If there’s one thing we love Apple for it’s their ability to continuously update and upgrade their devices – even the ones that seemingly couldn’t get any better. The last iPad Pro was released back in May, 2021. So, it’s been well over a year since it hit the market. In terms of design, not much has changed to date and you wouldn’t be the first to say this new version looks pretty much identical to the last one (even the colours are the same). What’s changed is mostly under the surface. Namely, the Apple M2 processor now powering the device.
Users of the latest MacBook Pro 13-inch, or MacBook Air, will know this M2 chip already. What it offers is a hugely improved level of performance – faster than any other chip you’ll find in competing tablets. If you wanted a smoother experience, without any irritating stutters, the latest iPad Pro has been built outwards from its most effective chip yet and it won’t disappoint.
What’s New?
Apple have upgraded the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models in 2022. In both cases, it’s the same story. On the outside, the design is the same as its predecessors. On the inside, there’s this advanced chip that’s bringing new potential power and a more fluid user experience.
Suffice it to say the device works like a dream and the ultra-wide camera is a welcome addition, expanding your background in video conferences, but still keeping your face front and centre. You’ll likely appreciate the Mini LED backlighting in the 12-9 inch model as well, which Apple refers to as Liquid Retina XDR. Colours pop. The Apple logo gleams. There’s deep contrast levels and vivid brightness too for a very vibrant and immersive display.
When it comes to organisation, the latest iPad Pro is equipped with Stage Manager, which is an iPadOS 16 feature designed to facilitate multitasking in various different windows. It’s an effective response to grumbles about the overload of too many apps and tasks that pile up into disarray. Multitasking on the iPad has never been easier – helped by the M2 processor and its ability to accommodate too many open windows. Even photo and video editors will be satisfied by the system and the way it functions under high demands.
Same Beast, Different Engine
Let’s talk specifically about the specifications for the sixth-generation 12.9 inch iPad Pro. The larger display looks great at 2,732 x 2048 pixels, with 12-megapixel wide and ultra-wide cameras on the rear and front. These iPad cameras have developed over the years and they continue to do so in this iteration, accompanied by a flash and LIDAR sensor. Taking all this into account the battery life is usually good for up to 10 hours too.
Design wise it has the flat back and front, with sharpened edges, the popular TrueDepth camera tucked in the bezel and no front button. The Pro is also the only model with Face ID, so you can still feel like you’re in a Tom Cruise film every time you lock yourself out the device (it’s smart enough to unlock with a glance, regardless of which way up you look at it).
Our Verdict
Okay, let’s sum up what we’ve seen and give some closing insights on 2022’s 12.9-inch iPad Pro. You’ll have to forgive us for again pointing out the obvious, but it looks identical to last year’s model, so it isn’t winning any awards for design innovation. That being said, there are a lot of neat little upgrades – note the hover mode for users of the Apple Pencil – and the next generation of these devices has been imbued with more power than ever before.
The only question is whether or not you’ll need all that power. Anyone working on 3D modelling of ProRes video will struggle without it. For those of us who just want to scroll YouTube, or binge our favourite streaming platform, it might not be totally necessary to own a tablet that flies at such speed. In short, previous generations might be preferable – definitely more affordable.
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