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How Many iPad Pro Generations Are There?

There are six generations of the iPad Pro, spanning from 2015 to 2024. Each generation brings advancements in processor technology, display quality, design refinements, and connectivity options, making the iPad Pro a leading device for creative professionals and power users.

Unpacking the iPad Pro Lineage: A Detailed Look at Each Generation

The iPad Pro has continuously evolved, each iteration building upon the strengths of its predecessor. Let’s delve into the specifics of each generation to understand its key features and how it fits into the overall iPad Pro story.

First Generation (2015-2017)

The inaugural iPad Pro arrived in November 2015, sporting a 12.9-inch display. This marked Apple’s serious entry into the larger tablet market. This first generation featured the A9X chip, offering significant performance improvements over previous iPads. Its key features included:

A 12.9-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels.
The A9X chip with 64-bit architecture.
Support for the first-generation Apple Pencil.
A four-speaker audio system.
A Smart Connector for attaching the Smart Keyboard.

In March 2016, Apple introduced a 9.7-inch iPad Pro. It offered similar features to the 12.9-inch model but in a more compact form factor. It also boasted a better camera.

A 9.7-inch Retina display with True Tone technology.
A 12-megapixel iSight camera capable of 4K video recording.

In June 2017, the first generation concluded with the arrival of a refreshed 10.5-inch iPad Pro replacing the 9.7-inch model and an updated 12.9-inch model. These models were powered by the A10X Fusion chip.

Second Generation (2017)

Released alongside the refreshed first-generation models in June 2017, these 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models featured the powerful A10X Fusion chip. The A10X Fusion chip provided even faster performance and graphics capabilities, making them ideal for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. Key features included:

A10X Fusion chip with a 12-core GPU.
ProMotion technology on the display, offering a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and responsiveness.
Improved camera systems.
Faster Wi-Fi connectivity.

Third Generation (2018)

A major redesign marked the October 2018 launch of the third-generation iPad Pro. Available in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, these models ditched the Home button in favor of a more modern, edge-to-edge display. Key advancements included:

A redesigned form factor with slimmer bezels and rounded corners.
Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology.
Face ID for secure authentication.
A12X Bionic chip, delivering exceptional performance.
A USB-C port for connecting to external displays and accessories.
Support for the second-generation Apple Pencil, which magnetically attached to the iPad Pro for charging.

Fourth Generation (2020)

The March 2020 release of the fourth-generation iPad Pro brought incremental improvements. Available in the same 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes as the previous generation, these models introduced a few notable enhancements:

A12Z Bionic chip with an 8-core GPU, further enhancing graphics performance.
An Ultra Wide camera and a LiDAR Scanner for augmented reality (AR) experiences.
Improved audio recording capabilities with five studio-quality microphones.
Wi-Fi 6 support for faster wireless speeds.

Fifth Generation (2021)

The May 2021 launch of the fifth-generation iPad Pro marked a significant leap forward with the introduction of the Apple M1 chip. This desktop-class processor brought unprecedented performance to the iPad Pro, blurring the lines between tablets and laptops. Key features included:

Apple M1 chip with an 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU.
Up to 16GB of RAM.
Thunderbolt / USB 4 port for faster data transfer and external display support.
An improved 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with mini-LED backlighting, offering stunning brightness and contrast.
5G connectivity for faster cellular speeds.

Sixth Generation (2022-2024)

The October 2022 release of the sixth-generation iPad Pro continued the trend of powerful performance, now featuring the Apple M2 chip. Available in 11-inch and 12.9-inch models, the M2 chip delivered even faster processing speeds and enhanced graphics capabilities. It also offered some incremental improvements to its features:

Apple M2 chip with an 8-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU.
Improved Neural Engine for machine learning tasks.
Wi-Fi 6E support for even faster wireless speeds.
A new hover experience for the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), allowing users to preview their mark before making it.
Updated camera system with ProRes video recording capabilities.

The May 2024 release of the latest models, marks a significant design evolution for the product line.

Apple M4 chip with a new display engine to enable extreme precision and color accuracy.
Thinner than ever. The 13-inch model is just 5.1 mm thin.
Tandem OLED delivers phenomenal full-screen brightness.
Nano-texture display option minimizes glare while maintaining image quality and contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 frequently asked questions regarding the iPad Pro to help clarify common points of confusion:

What is the difference between the different iPad Pro sizes? The primary difference is the screen size and overall dimensions. The 12.9-inch model offers a larger canvas for creative tasks and multitasking, while the 11-inch model is more portable and convenient for everyday use. Battery life is also slightly different across the various sizes.
What is the latest iPad Pro model? The latest iPad Pro models were released in May 2024.
Which iPad Pro is best for artists and designers? The best iPad Pro for artists and designers depends on personal preference. The 12.9-inch model provides a larger drawing surface, while the M4 chip offers excellent performance and support for demanding creative applications. The newer display technologies also make it a more appealing choice.
Can the iPad Pro replace a laptop? The iPad Pro can replace a laptop for many users, especially those who primarily use their computers for web browsing, email, document creation, and light creative tasks. With accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil, it becomes a powerful productivity tool. However, tasks requiring specialized software or heavy processing power may still be better suited for a traditional laptop or desktop.
What is the purpose of the LiDAR Scanner on the iPad Pro? The LiDAR Scanner enhances augmented reality (AR) experiences by measuring the distance to surrounding objects. This allows AR apps to accurately place virtual objects in the real world, creating more immersive and realistic interactions. It also improves photo and video quality in low-light conditions.
What is ProMotion technology? ProMotion technology dynamically adjusts the refresh rate of the iPad Pro’s display up to 120Hz. This results in smoother scrolling, more responsive touch input, and a more fluid visual experience.
What accessories are compatible with the iPad Pro? The iPad Pro is compatible with a wide range of accessories, including the Apple Pencil, Smart Keyboard Folio, Magic Keyboard, external displays, storage devices, and audio interfaces.
Does the iPad Pro come with the Apple Pencil? No, the Apple Pencil is sold separately.
What is the difference between the M1 and M2 chips in the iPad Pro? The M2 chip offers incremental performance improvements over the M1 chip, including faster CPU and GPU speeds, a more powerful Neural Engine, and support for faster memory bandwidth. Both chips deliver exceptional performance, but the M2 provides a slight edge for demanding tasks. The M4 chip goes a step further with its emphasis on new display engine and improved energy efficiency.
What operating system does the iPad Pro use? The iPad Pro runs on iPadOS, a mobile operating system developed by Apple specifically for the iPad.
How long does the battery last on the iPad Pro? The iPad Pro typically offers up to 10 hours of battery life for web browsing or video playback over Wi-Fi. Battery life may vary depending on usage patterns and settings.
Will older iPad Pro models get the latest iPadOS updates? Apple typically supports iPadOS updates for several years on older iPad Pro models. However, some newer features may not be available on older devices due to hardware limitations.