Apple confirms various rumours with the March announcement of a new iPad Pro model-- one featuring a more powerful A12Z Bionic processor and an ultra-wide camera with a "breakthrough" LiDAR scanner providing depth-sensing capabilities.
“The new iPad Pro introduces advanced technologies never before available in mobile computing,” the company says. “Combining the most advanced mobile display with powerful performance, pro cameras, pro audio, the breakthrough LiDAR Scanner and new Magic Keyboard with Trackpad, this is another huge leap forward for iPad. There’s no other device in the world like the new iPad Pro and we think our customers are going to love it.”
According to Apple, the 2020 iPad Pro is faster and more powerful than "most" Windows laptops. The A12Z Bionic processor features an 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU and a Neural Engine, all with enhanced thermal architecture and performance controllers, allowing for a system able to handle tasks such as 4K video editing or 3D modelling. In addition, battery life promises to reach 10 hours on a single charge, and the tablet includes faster wifi connectivity and optional gigabit-class LTE with support for more bands.
The tablet comes in 11- and 12.9-inch sizes, both with an edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display offering up to 120Hz refresh rates and True Tone colours. The back includes a dual-camera array, with a 12MP "Wide" main shooter and a 10MP "Ultra Wide" camera with x2 zoom for a wider field of view. Another interesting addition is the LiDAR scanner able to measure the distance to surrounding objects up to 5m away, enabling a "whole new class" of AR experiences.
On the software side, Apple has iPadOS 13.4-- an update bringing trackpad support, turning the iPad into even more of a laptop-style device. It also should come to no surprise the new Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro includes a trackpad, together with backlit keys and a design with smooth angle adjustment. Apple adds the iWork suite takes full advantage of the trackpad, while 3rd party apps should work with no change at all unless developers take support a step further with new APIs.
The 2020 iPad Pro is available now. The Magic Keyboard follows on May 2020.
