Apple has officially unveiled its latest iPad Pro and iPad Air models, kicking off preorders today, May 7, with availability set for May 15.
The launch introduces much-awaited upgrades, including advanced display technology and powerful new processors. Indeed, the products set a new benchmark for what users can expect from Apple's tablet lineup.
New Features in iPad Pro and iPad Air
As we previously reported, the iPad Pro was meant to be the star of the show while the Apple Store was down.
The new iPad Pro shines with its impressive features, and its shift from LCD to OLED displays appeals directly to creative professionals who require superior color accuracy and contrast ratios.
This model is powered by Apple's new M4 chip, promising a 50% increase in CPU performance compared to the previous M2 chip.
The iPad Pro also features a 10-core GPU supporting advanced capabilities like mesh shading and ray tracing, enhanced rear cameras, and a repositioned front-facing camera for more natural video calls.
On the other hand, the updated iPad Air also receives significant enhancements, is now available in both 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, and is equipped with the M2 processor, The Verge reports.
Moreover, this update brings Wi-Fi 6E support and the Apple Pencil hover feature, previously exclusive to the iPad Pro.
While the Air models do not feature OLED screens, they boast the vibrant Liquid Retina XDR display, with the larger model offering improved stereo speakers for an enriched audio experience.
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Enhanced Accessories for the New iPads
Both new models support the Apple Pencil Pro, which improves upon the second-generation model by integrating features like Find My capability, a squeeze gesture with haptic feedback, and a gyroscope sensor.
The iPad Pro pairs a redesigned Magic Keyboard with a dedicated function row and a larger trackpad with haptic feedback.
The iPad Air remains compatible with the original Magic Keyboards designed for earlier iPad Pro models.
How to Pre-Order the Latest iPad Models
iPad Air: Available for preorder directly from Apple, the 11-inch iPad Air starts at $599 for the base model with 128GB of storage.
Higher storage configurations and models with 5G capability are also available, with prices scaling up to $1,249 for the top-tier model. The 13-inch version starts at $799, with various storage options and 5G models extending up to $1,449.
iPad Pro: The 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $999 for the 256GB Wi-Fi model, with multiple storage options up to 2TB. The 5G variants begin at $1,199. The larger 13-inch model starts at $1,299 for the Wi-Fi version, with the fully-equipped 2TB 5G model priced at $2,499.
Both sizes are available in silver or space gray, with an optional nano-textured glass upgrade available for the larger storage models to reduce screen reflectivity.
With its newest iPads, Apple aims to cater to a wide range of users, from casual browsers to professional creatives, with state-of-the-art technology and improved performance features.
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