iPad Pro 2021 announced with powerful M1 chip and a Liquid Retina XDR display

The iPad Pro 2021 has just been announced by Apple during its Spring Loaded event with a bunch of jaw-dropping features; it is now using the same powerful chipset that is found on the new MacBooks.

Forget the A12 Bionic chip, it’s M1’s time to shine

Powered by the M1 chip, this year’s iPad Pro boasts 50% faster CPU performance, 40% faster GPU performance and 2x faster storage access. Apple also included a Thunderbolt port that supports USB-4 in addition to adding 5G connectivity to the device. Similar to previous models, the new iPad Pro will be available in two variants — the 11-inch model and the 12.9-inch model.

Your video calls are about to get better with the new front camera

Both models are also equipped with the new TrueDepth camera that uses a 12MP ultra wide sensor that supports Center Stage, a feature that automatically follows the subject or zooms out when there are more than one individual in the frame during video calls. On the rear, there’s a 12MP wide camera accompanied by a 10MP ultra-wide sensor and the LiDAR Scanner.

The bigger iPad Pro gets a professional-grade display

The biggest difference between the 11-inch and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is their displays. The smaller iPad Pro model uses the Liquid Retina display whereas the bigger iPad Pro has a Liquid Retina XDR display that utilises mini-LED technology with 1600 nits peak brightness and a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. Both display supports ProMotion technology, True Tone display and works with the second generation Apple Pencil.

iPad Pro 2021: Price and availability 

Speaking of accessories, Apple also introduced the new Magic Keyboard which is now available in Black and White at a starting price of RM1,349. As for the iPad Pro, Apple now includes a 2TB option for both models. The 11-inch variant starts at RM3,499 whereas the 12.9-inch variant starts at RM4,799. These iPads will be available in the second half of May.