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The rumor mill has already predicted it. Apple has finally introduced the new iPad Pro generation – the iPad Pro 2020.
Apple today announced in a press release the new fourth generation iPad Pro with the brand new LiDAR scanner and trackpad support. In addition to the revised tablet, a new Magic Keyboard with backlight and integrated trackpad in a floating design is also being released. press release:
Cupertino, California—Apple today announced its most advanced iPad Pro. With the A12Z Bionic chip, iPad Pro is now faster and more powerful than most Windows PC laptops. The new iPad Pro features an ultra-wide camera, studio-quality microphones and a breakthrough LiDAR scanner that delivers cutting-edge depth sensing capabilities, opens up more professional workflows and supports professional photo and video applications. The LiDAR scanner, along with pro-grade cameras, motion sensors, pro-grade performance, pro-grade audio, the stunning Liquid Retina display and powerful applications, extends iPad Pro's lead as the world's best device for augmented reality (AR).
iPadOS 13.4 with trackpad support and Magic Keyboard
Trackpad support has already been hinted at in the past. But now we have certainty. According to this, the iPad will officially receive trackpad support starting with iPadOS 13.4. According to Apple, however, this was not adopted from macOS but was designed from the ground up for the iPad.
As users move their finger across the trackpad, the pointer elegantly transforms to highlight user interface elements. Multi-touch gestures on the trackpad make it quick and easy to navigate the entire system without the user lifting their hand.
In addition to the new iPad Pro, a new Magic Keyboard was also introduced. It has a backlit keyboard with an integrated trackpad. The floating design with continuous angle adjustment is the highlight. (Also compatible with iPad Pro 2018)
iPad Pro 2020 – The specifications
Phil Schiller, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing describes the new iPad as follows:
The new iPad Pro introduces advanced technologies never before available in mobile computing. Combining the most advanced mobile display with powerful performance, pro cameras, pro audio, the breakthrough LiDAR scanner and the new Magic Keyboard with Trackpad is another big step forward for iPad. There's no other device in the world like the new iPad Pro and we think our customers will love it.
Inside the professional tablet is the A12Z Bionic chip, which is designed to handle, among other things, editing 4K videos or creating 3D models. Apple explains:
The eight-core GPU in the A12Z Bionic, along with an improved thermal architecture and tuned power controllers, gives iPad Pro the highest performance ever in an iPad. Combined with the eight-core CPU and powerful Neural Engine that enables next-generation apps, there is no other chip that delivers the incredible performance found in the thin and light design of iPad Pro.
In addition to the updated chipset, the new iPad gets five studio-quality microphones. There are no changes to the battery, however; the device still supports up to 10 hours of battery life.
iPad Pro 2020 – The Camera
But by far the most notable feature is the new camera. The new iPad Pro 2020 has a camera module with a LiDAR scanner. Apple explains the innovation as follows:
The groundbreaking LiDAR scanner enables features never before possible on a mobile device. The LiDAR scanner measures distance to surrounding objects up to 5 meters away, works both indoors and outdoors, and operates at the photon level at nanosecond speeds. The new depth frames in iPadOS combine the depth points measured by the LiDAR scanner with data from cameras and motion sensors, and on the A12Z Bionic are complemented by computer vision algorithms for a more detailed understanding of a scene.
Prices and availability
Augmented reality fans can look forward to a completely new AR experience. As expected, the new iPad Pro will be available in two sizes: 11 and 12.9 inches. Both devices are available with 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB in space gray or silver. While the 11-inch model is available from 879 euros, the 12.9-inch starts at 1,099 euros. Both devices can be pre-ordered from Apple starting today. Delivery will begin on March 25th. (Image: Apple)
