Apple Unveils Powerful New iPad Pro with AI-Powered Chip

Apple Unveils Powerful New iPad Pro with AI-Powered Chip

In a significant update to its tablet lineup, Apple has introduced the latest versions of its iPad Pro and iPad Air, along with an all-new Apple Pencil Pro. The new iPad Pro is powered by Apple's custom M4 processor, which delivers four times the performance of its existing iPad Pro models, making it an "outrageously powerful chip for AI," according to CEO Tim Cook.

The latest iPad Pro comes in two sizes, 11 inches and 13 inches, with the 11-inch model being Apple's thinnest yet at 5.1 mm and weighing less than a pound. The display combines two OLED panels to maximize brightness, and the device comes in two finishes, silver and space black.

The iPad Air, meanwhile, is available in two sizes for the first time, with an 11-inch ($599) and 13-inch ($799) design. The larger size is inspired by the iPad Pro and offers 30% more screen real estate than the 11-inch display. The iPad Air is powered by Apple's custom M2 processor, which is 50% faster than the previous iPad Air and better supports AI-powered software.

The new Apple Pencil Pro ($129) features a new squeeze function that allows users to bring up tools, customize drawing layers, and includes haptic feedback. It also supports Find My to locate the pencil when it goes missing. Additionally, Apple has introduced a redesigned Magic Keyboard with a haptic trackpad to make the iPad more like a laptop.

The new iPad lineup is available for pre-order starting Tuesday and in stores next week. The event comes after Apple reported a decline in iPad revenue of 17% year over year, but the company expects its iPad business to grow in double digits for the June quarter.

Analysts believe the new iPad Pro's M4 chip and significant performance jumps may be enough to ignite excitement among consumers. While the new iPads may not immediately return the category to growth, they represent a much-needed reason to upgrade for customers with aging products.

The emphasis on artificial intelligence was palpable, with Apple determined to seize back the initiative in this area given the huge focus on this topic by all its rivals over the last 18 months. CEO Tim Cook teased that generative AI tools could be coming to Apple products in the "weeks ahead," at a time when it's currently behind competitors.

Apple sees generative AI as a key opportunity across its products and believes it has advantages that set it apart. The new iPad lineup is a significant step forward in this direction, and consumers can expect to see more AI-powered features and tools in the future.