Apple officially unveils a smaller version of the iPad Pro
It’s time to say hello to the latest version of the iPad Pro.
Some nice new features
The unique TrueTone screen measures the color temperature of the ambient light and changes the display to match.
Apple’s Phil Schiller touted the new iPad as the “ultimate PC replacement.”
First up, the display is extremely similar to what’s found on the iPad Pro. It’s 40 percent less reflective and 25 percent brighter than an iPad Air 2.
But most notable is the new TrueTone feature. It measures the color temperature of the ambient light and changes the display to match.
Like its larger sibling, it does feature four speakers and is powered by an A9X processor and an integrated M9 motion processor. That means it will also support the always-on “Hey Siri” command.
New accessories
The new iPad Pro model works with the Apple Pencil and a Smart Keyboard.
And just like for the big brother, users can also purchase two add-on Apple accessories – a Smart Keyboard and the Apple Pencil. The Apple Pencil costs $99 while the keyboard is $149.
There will also be a Smart Cover available for the device in a number of different colors.
Pricing and availability information
The new iPad Pro starts at $599.
As previously rumored, the entry level price for the device has jumped up $100 compared to the iPad Air 2. A 32GB Wi-Fi version is $599 while a 128GB edition is $749. A first for the company, a 256GB model, is $899.
Buyers can select from four different colors – space gray, silver, gold, and for the first time rose gold.
Wi-Fi + Cellular versions are also available. The 32GB edition is $729 while the 128GB and 256GB versions are $829 and $1,029, respectively.
Interested buyers can start ordering the device starting on Thursday, March 24. Orders will begin to ship one week later on Thursday, March 31.
The iPad Air 2 now starts at $399.
First thoughts
A look at some of the new iPad Pro's features.
The iPad Air 2 was first unveiled back in October 2014, so it’s definitely great to see a new model finally arrive – even with a new name.
While the iPad line itself isn’t turning out to be the same unbridled success story of the iPhone, this new version is a nice step up. With Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard support, it really does give buyers an iPad Pro in a smaller package.
But then there’s that slight issue of price. The $499 entry-level model is now history. A 32GB Wi-Fi edition is $599, and the 128GB version is $699. Add in an Apple Pencil and keyboard, and you’re looking at a minimum of $849.
