Apple unveiled new versions of the iPad Air and iPad Pro tablets, marking the biggest day for iPad since its launch in 2011. The new iPad Pro models come in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, with the larger model starting at $1,299 with 256GB of storage. The iPad Pro is the thinnest ever at 5.1 millimeters and can be paired with a new Magic Keyboard made of aluminum with a keyboard and trackpad. The Magic Keyboard will cost $249 or $299 depending on the size, and Apple also introduced an updated stylus called the Apple Pencil Pro for $129. The new iPads are powered by Apple’s M4 chip, offering greater AI capabilities for tasks like isolating subjects from backgrounds in videos.
Apple also shared that the iPad Pro tablets will feature OLED displays similar to those used in iPhones, providing brighter and more vibrant colors. The company developed “tandem OLED” technology to create the screens, which are branded as Ultra Retina XDR. The new tablets are designed for professional video producers, with features like a 12 megapixel rear camera that can record 4K video and an update to the camera’s flash to make document scanning easier. The tablets are available for preorder and will go on sale next week. The company also introduced a new app called Final Cut Camera that can control multiple iPhone cameras, enhancing the iPad Pro’s video production capabilities.
In addition to the iPad Pro, Apple also announced updates to the iPad Air, which comes in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes with the M2 chip. The smaller model starts at $599 for 128GB of storage, and the larger model starts at $799. The iPad Air features a front-facing camera on the longer side of the device in landscape mode, ideal for video conferencing, which aligns it with the more expensive iPad Pro models. The iPad Air will be available in stores next week in a range of colors, including blue, purple, and gold. The company also lowered the price of its entry-level iPad to $349, down from $429.
Apple emphasized the iPad’s versatility as a productivity tool with the new models, aiming to offer a more laptop-like experience with the Magic Keyboard and improved display technology. The company’s investment in AI capabilities with the M4 chip and OLED displays positions the iPad Pro as a powerful device for creative and professional tasks like video editing. By introducing updated accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro, Apple is catering to users seeking a more seamless and efficient workflow on their iPads. With a focus on video production tools and enhanced camera features, the new iPad models are designed to meet the needs of content creators and professionals seeking powerful and versatile devices.
