Apple unveiled new iPad Pro models with the M2 processor, which brings a 15% speed boost to the tablets. But Tuesday’s announcement was a disappointment for those hoping for wireless charging or more ports.
“Powered by the M2 chip, the new iPad Pro features incredible performance and the most advanced technologies, including a next-level Apple Pencil hover experience, ProRes video capture, superfast wireless connectivity, and powerful iPadOS 16 features,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s SVP of Worldwide Marketing. “There’s nothing else like it.”
2022 iPad Pro has the power of Apple M2
Apple offers a range of tablets, and the iPad Pro line is its most powerful. The previous version, which launched in spring 2021, uses the M1 processor. The newest model has the Apple M2, same chip that gives the 2022 MacBook Air excellent performance.
Apple promises the M2’s 8-core CPU is up to 15% faster than M1, and its 10-core GPU delivers up to 35% faster graphics performance.
The chip also features 100 GBps of unified memory bandwidth — 50% more than M1 – making the new tablet even better than its predecessor at multitasking. That’s important considering iPadOS 16 and Stage Manager can handle up to eight applications simultaneously between internal and external displays.
No design changes
The general design of the tablet did not change – it sticks with 11-inch and 12.9-inch versions. And there’s no sign of the rumored 14-inch model.
The predictions of MagSafe charging and new ports did not come true. The 2022 iPad Pro has only a single USB-C port for charging and data like its predecessors.
While Apple moved the front-facing camera to landscape mode on the just-launched iPad 10, that’s a change it did not make the Pro. Still, the rear camera can capture ProRes video for the first time.
Photo: Apple
Apple Pencil hover
A trick in the new tablet is Apple Pencil hover. The stylus is now detected up to 12 mm above the display so the tablet can react to it. A preview of the mark appears before it is made, allowing users to sketch and illustrate with greater precision
And with the Scribble handwriting-recognition system, text fields automatically expand when the pencil gets near the screen.
Price & availability
The 2022 iPad Pro is already available to order at apple.com and in the Apple Store app in 28 countries and regions. It will reach brick-and-mortar stores beginning Wednesday, October 26.
It comes in silver or space gray in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB configurations. The 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $799 (US) for the Wi-Fi model and $999 (US) for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at $1,099 (US) for the Wi-Fi model, and $1,299 (US) for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model.
