you take good care of it.

Note: iPad Pro cases are just now coming on the market so we'll be watching carefully and updating this article as new and potentially better options hit!

The smart Keyboard is Apple's own first party case for the iPad Pro, though calling it just a case falls way short. It's like, case plus, since it also includes a full QWERTY keyboard to use with the tablet. It's a little like the Smart Cover that Apple has sold previously for the other iPads in that it covers the back of the tablet, the front when closed and can be used to prop it up as well. Only with this one you can get some work done, too. Pricey, but it covers the bases you'll want with an iPad Pro.

$169.00 on Apple.com

MoKo is one of those third-party case makers that you can usually find something from for any device. And that includes the iPad Pro. It's been designed to allow easy access to all the controls on the tablet while allowing you to prop it up at a variety of angles for working or when you want to kick back and watch some video. The front cover is padded to protect that all important display, the back is reinforced plastic for durability and protection. And that includes at all four corners. Oh, and there's a neat handstrap attached to help you easier wield your iPad Pro.

At the time of writing Amazon has a steal on this case which is due to ship on November 25.

$5.99 on Amazon

If you don't care about keyboards or viewing angles and you just want a simple, inexpensive case to protect your iPad Pro, then check out this offering from LK. It's a TPU shell case that will only protect the back, but it covers all four corners and the edges so will protect the metal casing from falls. It's not fancy but it does come in a range of different colors to suit your taste, as well as boasting to be scratchproof, shatterproof and able to withstand dirt and staining.

$9.99 on Amazon

Felt sleeves are great at protecting your devices in a bag while also having a bit of style to go with. The Inateck is good for not just your iPad Pro but also carrying a MacBook, too. Right up to the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display. What's extra special about this particular sleeve is that it's built from some pretty sturdy stuff and can actually act as a laptop stand. The felt is mold and wear resistant and has a great feel to it. There are two pockets inside to carry an iPad Pro or MacBook and a smartphone, while smaller items like a mouse can be stashed away in the rear. And the velcro closing will ensure that your Apple products are safe and sound when you throw it in a bag.

$21.99 on Amazon

If you want protection and style then check out this little number from Verus. Not only does it look great but it's durable, has a strong magnetic lock with auto sleep and wake support for the iPad Pro, and a little holster for your Apple Pencil. You can display the iPad Pro in a couple of different viewing angles with it for work or play, and it's designed to protect against scratches and impacts while still giving you easy access to all the ports and buttons.

$54.99 on Amazon

That's a selection of five that we think are the best covering all the different bases to protect your new iPad Pro. There are many more out there, though, so if you've got a particular favorite be sure to jump into the comments below and share it with us all!

Apple has finally revealed the long-rumored iPad Pro, and the all-new iPad will be available starting in November. With a 12.9-inch display, this is Apple's largest iPad offering to date, so let's take a look at how much each model will cost.

The base model will come equipped with 32GB of storage, and will run $799. If 32GB isn't quite enough, you can jump up to 128GB for $949, or adding LTE to the same will set you back $1079. Apple has also announced pricing on some of its new accessories for the iPad Pro. The Apple Pencil will be available for just $99, and the keyboard add-on will be priced at $169.

Apple has finally revealed the long-rumored iPad Pro during its big Hey Siri event. Described as "the most capable and powerful iPad we've ever created," Apple is extremely excited about the latest addition. Featuring a 12.9 inch display with a resolution of 2732x2048, the iPad Pro has 5.6 million pixels, which is more than a 15-inch MacBook Pro has.

The iPad Pro display is the same width as the iPad Air is tall. Apple was able to make the on-screen keyboard a full sized keyboard, allowing for an amazing typing experience. Partner that with a multitasking split-view and picture in picture, and you have a productivity workhorse here. Apple borrowed some technology from the iMac for the iPad Pro, by bringing over the custom display timer controller.

Inside, Apple has included its newest A9X processor, partnered with a battery that will provide 10 hours of battery life, all while weighing only 1.57lbs and being 6.9mm thin. Included for the first time ever, Apple has put a four speaker system in the iPad Pro, two on the left, two on the right. Depending how you are holding the iPad Pro, the speakers will adjust and balance the sound accordingly, and it comes in at three times as loud as the iPad Air 2.

Some of the additional specs include an 8MP iSight camera, a FaceTime HD camera, comes in Silver, Gold and Space Gray. Inside, Apple has added 802.11ac support, as well as support for 150Mbps LTE speeds. Pricing for the iPad Pro starts at $799 for the 32GB model.

Be sure to stay tuned for all of the Apple announcements as they come!

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 — September 9, 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, rivaling 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 customize 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 anodized aluminum 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, detailed transit information in Maps and an all-new News app*** for the best news reading experience on any mobile device. 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 starts at $799 (US) for the 32GB with Wi-Fi model and $1079 (US) for the Wi-Fi + Cellular 128GB model, comes in three gorgeous metallic finishes including silver, gold and space gray and will be available starting in November from Apple.com, Apple's retail stores, through select carriers and Apple Authorized Resellers. For more information, please visit www.apple.com/ipad.

Apple Pencil will be available for $99 (US) and Smart Keyboard will be available in charcoal gray for $169 (US). New polyurethane iPad Pro Smart Covers will be available for $59 (US) in charcoal gray and white. New iPad Pro Silicone Cases will be available for $79 (US) in charcoal gray and white. iPad Pro accessories 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. News app availability varies by country.

Source: Apple

The bigger than big iPad is once again being rumored, this time under the name iPad Air Plus, with a display size of 12.2 inches, an Apple A9 processor, and a shipping date of either April or June 2015. The report comes from Japanese magazine Mac Fun, and was posted online by Macotakara:

Mac Fan also claims a new iPad mini 4 will be coming next year with an Apple A8X processor, and will replace both the iPad mini and iPad mini 2.

While Mac Fan has provided accurate information in the past, it's important to remember that these are still rumors and should be treated more like entertainment than news.

Source: Macotakara

While Apple absolutely did not leak one on their website, elaborating on why that wasn't a 12-inch iPad Pro got me thinking again about what could be. Yes, a bigger iPhone 6 still feels far more important, but that doesn't make the mental exercise any less interesting. So, beyond how Apple could scale the iPad display to 12-inches, how else could Apple differentiate a larger tablet? What other features could Apple add to make an iPad truly "pro"?

1. Keyboard cover

The original iPad launched with an... awkward Keyboard Dock that Apple discontinued a short time later. Since then, Apple has added supported for Bluetooth keyboards, including their own Bluetooth keyboard. But that was designed for the Mac, not for the iPad. Third-party manufacturers have attempted to fill that void with some great hardware that still doesn't offer perfect integration. Meanwhile, Microsoft has offered two kinds of keyboards for the Surface, a flat, capacitive keyboard and a thicker, mechanical one similar to the third-party ones made for iPad.