Apple announced new versions of its iPad Air and iPad Pro tablets in a brief video on its website.
“This is the biggest day for iPad since its introduction,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook.
These new iPad models are the first from Apple since October 2022, marking the longest time without an update since the iPad’s launch in 2011.
Apple’s shares remained unchanged during Tuesday’s trading.
The new iPad Pro is available in two sizes, starting at $999. It includes a new add-on case called Smart Keyboard, giving it a laptop-like feel.
Apple’s iPad Pro, the most advanced and expensive tablet, comes in 11-inch and 13-inch models. It’s the thinnest iPad yet, measuring 5.1mm thick.
(Credits: Apple)
The smaller iPad Pro starts at $999, while the larger 13-inch model starts at $1299 for 256GB of storage, a slight increase from its predecessor.
Both iPad Pro models can be used with a new case called Magic Keyboard, which connects a keyboard and trackpad to the tablet. This accessory enhances the iPad Pro’s functionality, making it similar to a MacBook experience.
The Magic Keyboard costs $249 or $299, depending on size, and Apple introduced an updated stylus called the Apple Pencil Pro for $129.
The new iPad models feature Apple’s latest chip, the M4, offering powerful AI capabilities. The M4 chip enables advanced features like isolating subjects from backgrounds in videos.
Apple’s iPad Pro boasts a new OLED display technology, providing brighter and more vibrant colors. The company developed a technology called “tandem OLED” for these screens, branded as Ultra Retina XDR.
Apple highlighted the iPad Pro’s usefulness for professional video production and introduced a new app called Final Cut Camera for controlling multiple iPhone cameras. The iPad Pro’s 12-megapixel rear camera can record 4K video, and Apple improved the camera’s flash for better document scanning.
The new iPad models and accessories are available for preorder now and will be on sale next week.
Apple also updated its iPad Air, starting at $599, featuring a faster M2 chip. It comes in two sizes, 11-inch and 13-inch, with the smaller version priced at $599 and the larger one at $799.
The iPad Air’s front-facing camera is now positioned on the longer side of the device for landscape-mode video conferencing, similar to Apple’s higher-end iPad Pro models.
The iPad Air will be in stores next week and offers various color options, including blue, purple, and gold.
Additionally, Apple reduced the price of its entry-level iPad to $349, down from $429.
