The new Pro marks what is arguably the single largest design change to the iPad line in its eight-and-a-half-year existence. In fact, the new slate is almost unrecognizable as an iPad from the front on.That’s probably a good thing, of course. The tablet-defining line was long overdue for a rethink. After nearly a decade in existence, it’s time to shake off the cobwebs. And naturally, most of the design upgrades on the new product will ultimately filter down to the rest of the line.As a starting point, however, Apple took a good, long look at the iPhone for a few insights into how to remove some of that unsightly bezel. Not altogether, of course — after all, the user needs somewhere to put their hands.Anyone who’s ever held the iPhone X in their hands can tell you that your fingers and the edges of your hands still have the tendency to accidentally come into contact with the screen, which is a perfectly fine way to mess yourself up, mid-game. As such, there’s still the remnants of a black bezel around the edges here.The loss of the home button feels like a big deal, from a legacy standpoint, at least. The iPad marks the last stand for the familiar design flourish. As someone who’s been carrying around an iPhone XS for some weeks, however, I can attest to the fact that you won’t ultimately miss it.The key is getting used to the new interactions in iOS, swiping down from the bottom to close an app, for example. The iPad, however, marks the intersection between the iPhone and Mac experience, so there are a lot more options here for interaction, including, notably, the menu bar borrowed from MacOS. The much larger screen real estate, meanwhile (11 and 12.9 inches), means gestures don’t have to do nearly as much heavy lifting as with the iPhone.The device is certainly thin, as advertised, leaving the edges — while rounded — feeling a bit sharper than on their predecessor. The rear of the device, with its brushed, space-gray aluminum, meanwhile, brings nothing to mind more than the latest MacBooks, marking an interesting sort of aesthetic consistency that we really haven’t seen at this level between iOS and MacOS devices. This is particularly noticeable in how it complements other Apple products like the MacBook Pro or AirPods. The materials used in construction are also worth noting — a combination of aluminum and glass contributes to both the premium feel and the sleek, modern design.A majority of the screen size differences lie within the notch — which accommodates the Face ID sensor — though it’s slightly wider on the Pro model compared to the standard and minimalist 10th Gen models. This is intentional, as Apple wanted to accommodate users who prefer a larger viewing area without compromising on portability. The displays are also high refresh rate, with the Pro model hitting 120Hz versus 90Hz for the others — though the difference in clarity isn’t as significant as one might expect given the higher pixel density of the Pro model. Still, it’s worth noting that both Pro and standard models support ProMotion, which adds a layer of fluidity to scrolling on long documents or spreadsheets.But perhaps most notably is the inclusion of an always-on display feature — something that was only available on Apple Watches for several years before finally making its way to iPhones and iPads. This ensures that users never miss important notifications, whether they’re checking emails, Face ID, or other in-app messages. However, it’s worth noting that this feature isn’t supported by the Apple Pencil — which could be an oversight given the potential use cases for stylus devices on larger screens.But perhaps most notably is the inclusion of an always-on display feature — something that was only available on Apple Watches for several years before finally making its way to iPhones and iPads. This ensures that users never miss important notifications, whether they’re checking emails, Face ID, or other in-app messages. However, it’s worth noting that this feature isn’t supported by the Apple Pencil — which could be an oversight given the potential use cases for stylus devices on larger screens.
Design Changes
The new Pro model features a host of design upgrades that aim to enhance both functionality and user experience. The most notable changes include:
- Thinner build: The Pro model is significantly thinner than its predecessors, making it more portable without sacrificing performance.
- Rounded edges: The edges are rounded rather than being angular like in the 9th Gen model, adding a modern aesthetic appeal.
- Corning Gems: The display features Corning Gems technology, which ensures that the edges of the display remain intact even when subjected to drops — something that’s particularly important for users who take their devices on the go frequently.
Components
The Pro model includes several high-end components:
- M1 chip: The new Pro model is powered by Apple’s custom M1 chip, which combines machine learning with a 7nm process node — offering significant improvements in performance and efficiency.
- ProMotion: This technology ensures that scrolling on the display appears smooth without flickering or lagging behind.
- Always-On display: As previously mentioned, this feature keeps users informed of notifications and other important alerts.
User Experience
Apple has focused heavily on enhancing the user experience with the Pro model. Key features include:
- Facial ID: The standard version of the Pro model comes with Face ID as an option — though it’s optional for those who prefer not to use it.
- Depth Camera: The 10th Gen models still feature a depth camera, which is great for facial recognition and video calls. However, the Pro model foregoes this feature in favor of a larger display.
Conclusion
The new iPad Pro represents a significant evolution in Apple’s lineup, offering users a more powerful and versatile device while maintaining the sleek, premium design that has defined the franchise for years. With its improved performance, expanded features, and always-on display, it seems likely to become a favorite among both existing iPad users and potential newcomers looking for a high-end device.