Apple today unveiled the new 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models, which are powered by the latest M2 Apple Silicon chips. The M2 chip debuted in the 2022 MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro, and this update brings that performance to Apple’s pro tablet lineup.
The iPad Pros can detect when the Apple Pencil is hovering above the display, in addition to the M2 performance boost. This means that as the user approaches the screen with the stylus, UI elements can expand and respond.
Apple claims that the M2’s 8-core CPU is up to 15% faster than the M1 CPU. The GPU is now up to 35% faster. For the first time, the iPad Pro can capture ProPres video thanks to the M2 chip.
The new iPad Pro also has faster Wi-Fi networking, as it supports the most recent Wi-Fi 6E standards. When connecting to a 6E network, downloads can be up to twice as fast.
The iPad will detect when the Apple Pencil is hovering above the screen with the new hovering feature. This means that user interface elements can bounce in and out of existence, ready for committed user interaction. A Scribble text field, for example, expands as the Pencil approaches the display. A new API will make this hovering feature available to third-party apps.
The hovering feature does not necessitate the purchase of a new Apple Pencil, and the existing compatible Apple Pencil for iPad Pro is still available on sale for $129.
The new 11-inch iPad Pro costs $799, while the 12.9-inch iPad Pro costs $1099. The prices are the same as the previous generation. The new iPad models are available for purchase today, with the first deliveries scheduled for October 26.
