Apple has lifted the lid on reviews of the new iPad Pro, offering a hands-on look at the device before orders start arriving for customers this Friday. Key new features include Apple’s custom M1 chip for impressive performance improvements, a bright mini-LED display on the 12.9-inch model, Thunderbolt 3 support and 5G on cellular models.
The VergeIts Dieter Bohn says the mini-LED display on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is a “dream screen” and functionally equivalent to a high-end OLED TV to his eyes:
The joke I tell people is that the display is so good that the Tenet actually makes sense when you look at it on this iPad Pro. HDR content on this screen is incredible. I’m not a display quality enthusiast, but this screen is functionally equivalent to a high-end OLED TV to my eyes, especially in a dark room.
Although the new iPad Pro is nearly 50% faster than the previous generation model with the A12Z chip, some reviewers believe that this impressive performance improvement is held back by the iPadOS operating system.
Caitlin McGarry A Gizmodo:
The iPad’s hardware is a non-issue at this point. Apple’s tablets get better with each iteration, and the M1 iPad with miniLED display is truly impressive. There is no other tablet that can compare.
But the iPad Pro isn’t competing against other tablets. It is competing against the Mac. And while the iPad is very, very capable, its software often feels hamstrung compared to the Mac. I give this example all the time, but my most used app is Airtable, a project management tool that I use every day for my work. The iPad app looks and works perfectly, just like the Mac app, until I do a random thing and it boots me into AirTable on the web, which never happens on a Mac.
CNETScott Stein of iPadOS says the limitations of iPadOS extend to the iPad Pro’s new Thunderbolt 3 support:
Monitor support is a great example. The iPad Pro can only use an external monitor for apps that choose to support it, which is now limited to some games, video-editing tools… and that’s mostly it. It doesn’t extend your iPad into a second desktop area, or allow multiple apps on different screens. On M1-equipped iPads you’d expect monitor support to be added, and yet here we are. Apple’s Developer Conference (WWDC) is a few weeks away, and should reveal where iPadOS is headed next. I expect to announce big changes for the iPad M1, but it’s still hard to predict anything.
At Jason Snell six colors He says 5G support on cellular models is a “big deal” if you live in an area with mmWave 5G coverage:
I know 5G is an eye-roll-worthy buzzword and in most parts of the country 5G isn’t much faster than 4G if you can find it.
However, if you’re lucky enough to live somewhere with high-speed millimeter-wave 5G available, you’ll find that it enables broadband-like data rates. Apple made a big deal about 5G on the iPhone, but I think the iPad Pro is a better fit because it’s a device you’re more likely to use for applications that require that level of bandwidth. I went to San Francisco’s Marina District and sat on a bench next to the Palace of Fine Arts downloading two or three gigabits of data. My home cable connection theoretically offers one gigabit and I almost never see speeds approaching it. If you’re someone who often works on an iPad in an area covered with ultra-fast forms of 5G, this will be a big deal.
loopIts Jim Dalrymple says one of his favorite new features on the iPad Pro is Center Stage. Powered by iPad Pro’s new ultra-wide front camera, Center Stage automatically keeps users perfectly framed during video calls:
One of the features I love most about the iPad Pro is Center Stage. Using the TrueDepth camera system, a new 12MP ultra wide front camera, and the M1’s machine learning capabilities, Center Stage allows users to move around while using FaceTime and the camera will keep them in the center of the frame. It’s pretty amazing to see it in action.
I started a FaceTime call sitting at a desk, I stood up and took a step back, and the camera zoomed out a little to make sure I was in frame. As I walked back and forth, the camera would pan sideways, following my movements, always keeping me in the center of the window (unless I went to extremes). If someone else comes into the frame, it will zoom out, ensuring that the camera can see both people in the frame.
More reviews
- At Federico Vittici McStories
- At Jake Kroll CNN underscored
- At Todd Haselton CNBC
- At Daniel Bader iMore
- At David Phelan independent
- Nicole Nguyen A The Wall Street Journal
- In Patrick O’Rourke Mobile syrup
- At Brenda Stoylar Mashable
- Samuel Axon A Ars Technica
- At Chris Velazco Engadget
- Christian de Luper A Digital Trends
Video review and unboxing
Check out our full roundup of iPad Pro unboxing videos.
The new iPad Pro has been available to order since April 30 and orders will start arriving to customers on May 21.
