The first reviews of Apple's updated iPad Pro series are here. While the M2 chip and Hover Mode are the focus, the testers criticize a few missing innovations.
Apple announced the 11-inch iPad Pro and 12.9-inch iPad Pro with M2 in a press release on October 18th announcedThe most important innovations include the processor upgrade from M1 to M2, the introduction of Wi-Fi 6E, and the Apple Pencil's Hover Mode. Engadget published a review and described the 2022 models as a "minor iteration" of their M1 counterparts. Aside from the chip, "the design, screen, cameras, storage options, accessories, and price (in the US) are the same" as last year's models. But that's not a problem, because the iPad Pro was already an "outstanding device." The switch to M2 has made the iPad Pro a "much more responsive" tablet than reviewer Nathan Ingram's 2020 11-inch iPad Pro. writes he:
The other devices aren't slow by any stretch of the imagination, but the iPad Pro with M2 responds to everything almost instantly.
Hover is described as a "pretty cool new feature," but developers still need to build interactions for it into their apps. Ultimately, the review states that "most of what we said about the iPad Pro in 2021 applies here as well": "Excellent performance, a great screen, and the Pencil and Magic Keyboard are considered great but expensive add-ons."
M2 iPad Pro: Lack of change in the front camera criticized
At CNBC showed Sofia Pitt is impressed by the processing power of the M2, which will be noticeable when editing videos or "running multiple complex applications simultaneously." The screen has "excellent" image quality. However, it is still "not an upgrade over last year's model." The 12.9-inch Mini-LED display was praised as brighter "than any other iPad I've used," with watching videos in a bright room being a highlight. While the M2 and Hover innovations are improvements, the lack of other changes was criticized. The repositioned front-facing camera on the iPad 10 should have been a new feature on the iPad Pro as well, but Apple didn't implement this change.
A comprehensive judgment will only follow
The 2022 models are worth buying “if you want the extra power and better screen compared to other iPads.” ZDNet focused more on the software in its testing concentratedElements like Stage Manager for supporting external monitors and multitasking are handled "without issue" with the M2 chip. Hover is also mentioned, a "very subtle addition" that is obvious in some apps, such as Notes, but unnoticed in others. The reviewer wanted to spend more time with the iPad Pro to see if there were any "notable differences" compared to the M1 model. A few days of testing isn't enough to make a comprehensive judgment—that's the general consensus. (Image: Apple)
