During WWDC 2017, Apple took the wraps off the new 10.5-inch iPad Pro, with CEO Tim Cook calling it the "perfect size."
The new tablet is taking the place of the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, and that means the 10.5 incher is now the smallest model of the Cupertino brand's new generation of slabs, which was unveiled alongside a refreshed 12.9-inch variant too.
10.5-Inch iPad Pro Specs, Features
Right off the bat, the 10.5-inch iPad Pro's performance is driven by a new six-core A10X Fusion chip that's coupled with a 12-core GPU.
According to Apple, that setup translates to a 30 percent boost in CPU performance and a 40 percent increase in GPU efficiency compared with the preceding A9X chip, which is under the 9.7-inch model's hood.
The company also equipped the new tablet with the same cameras as the iPhone 7 so it would become "the perfect device to shoot, edit, and share pro-quality photos and videos." In other words, it has a 12-megapixel sensor with optical image stabilization and a 7-megapixel FaceTime HD camera.
On an interesting note, it weighs at only 1 pound, despite the increased screen size.
Apple is also beefing up the Retina display with ProMotion technology, allowing it to push out refresh rates that go all the way up to 120 Hz. That goes hand in hand with the Apple Pencil, delivering a 20-millisecond latency for a smooth and fluid experience when it comes to drawing and scrolling.
To no one's surprise, it also features Touch ID for security and privacy.
"These are by far the most powerful iPads we've ever created with the world's most advanced displays featuring ProMotion, the powerful new A10X Fusion chip and the advanced camera system of iPhone 7," Greg Joswiak, vice president of Product Marketing at Apple, says.
10.5-Inch iPad Pro Price, Availability
The 10.5-inch iPad Pro will hold customers back by $649 for the 64 GB Wi-Fi model and $779 for the 64 GB Wi-Fi and cellular one, and it's available in Silver, Space Gray, Gold, and Rose Gold color options.
Anyone who wants to nab it can already place their order and expect it to arrive after about a week.
Meanwhile, the Apple Pencil is set at $99, and the Smart Keyboard, which also serves as the tablet's cover, is $159.
It's also worth mentioning that the 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at $799 for the 64 GB Wi-Fi version and $929 for the 64 GB Wi-Fi and cellular variant. Its Smart Keyboard is also a bit pricier at $169, and it's available in all the same color options except Rose Gold.
iOS 11 Features
Aside from the powerful components and impressive features, the 10.5-inch iPad Pro's selling point is how it'll work well with iOS 11.
The update is set to bring a ton of new features to the table, including but not limited to a new Files app that puts all the user's things neatly in one place, the Multi-Touch Drag and Drop that lets users move content from one app to another and anywhere on the screen, and a new document scanner in the Notes app.
The thing is, iOS 11's release date is scheduled in fall 2017, while the new iPad Pros are already available. To put two and two together, the new tablets will be running on iOS 10 out of the box.
iOS 11 iPad Compatibility
For the curious, iOS 11 will be compatible with the iPad Air, iPad Air 2, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 4, iPad (fifth generation), and all the iPad Pro models.
Even though the cost to upgrade from the 9.7-inch iPad Pro is high, will you be nabbing the new 10.5-inch iPad Pro? Not to mention that you'll need a new $159 Smart Keyboard to go with the 10.5 incher, and since iOS 11 will be available to all iPad Pros, you'll basically be getting a larger tablet with some improvements here and there. At any rate, feel free to let us know in the comments section below.
