Apple launches new iPad Pros with faster M2 chip

As part of the trio of products launched overnight, Apple has unveiled two new iPad Pro models featuring its lates, and most powerful M2 chip.

Back in April 2021, the first iPad Pros to get the same M1 chip, the same one used in its laptops, made quite a splash in terms of improved performance and battery life. Now, Apple’s pro iPad range gets the 8-core version of the M2. This is said to be up to 15 percent faster than the M1, according to Apple, and can deliver up to “…35% faster graphics performance for the most demanding users”. There’s also double the unified memory that M1 models, with 16GB onboard, which should make working with larger assets as well as multi-tasking between apps even more fluid and responsive.

The next-generation iPad Pro pushes the boundaries of what’s possible on iPad, bringing even more versatility, power, and portability to the ultimate iPad experience

Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing

Faster connectivity

There’s an increase in connectivity performance with the addition of Wi-Fi 6E, meaning transfer speeds up to 2.4Gb/sec if you have a compatible Wi-Fi 6E router. While Australian NBN speeds are no where near this fast, it is a 2x improvement over the last generation of iPad Pros.

Apple says that Wi-Fi + Cellular models with 5G (both the sub-6GHz and mmWave varieties) now support more 5G networks around the world. We assume this means that a new 5G modem chip has been used which has broader compliance to 5G network standards.

Improved Apple Pencil

Next, the new iPad Pro models see a small change to the way the Apple Pencil (second generation) functions. Now, the Apple Pencil can be detected up to 12mm above the screen. This makes it possible for users to see a ‘preview’ of their marks before they make them. It will also help with sketching and illustration, adding more precision. Lastly, when the pencil approaches text fields, for example, they can prepare for text entry by expanding. Apple says that the new feature will improve handwriting conversion speed as well, and the new feature is open to 3rd party apps to take advantage of.

Price and availability

• The new iPad Pro is available to order beginning today, 19 October, at apple.com/au/store and in the Apple Store app in 28 countries and regions, including Australia, with availability in stores beginning Thursday, 27 October.
• The new 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro will be available in silver and space grey finishes with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB configurations.
• The 11-inch iPad Pro starts at RRP A$1,399 inc. GST for the Wi-Fi model and RRP A$1,649 inc. GST for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model; the 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at RRP A$1,899 for the Wi-Fi model, and RRP A$2,149 inc. GST for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model.
• Apple Pencil (2nd generation), available for purchase separately, is compatible with the new iPad Pro for RRP A$219 incl. GST.
• Magic Keyboard is available in black and white for RRP A$489 inc. GST for the new 11-inch iPad Pro and RRP A$579 inc. GST for the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro, with layouts for over 30 languages.
• The Smart Keyboard Folio for the new iPad Pro is available for RRP A$299 inc. GST for the new 11-inch iPad Pro and RRP A$329 inc. GST for the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
• The Smart Folio is available in black, white, and marine blue for RRP A$129 inc. GST for the new 11-inch iPad Pro and RRP A$159 inc. GST for the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
• Education pricing is available to current and newly accepted college students and their parents, as well as faculty, staff, and home-school teachers of all grade levels. The new 11-inch iPad Pro starts at RRP A$1,309 incl. GST, and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at RRP A$1,729 incl. GST. The second-generation Apple Pencil is available for RRP A$199 inc. GST, and the Smart Keyboard Folio is available for RRP A$259 inc. GST for the 11-inch iPad Pro and RRP A$289 inc. GST for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. The Magic Keyboard will be available at RRP A$449 inc. GST for the 11-inch iPad Pro and RRP A$539 inc. GST for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. For more information visit apple.com/au-hed/shop.

GadgetGuy’s take

While we’re excited to see the powerful new M2 chip in the new iPad Pros, it would be great to see the Pro Liquid Retina XDR Mini-LED display from the 12.9 inch model appear on the smaller 11-inch version. Otherwise, Apple’s new iPadOS 16, with its new Stage Manager layout, Thunderbolt support and the ability to finally take full advantage of an external display, bring this year’s model closer to a true laptop replacement than ever before.

More on Apple’s new iPad and Apple TV announced today

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