Apple iPads have always been on the top of the hill when it comes to tablets. The Pro models in particular evolved over the years to offer a laptop-like performance. They are more used by professional users to run high-end software such as Adobe Photoshop, Pixelmator, Coda Editor and Microsoft Excel. Apple has now announced the 2021 iPad Pro models, and the new devices seem to make things even better. They now house Apple’s self-developed processor and a new display technology that delivers even more power to users.
The biggest change for the 2021 iPad Pro starts under its hood. It now runs the Apple M1 processor, an 8-core CPU that will offer 50 per cent more performance than the previous iPad Pro. Apple says there is also 40 per cent more GPU performance, letting users build intricate AR models, use 3D modelling software and play games with console-quality graphics at high frame rates. Apple offers 8GB of RAM with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage, while models with 1TB and 2TB will ship with 16GB of RAM.
The new iPad Pro sports a Thunderbolt port too. It allows you to connect a DSLR camera, an SD card reader, and even an external SSD drive. Apple says that Thunderbolt offers up to 40 Gbps bandwidth for wired connections and connecting other high-end accessories such as external displays and docks. The Thunderbolt compatibility allows to quickly transfer data, and even hook up the device to Apple’s Pro Display XDR at 6K resolution.
The iPad Pro 2021 comes in two screen sizes like its predecessor. You have an option of choosing between an 11-inch (2388 x 1668) or a larger 12.9-inch (2732 x 2048) model. They use Apple’s Retina Display technology that is known for rendering natural colours. Both displays also support Apple’s True Tone and ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate.
It’s the 12.9-inch model that brings the major technology improvement. It comes with a mini-LED backlit and it works a lot like Apple’s Pro Display XDR. Apple calls it Liquid Retina XDR and says the display offers true-to-life detail with a 10,00,000:1 contrast ratio, making the 12.9-inch model more ideal for viewing and editing HDR photos and videos. You get 1,000 nits of brightness and 1,600 nits of peak brightness. It makes professional monitors and TVs look bad. This means viewing content under the bright sun is barely going to be a problem.
The content doesn’t just look good, it sounds good too. The 2021 iPad Pro comes with a quad-speaker setup that renders rich audio and a theatre-like experience with Dolby Atmos. The device also has five studio-quality microphones for clear voice and video calls.
There are no big design changes on the 2021 iPad Pro. The device now uses 100 per cent recycled aluminium chassis, making the new iPads even more environmentally friendly. The device is as rigid as before, and its lightweight design ensures you can easily carry it around. The device is available in Space Grey and Silver colours. Apple has not revealed any new accessories for the iPad Pro 2021, but they are compatible with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and the Apple Magic Keyboard. The Magic Keyboard’s floating design offers flexible viewing angles, while the built-in keyboard helps deliver a laptop-like experience. The keyboard now comes in a new White colour.
The iPad Pro 2021 also has a 12MP f/1.8 primary and 10MP f/2.4 ultra-wide camera at the rear, just like the 2020 model. There’s a LIDAR sensor as well, so you can easily measure objects and play AR games. Apple has upgraded the front-facing camera on the new iPad Pro. It is now a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide-angle camera with a 122-degree field of view, making it perfect for FaceTime and Portrait Mode selfies. The camera also supports Apple new Centre Stage feature that lets the camera track you during video calls and make sure you always in the frame even when you are moving. The camera zooms out when there are more people in the frame and automatically zooms in when they exit. Apple says the M1 CPU also improves image signal processing (ISP) for enhanced autofocus speeds.
The iPad Pro 2021 now supports 5G connectivity, so you’ll be able to connect to next-gen internet speeds when it’s available in your region. There is also Wi-Fi 6 for wireless internet and Bluetooth 5.0 for connecting external audio solutions, keyboards and mice. Apple says the new iPad delivers an all-day battery life, and with the 20W fast charging support, charging times will be minimal.
The inclusion of the M1 CPU makes the 2021 iPad Pro the fastest tablet out there. The 12.9-inch variant’s Liquid Retina XDR display hugely improves display technology while offering more details and precision to professional users. The 2021 iPad Pro will be soon available for pre-order at www.reliancedigital.in, and you can also know more about it by visiting your nearest Reliance Digital store.
