The first reviews of the new iPad Pro have hit the web and we’ve rounded them up below
While trackpad support is coming to all modern iPad models with iPadOS 13.4, due out later today, the actual hardware changes to the 2020 iPad Pro are rather minor. Reviews confirm that the device’s new A12Z Bionic chip has the same CPU performance as the previous A12X chip, and apart from that, the only additions are an ultra-wide camera, LiDAR scanner and a better sounding microphone.
Furthermore, LiDAR scanners are more about the future than today. the edgeIts Dieter Bohn noted that the sensor “improves some existing apps for free, but there are still no third-party apps that take full advantage of it.”
“As I use the iPad Pro this week, I keep coming back to that LIDAR sensor,” Bohn said. “It’s a powerful and interesting sensor, and Apple’s complete control over the software and hardware means it ‘just works’ to enhance existing apps. But as powerful as it is, I’m not sure many users will be able to take advantage. Er – it’s an extra thing that They can’t even use it.”
Lidar scanners today have some advantages. For example, all existing ARKit apps will now have instant AR placement, improved motion capture and people blocking, while the Measure app can calculate someone’s height more quickly.
Apple has invested heavily in augmented reality over the years, and with rumors suggesting the company is working on an augmented reality headset, lidar scanners will likely become even more important in the coming years.
For the A12Z bionic chip, Apple said wiredAccording to its Lauren Goode it has improved thermal architecture, which means it should be less hot when pushed to the limit. And while the A12Z doesn’t move the needle with CPU performance, it does have an eight-core GPU — up from seven in the 2018 iPad Pro — for a modest improvement in graphics performance.
The new ultra-wide camera is mostly what you’d expect based on the iPhone 11 Pro, enabling 0.5x zoom for those who shoot with an iPad.
2020 iPad Pro review
We’ve also rounded up 2020 iPad Pro unboxing videos here.
- the edge
- TechCrunch
- wired
- CNET
- six colors
- freedom
- CNN
- CNBC
- I am more
- Tom’s Guide
- Pocket-lint
- Mobile syrup
