SAN JOSE – Apple announced new iPad Pro models during its World Wide Developer Conference (WWDC) keynote. The announcement includes a new version of the original iPad Pro 12.9-inch, and an all new iPad Pro 10.5-inch device. Both feature significant new features, including faster refresh rates, a new processor, and more.
iPad Pro 10.5-inch
The bigger of the two iPad Pro announcements is the smaller iPad, the iPad Pro 10.5-inch. This device largely meets expectations set by Ming-Chi Kuo earlier this year. It has roughly the same footprint as the original iPad Pro 9.7-inch, but with a screen that is 20% larger. Apple said the bezel has been reduced by 40%, allowing for the changes.
It also features the cameras first introduced with iPhone 7, and is powered by a new A10X Fusion chip.
Pro Motion
Both models come with a redesigned Retina display Apple is called Pro Motion. It offers higher refresh rates of up to 120Hz. This is important because Apple is also using its total control over the hardware and software to only use higher refresh rates when they are needed. That conserved power as higher refresh rates use more power.
A10X Fusion Processor
Apple christened the processor in the new iPad Pro models A10X Fusion. It features a six-core CPU and 12-core GPU, which Apple said is 30% faster CPU computations and 40% faster for GPU computations than the A9X in previous generation iPad Pro models.
New iPad Pro Models Available Now for Order
Apple’s new iPad Pro models are available now for preorder, and will ship next week. That’s relevant because they will ship with iOS 10, though there are features in iOS 11—which ships this fall—aimed at the new iPad Pro models.
iPad Pro 10.5-inch starts at $649 for 64GB. Wi-Fi models start at $779. iPad Pro 12.9-inch starts at $799, with WiFi models starting at $929.