IPad Pro

The iPad Pro is a high-end tablet series from Apple, designed as the premium line of the iPad brand. It operates on iPadOS, which is a version of the iOS system tailored for tablets. Initially, the iPad Pro set itself apart with features like support for the Apple Pencil and a larger screen. However, as other iPad models adopted similar features, the latest 7th generation iPad Pro stands out due to its powerful M4 chip and its distinction as the thinnest product ever launched by Apple.

iPad Pro

Developer	Apple Inc.
Manufacturer	Foxconn (on contract)
Product family	iPad
Type	Tablet computer
Release date	12.9-inch 1G: November 11, 2015 (2015-11-11) Other models 9.7-inch: March 31, 2016 (2016-03-31) 12.9-inch 2G, 10.5-inch: June 13, 2017 (2017-06-13) 12.9-inch 3G, 11-inch 1G: November 7, 2018 (2018-11-07) 12.9-inch 4G, 11-inch 2G: March 25, 2020 (2020-03-25) 12.9-inch 5G, 11-inch 3G: May 21, 2021 (2021-05-21) 12.9-inch 6G, 11-inch 4G: October 26, 2022 (2022-10-26) 13-inch, 11-inch 5G: May 15, 2024 (2024-05-15)
Discontinued	List June 5, 2017 (12.9-inch 2015 and 9.7-inch 2016) October 30, 2018 (12.9 inch 2017) March 18, 2019 (10.5-inch 2017) March 18, 2020 (12.9-inch 2018 and 11-inch 2018) April 20, 2021 (12.9 inch and 11-inch 2020) October 18, 2022 (12.9 inch and 11-inch 2021) May 15, 2024 (12.9 inch and 11-inch 2022)
Operating system	iOS (2015–2019) iPadOS (2019–present)
System-on-chip used	Chips used 12.9-inch 1G, 9.7-inch: Apple A9X with 64-bit architecture and Apple M9 motion co-processor 12.9-inch 2G, 10.5-inch: Apple A10X with 64-bit architecture and Apple M10 motion co-processor 12.9-inch 3G, 11-inch 1G: Apple A12X Bionic with 64-bit architecture 12.9-inch 4G, 11-inch 2G: Apple A12Z Bionic with 64-bit architecture 12.9-inch 5G, 11-inch 3G: Apple M1 with 64-bit architecture 12.9-inch 6G, 11-inch 4G: Apple M2 with 64-bit architecture 13-inch, 11-inch 5G: Apple M4 with 64-bit architecture
CPU	CPU 12.9-inch 1G, 9.7-inch: 2.26 GHz dual-core 64-bit ARMv8-A[1] 12.9-inch 2G, 10.5-inch: 2.34 GHz hexa-core 64-bit 12.9-inch 3G, 11-inch 1G: 2.49 GHz octa-core 64-bit[2] 12.9-inch 4G, 11-inch 2G: 2.49 GHz octa-core 64-bit 12.9-inch 5G, 11-inch 3G: 3.19 GHz octa-core 64-bit 12.9-inch 6G, 11-inch 4G: 3.49 GHz octa-core 64-bit
Memory	Memory 12.9-inch 1G: 4 GB LPDDR4 SDRAM[1] 9.7-inch: 2 GB LPDDR4 SDRAM 12.9-inch 2G, 10.5-inch: 4 GB LPDDR4 SDRAM 12.9-inch 3G, 11-inch 1G: 4 or 6 GB LPDDR4X SDRAM[2] 12.9-inch 4G, 11-inch 2G: 6 GB LPDDR4X SDRAM[3] 12.9-inch 5G, 11-inch 3G: 8 GB or 16 GB[4] 12.9-inch 6G, 11-inch 4G: 8 GB or 16 GB[4] 13-inch, 11-inch 5G: 8 GB or 16 GB[4]
Storage	32, 64, 128, 256 or 512 GB, 1 or 2 TB[4][a] flash memory
Display	12.9-inch: 2732×2048 px (264 PPI) (IPS panel) (5.5 megapixels), 12.9 in (327.8 mm) diagonal, 4:3[4] 9.7-inch: 2048×1536 px (264 PPI) (IPS panel) (3.1 megapixels), 9.7 in (246.3 mm) diagonal, 4:3[4] 10.5-inch: 2224×1668 px (264 PPI) (IPS panel), 10.5 in diagonal, 4:3[4] 11-inch: 2388×1668 px (264 PPI) (IPS panel), 11 in diagonal, ≈4:3[4]
Graphics	12.9-inch 1G, 9.7-inch: 12-core PowerVR Series 7XT
Sound	Four speakers, adjusting sound to device orientation
Input	Multi-touch screen, headset controls[broken anchor] and ambient light sensors, 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope, digital compass, five microphones, Bosch Sensortec BMP280 barometer
Camera	List 12.9-inch 1G: 1.2 megapixels 720p front-facing and 8 megapixels rear-facing[4] 9.7-inch: 5 megapixels 720p front-facing and 12 megapixels 4K rear-facing[4] 12.9-inch 2G and 10.5-inch: 7 megapixels 1080p front-facing and 12 megapixels 4K rear-facing, Optical & Digital Image Stabilization[4] 12.9-inch 3G and 11-inch 1G: 7 megapixels 1080p front-facing TrueDepth and 12 megapixels 4K rear-facing, Digital Image Stabilization[4] 12.9-inch 4G and 11-inch 2G: 7 megapixels 1080p front-facing TrueDepth and separate 10- and 12-megapixel 4K rear-facing, Digital Image Stabilization, LIDAR sensor[4] 12.9-inch 5G and 11-inch 3G: 12 megapixels 1080p front-facing TrueDepth and separate 10- and 12-megapixel 4K rear-facing, Digital Image Stabilization, LIDAR sensor[4] 12.9-inch 6G and 11-inch 4G: 12 megapixels 1080p front-facing TrueDepth and separate 10- and 12-megapixel 4K rear-facing, Digital Image Stabilization, LIDAR sensor[4]
Connectivity	List Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac; dual channel (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz); HT80 with MIMO[4] Bluetooth 4.2[4] Wi-Fi + Cellular: GPS & GLONASS[4] GSM UMTS/HSDPA 850, 900, 1700, 1900, 2100 MHz[4] GSM/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz[4] CDMA CDMA/EV-DO Rev. A and B. 800, 1900 MHz[4] 12.9-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular: LTE Multiple bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29 and TD-LTE 38, 39, 40, 41[4] 9.7-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular: LTE Advanced Multiple bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and TD-LTE 38, 39, 40, 41[4]
Power	Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery 12.9-inch 1G: 3.77 V 38.8 W·h (10,307 mA·h)[5] 9.7-inch: 3.82 V 27.91 W·h (7,306 mA·h)[6] 12.9-inch 2G: 3.76 V 41 W·h (10,891 mA·h)[7] 10.5-inch: 3.77 V 30.8 W·h (8,134 mA·h)[8] 12.9-inch 3G: 3.78 V 36.71 W·h (9,720 mA·h)[9] 11-inch 1G: 3.77 V 29.45 W·h (7,812 mA·h)[10]
Online services	App Store, Apple Music, iTunes Store, iBookstore, iCloud, Game Center
Related articles	Apple Pencil
Website	www.apple.com/ipad-pro/

The original iPad Pro was launched in September 2015, featuring iOS 9 and an A9X chip, available in two sizes: 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch, with the smaller model released in March 2016. The second-generation iPad Pro debuted at the June 2017 WWDC, introducing the more powerful A10X Fusion chip and replacing the 9.7-inch model with a 10.5-inch variant. In October 2018, the third-generation iPad Pro was revealed, showcasing an all-screen design that eliminated the home button in favor of Face ID. This model continued to offer 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, which have been consistent in all subsequent models.

The fourth-generation iPad Pro was launched in March 2020, featuring the A12Z chip and the new Magic Keyboard for iPad. The fifth-generation model, shared in April 2021, marked a significant advancement as it incorporated Apple’s M1 processor, making it the first iPad not to use an A-series chip. The sixth-generation iPad Pro debuted in October 2022, introducing the M2 processor, Apple Pencil Hover functionality, and ProRes video capabilities. Finally, the seventh-generation iPad Pro, released in May 2024 alongside the 6th-generation iPad Air, comes equipped with the M4 processor, the new Apple Pencil Pro, a redesigned Magic Keyboard with function keys, and is notable for being the first iPad to feature an OLED display.

History

First generation

The first generation of the iPad Pro was introduced in two sizes: a larger 12.9-inch model and a compact 9.7-inch version. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro was shared on September 9, 2015,^[11] and made its debut on November 11, 2015,^[12] distinguishing itself as the largest iPad to date and the first to include LPDDR4 RAM.^[1] It initially came with iOS 9.1. The 9.7-inch variant was unveiled on March 21, 2016, and launched shortly after, based on the design of the iPad Air 2, shipping with iOS 9.3.^[13]

Second generation

On June 5, 2017, Apple introduced the second generation of the iPad Pro, showcasing significant upgrades such as the powerful A10X Fusion processors and storage options of 64 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB.^[a] The new lineup included a 10.5-inch model that replaced the previous 9.7-inch version, alongside an updated 12.9-inch version. Both models featured enhanced displays with refresh rates of up to 120 Hz, improved HDR capabilities, and TrueTone white balancing for better color accuracy.^[14] Following this launch, Apple discontinued the original iPad Pro models. Notably, these second-generation models were the last in the iPad Pro series to include a Home Button and a USB-lightning connector.

Third generation

The third generation of the iPad Pro was unveiled on October 30, 2018, and is available in two sizes: 11-inch and 12.9-inch. The new models feature edge-to-edge displays, with the 11-inch version replacing the previous 10.5-inch model. They offer storage options of up to 1 TB and introduce Face ID technology, which can unlock the device in any orientation thanks to a new sensor array. In a move towards maximizing screen space, the home button has been eliminated, resulting in uniform bezel sizes around the display.^[15] The third generation of iPads introduced a USB-C connector, marking a significant upgrade in connectivity options. Alongside this new feature, the iPads were launched with the Smart Keyboard Folio, which is sold separately. Additionally, they are compatible with the Magic Keyboard that includes a trackpad, which was launched in early 2020. This evolution enhances the functionality and versatility of the iPad, catering to users' needs for more efficient typing and navigation.^[16]

Fourth generation

The fourth generation of iPad Pro was unveiled on March 18, 2020, maintaining the same screen sizes as its predecessor. This new model features a redesigned camera module and is powered by the Apple A12Z processor. It comes with a minimum storage capacity of 128 GB^[a] and includes a LiDAR Scanner for enhanced augmented reality capabilities. Additionally, it supports the new Magic Keyboard case, expanding its functionality and user experience.^[source?]

Fifth generation

The fifth generation of the iPad Pro was unveiled on April 20, 2021, maintaining the same design and screen sizes as its predecessor. It boasts impressive features, including the powerful Apple M1 processor and 5G connectivity. The device also supports Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 connectivity, allowing data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbit/s and the capability to connect to external displays with resolutions up to 6K. Customers can choose between 8 or 16 GB of RAM, and the 12.9-inch model features a mini-LED display known as the "Liquid Retina XDR" display, enhancing visual quality.^[17][18]

Related pages

• Pen computing
• Graphics tablet

Notes

1. 1 GB = 1 billion bytes, 1 TB = 1 trillion bytes