Apple unveils new iPad Pro with advanced display, M4 chip, and Apple Pencil Pro

Apple has taken the already powerful iPad Pro and designed it to be ‘impossibly thin’ with what the company says is the world’s most advanced display. The IPad Pro also jumps from the M2 chip to the M4, allowing it to perform AI tasks. There are also new models of the iPad Air. These devices were launched at an event dubbed ‘Let Loose’ at Cupertino, California. India availability and prices are also announced.

The new iPad Pro comes in two sizes: a 13-inch model and an 11-inch model. Both sizes feature what Apple says is the world’s most advanced display called Ultra Retina XDR display based on tandem OLED technology that uses two OLED panels and combines the light from both to provide full-screen brightness. The new iPad Pro supports 1000 nits SDR and HDR content, and 1600 nits peak for HDR. Tandem OLED technology makes possible sub-millisecond control over the colour and luminance of each pixel. Aspects such highlights in photos and video appear even brighter, and there’s more detail in shadows and low light than ever before on iPad, according to the company. For pro users working in high-end, colour-managed workflows or challenging lighting conditions, a new nano-texture glass option comes to iPad Pro for the first time.

The capabilities of the display depend a great deal on those of the M4, the next generation of Apple silicon that delivers a leap in performance. M4 is built on second-generation 3-nanometer technology that’s more power efficient. With a new display engine, M4 introduces technology for the precision, colour, and brightness of the Ultra Retina XDR display.

With a new CPU and a next-generation GPU, the new iPad Pro is also a powerful device for artificial intelligence.

“iPad Pro empowers a broad set of pros and is perfect for anyone who wants the ultimate iPad experience — with its combination of the world’s best displays, extraordinary performance of our latest M-series chips, and advanced accessories — all in a portable design. Today, we’re taking it even further with the new, stunningly thin and light iPad Pro, our biggest update ever to iPad Pro,” said John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering.

The versatility and advanced capabilities of iPad Pro are also enhanced with all-new accessories. Apple Pencil Pro brings powerful newinteractions that take the pencil experience even further, and a new thinner, lighter Magic Keyboard® is packed with incredible features. The new iPad Pro, Apple Pencil Pro, and Magic Keyboard are available to order starting today, with availability in stores beginning Wednesday, May 15.

Despite all the new capabilities, the new iPad Pro models are the thinnest Apple product ever — thinner than an iPod Nano. This will no doubt make these devices even more portable and a boon for those who travel a lot. The 11-inch model is just 5.3 mm thin, and the 13-inch model is even thinner at 5.1 mm, and Apple claims both models are just as strong as the previous design.

iPadOS also has advanced frameworks like Core ML that make it easy for developers to tap into the Neural Engine used on the iPad Pro to deliver AI features locally, including running powerful diffusion and generative AI models, with performance on device. iPad Pro also supports cloud-based solutions, enabling users to run powerful productivity and creative apps that tap into the power of AI, such as Copilot for Microsoft 365 and Adobe Firefly.

The new iPad Pro models also have an updated camera system for more versatility, and with rich audio from four studio-quality mics, users can shoot, edit, and share all on one device.

Apple has also upgraded to the Apple Pencil Pro with even more capabilities and power allowingnew interaction. This includes a new sensor in the barrel that can sense a user’s squeeze, bringing up a tool palette to quickly switch tools, line weights, and colours, all without interrupting the creative process. A custom haptic engine delivers a light tap that provides confirmation when users squeeze, use double-tap, or snap to a Smart Shape for an intuitive experience. A gyroscope allows users to roll Apple Pencil Pro for precise control of the tool they’re using. Rotating the barrel changes the orientation of shaped pen and brush tools, just like pen and paper.

Customers can order the new iPad Pro with M4 starting today, apple.com/in/store, and with availability in stores beginning Wednesday, May 15. The new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro will be available in silver and space black finishes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB configuration. The 11-inch iPad Pro starts at ₹99,900 for the Wi-Fi model, and ₹1,19,900 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. The 13-inch iPad Pro starts at ₹1,29,900 for the Wi-Fi model, and ₹1,49,900 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. Check the Apple website for education pricing and accessories.