Apple announces new 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro with M2 chip, new 10th generation iPad

Apple today unveiled the new generation of 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro, powered by the latest M2 Apple Silicon chips. The M2 chip made its debut in the 2022 MacBook Air and 2022 13-inch MacBook Pro, and this update brings that same performance to Apple’s lineup of pro tablets as well.

Alongside the M2 performance boost, the iPad Pros can now detect when the Apple Pencil is hovering above the display. This means UI elements can expand and respond as the user approaches the screen with the stylus.

Apple says the M2’s 8-core CPU is up to fifteen percent faster than the M1 CPU. The GPU is up to 35 percent faster. The M2 chip also allows the iPad Pro to capture ProPres video for the first time.

The new iPad Pro also bring faster Wi-Fi networking, with support for the latest Wi-Fi 6E standards. This means downloads can be up to 2x faster when connecting to a 6E network. Cellular models now support more 5G bands for better worldwide coverage.

With the new hovering feature, the iPad will notice when the Apple Pencil is hovering above the screen. This means user interface elements can bounce in readiness of a committed user interaction. For instance, a Scribble text field expands as the Pencil approaches the display. This hovering feature will also be available to third-party apps via a new API.

The hovering feature does not require a new generation of Apple Pencil, and the existing compatible Apple Pencil for iPad Pro (the second-generation model) is still on sale for $129.

The new 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $799, and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at $1099. These are the same prices as the previous generation. The new iPad models can be ordered today, with first deliveries arriving October 26.

The iPad Pro isn’t the only device getting an update today. Apple has also announced an all-new version of its most affordable iPad. The new 10th generation iPad features an all-new design with an A14 Bionic chip inside, alongside USB-C for charging and 5G connectivity for the first time.

Head below for the full details on the iPad 10 and everything you need to know…

iPad 10 details:

• Ultra Wide 12MP front camera located along the landscape edge of iPad
• New 10.9-inch display with 2360×1640-pixel resolution, nearly 4 million pixels, 500 nits of brightness, and True Tone technology
• Touch ID in the top button
• Four new colors: blue, pink, yellow, and silver
• New Magic Keyboard Folio with click-anywhere trackpad and a versatile two-piece design
• 64GB and 256GB configurations
• 5G support
• USB-C

Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing:

“We’re so excited to bring the completely redesigned iPad to our most advanced iPad lineup ever,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “With a large 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, powerful A14 Bionic chip, a first-ever landscape front camera, fast wireless connectivity, USB-C, and support for incredible accessories like the new Magic Keyboard Folio, the new iPad delivers more value, more versatility — and is simply more fun.”

The new iPad 10 starts at $449, an increase from the previous $329 starting price. Available to order starting today, with availability in stores beginning Wednesday, October 26