iPad Pro

 Updated versions with the A12Z Bionic chip, new Ultra Wide camera lens, LiDAR depth scanner and more.

At A Glance

In March 2020, the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models were updated with a faster A12Z Bionic chip, a new 10MP Ultra Wide camera to support the conventional 12MP camera, a LiDAR depth scanner to enhance the experience of augmented reality, and more. A new Magic Keyboard with Trackpad is also available, and the Apple Pencil 2 continues to work with the new iPad Pro models.

Features

• 12.9-inch 2732 x 2048 or 11-inch 2388 x 1668 display
• A12Z Bionic processor
• Edge-to-edge display without Home button
• 12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra Wide rear cameras
• LiDAR depth scanner for AR
• TrueDepth Camera with Face ID
• Optional Apple Pencil 2, Magic Keyboard With Trackpad, and Smart Keyboard Folio
• Available in Silver and Space Gray

The 2020 iPad Pro

Apple updated its iPad Pro lineup in March 2020, adding a faster A12Z Bionic processor, dual rear cameras, a new LiDAR scanner for enhanced augmented reality capabilities, enhanced audio, and an optional Magic Keyboard adapter that for the first time adds a trackpad to the iPad.

According to Apple, with a range of "pro" upgrades for those who want an iPad that can replace a device, the 2020 iPad Pro is the most advanced iPad Pro to date.

The iPad Pro, available in 11 and 12.9-inch sizes with an all-screen interface and an edge-to-edge display that does not have a home button, is unchanged when it comes to design. Like the 2018 iPad Pro models, the 2020 iPad Pro features a Face ID TrueDepth camera system that utilizes biometric authentication face recognition and selfies with a 7-megapixel camera.

Both of the iPad Pro models feature a Silver or Space Gray aluminium frame with smooth, rounded edges that wrap around the Liquid Retina display. With large colour support, True Tone for adapting to ambient light, an anti-reflective coating, and Pro Motion 120Hz refresh capabilities, the Liquid Retina display is unchanged from the 2018 edition.

There is a new rear camera system, but the general design of the iPad Pro has remained the same. For a broader field of view, there are two cameras, namely a 12-megapixel wide-angle camera and a 10-megapixel super wide-angle camera that can zoom out twice.

Features such as Smart HDR, Quad-LED True Tone Flash, large colour, and up to 60fps of 4K video recording are included.

The two-camera system is accompanied by a new LiDAR Scanner that uses reflected light to determine the distance of objects at nano-second speeds up to five meters away. Apple says that the new iPadOS depth frameworks integrate LiDAR scanner depth points with camera and motion sensor data for a whole new class of AR experiences on the iPad Pro.

Current ARKit applications can benefit from instant AR placement, enhanced motion capture, and occlusion of individuals. Developers will access a new Scene Geometry API with new ARKit capabilities that will result in new scenarios not possible without the LiDAR Scanner.

Using the LiDAR Scanner, Apple has upgraded the Measure software and it can now determine the height of an individual automatically. Thanks to automated vertical and edge guides, object measurements are quicker and more precise, plus there's a new Ruler View for more granular measurements.

Within, the 2020 iPad Pro is fitted with an 8-core GPU, 8-core Processor, and improved thermal architecture and tuned performance controllers for faster than ever performance with an A12Z Bionic Chip. The Neural Engine handles Core ML tasks and features of augmented reality, and processes LiDAR Scanner information.

Like the 2018 iPad Pro models, the 2020 iPad Pro has a USB-C port, including 4K and 5K displays, for charging purposes and connecting to USB-C accessories. For charging devices such as the iPhone and Apple Watch, the USB-C port on the iPad may also be used.

To capture "super clean audio." Apple has added five studio-quality microphones to the iPad Pro. There are four speakers included in each orientation for an immersive listening experience.

For the 2020 iPad Pro, Apple has developed a new Magic Keyboard, which is basically a new version of the Smart Keyboard fitted with a trackpad, backlit keys, and a 1mm key travel scissor switch mechanism.

The 2020 iPad Pro models feature up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge with the A12Z processor. WiFi 6 support, gigabit-class LTE for cellular models, and storage options ranging from 128GB to 1TB are other iPad Pro features.

Magnetically attached to the iPad Pro, the full-sized Magic Keyboard features cantilevered hinges for smooth viewing angle changes of up to 130 degrees. It features USB-C passthrough charging and features a folio-like design that, while not in use, folds and covers the iPad.

Magnetically attached to the iPad Pro, the full-sized Magic Keyboard features cantilevered hinges for smooth viewing angle changes of up to 130 degrees. It features USB-C passthrough charging and features a folio-like design that, while not in use, folds and covers the iPad.

Gesture support allows the trackpad to be used to switch between applications, edit text, enable the Dock and Control Center, access the app switcher, and more. In both first and third-party iOS applications, trackpad support works.

Other mice and trackpads attach to the iPad Pro, such as the Magic Mouse 2 and Magic Trackpad 2, while the trackpad experience was specifically intended for the Magic Keyboard. For all modern iPads, mouse and trackpad support is available, and the latest Magic Keyboard also works with the 2018 iPad Pro models. Support for scrolling and gestures includes a Magic Trackpad 2 or a Magic Mouse 2 and does not work with versions of the first generation.

For the 11-inch 128GB WiFi only model or $949 for the 128GB cellular model, prices on the iPad Pro start at $799. For the 128GB WiFi model, the 12.9-inch model is priced at $999 and $1,149 for the 128GB cellular model. At higher rates, extra capacity is available.

With new orders going out within a week or two, the new iPad Pro is available for purchase from the online Apple Store.

The Apple Pencil is available for $129 from Apple, and the latest Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro was released on April 15, 2020. For the 11-inch edition, it is priced at $299, and for the 12.9-inch model, $349. An improved Smart Keyboard Folio that fits the latest iPad Pro, which is priced at $179 for the 11-inch iPad Pro and $199 for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, has also been released by Apple.

The new Magic Keyboard is accompanied by iPad support for the trackpad and mouse in iPadOS 13.4. IPad Trackpad support is intended as a first-touch experience, with the cursor appearing as a circle but rotating to highlight elements of the user interface such as text fields, Home screen and Dock apps, and other objects that can be pressed.

How to Buy

You can buy the iPad Pro from the Apple Store online and from third-party retailers including Best Buy and Amazon.

Pricing on the 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $799 for 128 GB of storage, with $899 available for 256 GB of storage, $1099 available for 512 GB of storage, and $1299 available for 1 TB of storage. For an additional $150 above the base price for each storage tier, models with cellular connectivity are available.

Pricing starts at $999 for 128GB of storage on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. 256GB of storage for $1099 is available, 512GB of storage for $1299 is available, and 1TB of storage for $1499 is available. For an additional $150 above the base price for each storage tier, models with cellular connectivity are available.

For $129, the Apple Pencil 2 that goes along with the iPad Pro is available. It is possible to buy the Smart Keyboard Folio for the 11-inch iPad Pro for $179, and the Smart Keyboard Folio for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro for $199.

On April 15, Apple started taking orders for the iPad Pro Magic Keyboard with trackpad, with the 11-inch version priced at $299 and the 12.9-inch version priced at $349.

Reviews

Reviews of the iPad Pro also indicated that the LiDAR Scanner paves the way for new virtual reality capabilities in the future, although the 2020 iPad Pro upgrade itself is limited in size.

In the 2020 iPad Pro, the A12Z Bionic chip provides similar performance to the previous generation A12X chip, but it has improved thermal architecture, and an ultra wide-angle camera, the above-mentioned LiDAR scanner, and improved microphones are the key additions.

Reviewers were unable to fully test the LiDAR scanner because at the moment there are few applications that take advantage of it. The Verge also described it as a "powerful and interesting sensor" which some users might not even use as a "extra thing".

In our view, due to the powerful processor, 6 GB RAM, WiFi 6, and LiDAR Scanner for enhanced AR, the 2020 iPad Pro does not give enough to entice 2018 iPad Pro owners to upgrade, but it is worth considering for those who have an older iPad Pro model.

iPad Air vs. iPad Pro Comparison

In design and functionality, the fourth-generation iPad Air is identical to the iPad Pro models that were updated in March 2020, featuring the same all-display design but missing ProMotion technology. The iPad Air has an A14 chip that is faster than the A12Z used in the iPad Pro and uses Touch ID instead of Face ID. For a hands-on comparison, make sure to check out our comparison article and video.

Design

There have been no significant design refreshments on the 2020 iPad Pro models and they appear to look like the 2018 iPad Pro models. Two sizes are available: 11 inches and 12.9 inches.

The 11-inch Apple iPad Pro is 9.74 inches in length and 7.02 inches in width, while the 12.9-inch model is 11.04 inches in length and 8.46 inches in width, so it's over an inch larger and taller than the smaller model.

Both models of the iPad Pro are just 5.9mm thick. At 1.04 pounds, the 11-inch iPad Pro weighs in and at 1.41 pounds, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. The iPad Pro models are sold by Apple in either Silver or Space Gray aluminium.

With 6 mm bezels at the top, bottom, and sides, the 2020 iPad Pro models continue to feature an edge-to-edge display. The iPad Pro models feature a more industrial-like band around the sides that recalls the style of the iPhone 4 or the iPhone SE, rather than flat, tapered edges.

There is no Touch ID Home button, as the iPad Pro uses a TrueDepth camera system for biometric authentication with facial recognition capabilities instead. The TrueDepth camera is positioned inside the iPad Pro's top bezel.

There's a sleep/wake button along with two speakers at the top of the iPad Pro. The volume up and down keys, a magnetic connector, and a nano-SIM tray on cellular iPads are on the right side. There is no headphone jack on the iPad Pro, as with prior versions, and Bluetooth headphones or headphones that work with USB-C are required.

With 2020 models featuring a square-shaped camera bump housing a wide-angle camera, an ultra wide-angle camera, the latest LiDAR Scanner, and a True Tone flash, the back of the iPad Pro is where the sole design adjustment is. In the 2018 iPad Pro, which features a single-lens camera configuration, the current square-shaped camera bump is larger than the previous vertical camera bump.

There's a USB-C port at the bottom of the iPad Pro for charging and attaching accessories. The USB-C links the iPad Pro to 4K or 5K screens, cameras, and other USB-C accessories. The USB-C port supports USB 3.1 Gen 2 transfer speeds and can be used with the necessary cable to charge an iPhone or Apple Watch.

Display

The 2020 iPad Pro models from Apple use the same edge-to-edge "Liquid Retina" display that was available in the 2018 iPad Pro models, which Apple called its most advanced display at the time.

The 11-inch iPad Pro has a resolution of 2388 x 1668, while the 12.9-inch model has a resolution of 2732 x 2048 and like previous versions, both have 264 pixels per inch. 600 nits of brightness, 1.8% reflectivity, an anti-reflective coating and a fingerprint-resistant coating are featured on the iPad Pro displays.

Wide colour support guarantees rich, vivid colours that are true to life and precise, while True Tone changes the display to match the lighting white balance in the room to make it easier for the eyes to see the screen.

A 120Hz monitor refresh rate is included with Pro Motion display technology which makes motion content on the screen smoother, crisper, and more sensitive for reading, gaming, watching movies, and more.

The monitor refresh rate of the iPad Pro is adjustable and can adjust as a battery-saving measure depending on what you are looking at. If you're watching a movie or playing a game, the refresh rate is at 120 Hz, but you don't need a 120 Hz refresh rate if you're reading a web page or looking at a picture, so it adjusts accordingly.

Face ID and TrueDepth Camera System

The iPad Pro uses the Face ID feature, which Apple has been introducing to its products since 2017, instead of authenticating and unlocking through a Touch ID fingerprint device. Face ID does all the same things that Touch ID does, such as unlocking your iPad, enabling access to passcode-protected third-party applications, verifying transactions, and authenticating payments from Apple Pay.

Face ID utilizes sensors and cameras built into the iPad Pro's top bezel, and Apple calls the TrueDepth camera for its multi-component configuration. A dot projector projects over 30,000 invisible infrared dots on your face to create a scan of your face that is used for authentication purposes.

An infrared camera reads the dot map and the structure of your face is relayed to the iPad Pro's A12Z Bionic processor, where it is converted into a mathematical model.

The iPad Pro only takes a fraction of a second to scan your face, recognize you, and unlock the computer. Face ID is more safe than Touch ID, and a picture, mask, or other facial imitation will not fool it. An "Attention Aware" security feature means that when you look at it with your eyes open, your iPad Pro just unlocks, because it knows not to function when a live person is not in front of it.

Face ID data is encrypted and processed in the A12Z chip's Safe Enclave. Without data stored in the cloud, sent to Apple, or accessible through apps, authentication occurs on the device.

In the dark, when wearing sunglasses, and with the face partly concealed by beards, shades, lipstick, scarves, and other accessories, Apple has built Face ID to work. Face ID may also adjust to changes in the face, so it continues to remember you whether you're slowly developing a beard or your hair.

Face ID operates in both landscape and portrait orientation on the iPad Pro, a functionality that is exclusive to the iPad. With iPhones, for Face ID to function properly, the device must be kept in portrait orientation.

Selfie Camera

A 7-megapixel camera for selfies and FaceTime videos is included in the front-facing TrueDepth camera system, plus Portrait Mode, Portrait Lighting and Animoji and Memoji are supported.

A12Z Bionic Chip

An A12Z Bionic processor, which is an improvement over the A12X chip featured in the 2018 iPad Pro models, is included with the 2020 iPad Pro.

For what Apple claims is the best performance ever on an iPad, the A12Z Bionic features an 8-core Processor, an upgraded 8-core GPU, improved thermal architecture, and tuned performance controls.

The A12Z Bionic is faster than the chips used in many PCs and has been designed for challenging tasks such as 4K video editing and 3D model creation.

Benchmarks of the latest iPad Pro have suggested that the performance of the A12Z is almost similar to the performance of the A12X in the iPad Pro 2018, but due to the addition of an 8-core GPU, there is a slight improvement in GPU performance.

It has been reported that the A12Z is an A12X re-binned version with an additional enabled GPU core. The A12X has an 8-core GPU, but one of the cores is disabled, so it's a 7-core GPU in terms of features. With the extra GPU core available, the A12Z is an A12Z.

Neural Engine

The A12Z features a Neural Engine that can perform five trillion operations per second, making it possible to do more in real time than ever before. All of the machine learning features in the iPad Pro are powered by the Neural Engine, such as photo search, Face ID, and augmented reality experiences.

The Neural Engine from Apple enables faster facial recognition of Face ID, faster plane detection for augmented reality applications, speed improvements for other tasks using real-time machine learning, and in the 2020 iPad Pro it controls the LiDAR sensor.

RAM

6GB RAM is used in all 2020 iPad Pro models. Models with 1TB of storage had 6GB RAM with the 2018 iPad Pro, while the rest had 4GB RAM.

A12Z vs. A14

The fourth-generation iPad Air, launched in October 2020, has a faster A14 processor, but because of its extra GPU core, the iPad Pro's A12Z still wins when it comes to GPU performance. Apple engineers said that the iPad Pro, "especially those that are more graphics-intensive." is designed for pro workflows and experiences.

Rear Cameras

With a 12-megapixel wide-angle camera with an f/1.8 aperture and a 10-megapixel super wide-angle camera with an f/2.4 aperture and a 125 degree field of view, there's a whole new dual-camera setup available in the 2020 iPad Pro.

Apple states that for a much broader field of view, the ultra wide-angle camera can be used to zoom out twice, doubling the possibilities of picture and video and allowing multiple viewpoints and use of multi-camera.

All features include True Tone Flash, 5x digital zoom, 63-megapixel panoramas, large colour capture, noise reduction, smart HDR, burst mode, support for Live Images, and auto image stabilisation. The 2020 iPad Pro models do not feature optical image stabilisation, much like the 2018 models.

As for video, the iPad Pro can capture 4K video with either camera at up to 60 frames per second, plus it supports 720 or 1080p slo-mo video, time-lapse video, and cinematic video stabilisation while filming.

LiDAR Scanner

"enables capabilities never before possible on any mobile device. "enables capabilities never before possible on any mobile device.

The LiDAR Scanner uses reflected light to measure the distance, either indoors or outdoors, from the iPad Pro to nearby items that are up to five meters away (16.4 feet). At nano-second speeds, the measurements are taken at the photon level.

Depth frameworks included in iPadOS integrate LiDAR Scanner measured depth points, data from both cameras, and motion sensor data with A12Z Bionic computer vision algorithms to create a more thorough and complete understanding of a scene.

Apple claims that a new class of augmented reality experiences on the iPad Pro allows the incorporation of all of these components. Existing ARKit apps can get instant AR placement, enhanced motion capture, and occlusion of individuals, while developers can take advantage of a new Scene Geometry API that uses the LiDAR Scanner for never-before' scenarios.

Total Anatomy, an app that uses technology to assess the range of motion of people recovering from injuries, was an example of what can be achieved.

Measure App

The Measure software will take advantage of the LiDAR Scanner on the iPad Pro to make it quicker and simpler to determine the height of a person automatically.

There are also new vertical and edge guides that appear to help people measure objects more easily and accurately, and for more granular measurements, Apple has added a Ruler View.

Battery Life

The 11-inch iPad Pro has a 28.65-watt-hour battery, while a 36.71-watt-hour battery is available for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

When browsing the web or watching video, both iPad Pro models give up to 10 hours of battery life and can be recharged via USB-C and the included 20W power adapter shipped with them.

When browsing the web using LTE, WiFi + Cellular versions give up to nine hours of battery life.

Other iPad Pro Features

Microphones and Speakers

To capture super clean audio and the quietest data, there are five studio quality microphones included in the iPad Pro.

The iPad Pro has also been fitted by Apple with a four-speaker audio configuration that adapts sound to every orientation. At the top of the iPad are two speakers and at the bottom are two speakers, allowing for stereo sound.

There's a hardware microphone disconnect feature that disables the microphone all together when an MFi compliant case such as the Magic Keyboard or Smart Keyboard is connected to the iPad Pro and closed.

WiFi 6 Support

WiFi 6, otherwise named 802.11ax, is supported by the 2020 iPad Pro models. When there are multiple WiFi devices in the same region, the new standard provides faster speeds, improved network bandwidth, better power efficiency, lower latency, and upgraded connectivity.

WiFi 6 devices also support WPA3, which provides enhanced cryptographic strength as a security protocol.

Bluetooth 5.0

The Bluetooth 5.0 technology supports the 2020 iPad Pro models. It was reported, amid reports of an U1 chip in the iPad Pro, that Apple did not include the U1 chip in the computer. This remains limited to the latest versions of iPhones.

Gigabit LTE

In the cellular 2020 iPad Pro models, Gigabit-class LTE is available, and Apple notes that these new modem chips support the most bands on an iPad ever.

This includes support for bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, and 71.

The iPad Pro has two SIM options: a physical nano-SIM slot on the side of the device and an eSIM or digital SIM that is built to operate without a physical SIM card being needed.

The Apple SIM supports the physical nano-SIM slot, which is designed to allow users to switch without hassle between carriers. The Apple SIM is sponsored by many carriers in the U.S. and other nations, but a physical SIM card is still needed for those who don't, including Verizon.

Storage Space

Apple's iPad Pro models begin with 128 GB of storage, up from the previous 64 GB of storage available on the 2018 iPad Pro entry-level model. Storage can be upgraded to 1TB on the iPad Pro, and all storage upgrade plans are $50 cheaper than they were for iPad Pro storage upgrades in 2018.

Smart Connector

The Smart Connector on the iPad Pro's back is designed to allow accessories such as the Smart Keyboard Folio to interact with and power it. Both power and data can be transferred by the Smart Connector interface, so accessories that connect to the iPad Pro via it do not need batteries.

Accessories

Magic Keyboard and Trackpad Support

Apple launched the Magic Keyboard alongside the new iPad Pro, which is a folio-style case that features a full backlit keyboard and a trackpad for the first time. Just like the MacBook Air keyboard and the MacBook Pro, the Magic Keyboard uses scissor mechanisms.

1 mm of travel is provided by the scissor mechanism, for what Apple claims is the best iPad typing experience ever.

Via a magnetic attachment, the Magic Keyboard connects to the iPad Pro, and it features cantilevered hinges that operate on a desk or lap. The hinges allow the viewing angle to be adjusted up to 130 degrees, so that it can be tweaked for all uses.

The Magic Keyboard's nature allows the iPad to "float" in the air when used in keyboard mode, with the bottom portion of the case tilting backwards.

When not in use, the folio-style design of the keyboard holds the iPad Pro safe, covering the iPad's front and back. For pass-through inductive USB-C charging capabilities, a USB-C port is included on the Magic Keyboard, leaving the USB-C port of the iPad Pro free for accessories including external drives and displays.

iOS 13.4 provides the iPad Pro with trackpad and mouse support, and the trackpad was "completely reimagined for the iPad" and its touch-first interface, while Mac users should still be familiar with it. The cursor on the iPad appears as a circle on the home screen or dock that highlights different elements of the user interface, text fields, and apps, making it clear what can be clicked on.

Trackpad gestures are intended to allow users to switch between apps, access the app switcher, and enable the Dock, Control Center, and Slide Over apps. On the trackpad, multi-touch gestures make for fast and simple iPadOS navigation.

To integrate into both first and third-party applications, Apple has designed trackpad support. For example, it supports scrolling through web pages in Safari and photo libraries in Photos, such as editing text accurately in notes and other apps, viewing and organizing e-mail in Mail, and more.

Apple claims that most applications from third parties will function without any modifications, and developers will be able to take advantage of new APIs for deeper support for the trackpad.

Although the iPad Pro is designed to work with the iPad Magic Keyboard, it also uses Bluetooth or USB to support the Magic Mouse, Magic Mouse 2, Magic Trackpad, Magic Trackpad 2, and third-party mouse options.

The new standard Smart Keyboard Folio, compatible with the 2020 iPad Pro models, was also launched by Apple.

Some owners of Magic Keyboards have had difficulty charging the keyboard using a charging cable or power adapter from a third party, which is something to be aware of. You can need an iPad Pro charging cable from Apple and a power adapter.

Apple Pencil

2020 The second-generation Apple Pencil, which was launched in 2018, works with iPad Pro models. Priced at $129, using magnets, the Apple Pencil attaches to the iPad Pro, and it charges inductively when magnetically connected. Via the magnetic connection, pairing is also achieved.

With the second-generation Apple Pencil, gesture support is included, and with a tap, you can change brushes or turn from a brush to an eraser easily without having to pick up the pencil and choose a new tool.

The Apple Pencil works with first-party and third-party applications across the iPad Pro, but it is mostly built for use in writing and sketching apps. For a paper-like writing experience that is unmatched by third-party styluses, it features advanced palm rejection, intense precision, and imperceptible lag.

Pressure support makes it possible to draw thinner and thicker lines by increasing the amount of pressure on the screen of the iPad, and when the Apple Pencil is instilled, side nib detection enables shading.

2018 iPad Pro Models

Apple has discontinued the previous 2018 iPad Pro models with the introduction of the 2020 iPad Pro models, but they can still be bought at the current time at a discount from Apple's refurbished store.

Compatible with the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro are the 2018 iPad Pro models.

iPad Pro vs. MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro

We contrasted Apple's MacBook Air 2020, MacBook Pro 13-inch 2020, and iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2020, all of which have similarities in terms of performance and functionality.

What's Next for the iPad Pro

Mini-LED Rumors

In its iPad and Mac notebook line-ups, Apple is accelerating the adoption of mini-LEDs, and the iPad Pro is supposed to be the first product to get a mini-LED display. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that in the fourth quarter of 2020, development will start on mini-LED displays for the iPad Pro, with a launch planned in the first half of 2021. DigiTimes, including Korea's ETNews, also claims that a mini-LED iPad Pro will be released in early 2021.

Many have indicated that Apple plans to release a high-end 12.9-inch iPad Pro with a mini-LED display supplied by Innolux in 2021, and an 11-inch mini-LED model might also be available.

The mini-LED displays from Apple are planned to use approximately 10,000 LEDs, each with a size below 200 microns. Mini-LED technology will allow thinner and lighter product designs that also provide impressive output of wide colour gamut, high contrast and HDR, and local dimming, which dims the backlight behind black screen areas while keeping bright sections illuminated for blacker blacks and enhanced contrast.

A late 2020 launch for a mini-LED iPad Pro was coupled with initial reports, but later rumours have suggested that new iPad Pro models would be postponed until 2021.

Mini-LED and OLED Rumors

A rumour from the Korean site The Elec indicates that in early 2021, Apple will launch an iPad Pro model with a mini-LED display, followed in late 2021 by an iPad Pro with an OLED display. This may potentially be a rumour that reflects Apple's attempts to pursue both display technologies, given that Apple obviously doesn't want to make a big change in technology twice in one year.

It is also likely that with the others upgraded to OLED technology, only the high-end 12.9-inch model will use a mini-LED display.

5G iPad Rumors

Apple is working on a 5G iPad with mmWave support, which will be marketed as a high-end iPad Pro, DigiTimes claims, and following the introduction of 5G iPhones, 5G support could be launched alongside the new mini-LED display. Allegedly, the latest 5G iPad Pro supports mmWave speeds.

A New Apple Pencil?

Apple could theoretically debut a new Apple Pencil that's available in black alongside the next-generation iPad Pros.

A14X Chip

Mass production is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2020 on the A14X chip to be used in the first Apple Silicon Mac and the next-generation iPad Pro.

Other iPad Pro Rumors

Other rumours have also indicated that Apple is in negotiations with Samsung over OLED displays for potential iPad Pro models, indicating that Apple will consider switching at some stage to OLED displays for the iPad Pro, but it is not known whether or not this will happen in 2020 or later, or how mini-LED rumours mesh.

As OLED panels are slimmer than LCDs, OLED displays could offer advantages such as increased brightness, darker blacks, improved contrast, quicker response times, and sharper colours, and thinner devices.

A sketchy rumour has indicated that Apple is working on an iPad with a foldable display set to be released as soon as 2020, which will presumably be an iPad Pro if it actually exists.

The IHS Market analyst who made the claim, Jeff Lin, said the foldable iPad would feature a display with 5G connectivity in the 12-inch range. UBS also predicts that by 2021, Apple will launch a foldable iPhone or iPad, though this is just speculation.

BEST PRICES

11-inch iPad Pro (2020): Cellular, 1 TB - Silver

$1444.00

$1444.00

$1449.00

N/A

$1449.99

$1449.00

11-inch iPad Pro (2020): Cellular, 1 TB - Space Gray

$1299.00

$1299.00

$1449.00

$1444.00

$1449.99

$1449.00

11-inch iPad Pro (2020): Cellular, 128 GB - Silver

$899.00

$899.00

$944.00

$944.00

$949.99

$949.00

11-inch iPad Pro (2020): Cellular, 128 GB - Space Gray

N/A

$899.00

$949.00

$944.00

$949.99

$949.00

11-inch iPad Pro (2020): Cellular, 256 GB - Silver

N/A

$979.00

$1049.00

$1044.00

$1049.99

$1049.00

11-inch iPad Pro (2020): Cellular, 256 GB - Space Gray

$979.00

$979.00

$1039.00

$1044.00

$1049.99

$1049.00

11-inch iPad Pro (2020): Cellular, 512 GB - Silver

$1244.00

$1249.00

$1249.00

$1244.00

$1249.99

$1249.00

11-inch iPad Pro (2020): Cellular, 512 GB - Space Gray

$1199.00

$1199.00

$1227.00

$1244.00

$1249.99

$1249.00

11-inch iPad Pro (2020): Wi-Fi, 1 TB - Silver

$1199.00

$1199.00

$1299.00

$1229.00

$1299.99

$1299.00

11-inch iPad Pro (2020): Wi-Fi, 1 TB - Space Gray

$1199.00

$1199.00

$1299.00

$1294.00

$1299.99

$1299.00

11-inch iPad Pro (2020): Wi-Fi, 128 GB - Silver

$769.00

$769.00

$799.00

$794.00

$799.99

$799.00

11-inch iPad Pro (2020): Wi-Fi, 128 GB - Space Gray

$749.00

$769.00

$794.99

$794.00

$799.99

$799.00

11-inch iPad Pro (2020): Wi-Fi, 256 GB - Silver

$829.00

$829.00

$879.00

$849.00

$899.99

$899.00

11-inch iPad Pro (2020): Wi-Fi, 256 GB - Space Gray

$829.00

$829.00

$899.00

$894.00

$899.99

$899.00

11-inch iPad Pro (2020): Wi-Fi, 512 GB - Silver

$1079.00

$999.00

$1079.00

$1039.00

$1099.99

$1099.00

11-inch iPad Pro (2020): Wi-Fi, 512 GB - Space Gray

$999.00

$999.00

$1099.00

$1094.00

$1099.99

$1099.00

11-inch iPad Pro Magic Keyboard (2020)

$289.00

$289.00

$299.00

$299.00

$289.99

$299.00

11-inch iPad Pro Smart Keyboard Folio (2020)

$169.98

$169.98

$179.00

$179.00

N/A

$179.00

12.9-inch iPad Pro (2020): Cellular, 1 TB - Silver

$1499.00

$1499.00

$1649.00

N/A

$1649.99

$1649.00

12.9-inch iPad Pro (2020): Cellular, 1 TB - Space Gray

$1549.00

$1549.00

$1595.00

$1644.00

$1649.99

$1649.00

12.9-inch iPad Pro (2020): Cellular, 128 GB - Silver

$1099.00

$1099.00

$1149.00

N/A

$1149.99

$1149.00

12.9-inch iPad Pro (2020): Cellular, 128 GB - Space Gray

$1099.00

$1099.00

$1149.00

$1144.00

$1149.99

$1149.00

12.9-inch iPad Pro (2020): Cellular, 256 GB - Silver

$1149.00

$1149.00

$1219.00

N/A

$1249.99

$1249.00

12.9-inch iPad Pro (2020): Cellular, 256 GB - Space Gray

$1189.95

$1199.00

$1219.00

N/A

$1249.99

$1249.00

12.9-inch iPad Pro (2020): Cellular, 512 GB - Silver

$1349.00

$1349.00

$1449.00

N/A

$1449.99

$1449.00

12.9-inch iPad Pro (2020): Cellular, 512 GB - Space Gray

$1349.00

$1349.00

$1399.99

N/A

$1449.99

$1449.00

12.9-inch iPad Pro (2020): Wi-Fi, 1 TB - Silver

N/A

$1399.00

$1449.00

$1494.00

$1499.99

$1499.00

12.9-inch iPad Pro (2020): Wi-Fi, 1 TB - Space Gray

$1499.00

$1499.00

$1479.00

$1494.00

$1499.99

$1499.00

12.9-inch iPad Pro (2020): Wi-Fi, 128 GB - Silver

$949.00

$949.00

$999.00

N/A

$999.99

$999.00

12.9-inch iPad Pro (2020): Wi-Fi, 128 GB - Space Gray

$949.00

$949.00

$975.00

N/A

$999.99

$999.00

12.9-inch iPad Pro (2020): Wi-Fi, 256 GB - Silver

$999.00

$999.00

$1089.00

N/A

$1099.99

$1099.00

12.9-inch iPad Pro (2020): Wi-Fi, 256 GB - Space Gray

$999.00

$999.00

$1069.00

N/A

$1099.99

$1099.00

12.9-inch iPad Pro (2020): Wi-Fi, 512 GB - Silver

$1199.00

$1199.00

$1299.00

$1229.00

$1299.99

$1299.00

12.9-inch iPad Pro (2020): Wi-Fi, 512 GB - Space Gray

$1223.93

$1199.00

$1299.00

$1294.00

$1299.99

$1299.00

12.9-inch iPad Pro Magic Keyboard (2020)

$329.00

$329.00

$349.00

$349.00

$329.99

$349.00

12.9-inch iPad Pro Smart Keyboard Folio (2020)

$141.73

$189.98

N/A

$199.00

N/A

$199.00

Apple Pencil

$94.88

$99.00

$99.99

$99.00

$94.99

$99.00

Apple Pencil 2

$124.99

$129.00

$129.00

$129.00

$129.00

$129.00

iPad Pro Timeline

NOVEMBER2020

Nov 26Rumored 2021 High-End iPad Pro May Feature 5G With mmWave Support

Nov 23iPad Pro Said to Adopt OLED Displays in Late 2021 Following Mini-LED Model in Early 2021

Nov 13Kuo: Mini-LED iPad and AirPods 3 Coming First Half of 2021

Nov 9A12Z vs. A14: Which Apple Chip is Better?

Nov 4iPad Pro With Mini-LED Display Expected to Launch in First Quarter of 2021

OCTOBER2020

Oct 272020 iPad Air vs. iPad Pro: Hands-On Comparison

Oct 13Apple's iPad Shipments Could See 20% YoY Growth in 2020

Oct 4New iPad Air's Touch ID Power Button an 'Incredible Feat of Engineering' According to Apple VP

SEPTEMBER2020

Sep 29DigiTimes: 12.9-inch Mini-LED iPad Pro Arriving Early 2021, Mini-LED MacBook Coming Later

Sep 23Kuo: Mini-LED Displays to Debut in Apple's Next iPad Pro

Sep 12018 vs. 2020 iPad Pro Buyer's Guide

AUGUST2020

Aug 19iPad Air 4 Said to Launch in March 2021 With A14 Processor, iPad Pro Update Possibly Next Month

JULY2020

Jul 23Apple Gains Supplier of Super-Thin Circuit Boards for Upcoming Mini LED iPads and MacBooks

Jul 2Apple Bolsters Supply Chain for Future Mini-LED iPad Pro and MacBook Pro Models

JUNE2020

Jun 22iPad Pro With Mini-LED Display Reportedly in Trial Production, Late 2020 Launch Possible But 2021 More Likely

Jun 3iPad Pro With A14X Chip, 5G, and Mini-LED Display Expected in First Half of 2021

Jun 2Next Apple Pencil Could Be Released in Black

MAY2020

May 2616-Inch MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and iMac Pro With Mini-LED Displays Again Rumored to Launch in 2021

May 16All the iPad Trackpad Keyboard Cases You Can Buy

May 12Comparing the 13-Inch MacBook Pro to the MacBook Air and iPad Pro