iPad Pro (5th generation)

iPad Pro (5th generation)

The iPad Pro (5th generation) is a high-performance tablet computer designed, developed, and marketed by Apple Inc. as part of its iPad Pro line. Announced in April 2021, it represented a significant architectural shift for the platform by introducing Apple silicon to the iPad family for the first time. The device is offered in two screen sizes, 11-inch and 12.9-inch, with the larger model featuring a groundbreaking mini-LED Liquid Retina display branded as Liquid Retina XDR.

Design and display

The external design of the fifth-generation iPad Pro closely resembles its immediate predecessor, maintaining the same flat-edged aesthetic and available finishes like Space Gray and Silver. The most notable visual change is the introduction of a new Thunderbolt port, which replaced the previous USB-C connector. The 12.9-inch model's display is its most distinguishing feature, utilizing a mini-LED backlighting system with over 10,000 LEDs to achieve exceptional contrast ratio and HDR performance, earning it the Liquid Retina XDR moniker. This technology, similar to that used in the Pro Display XDR, enables a sustained 1,000 nits of full-screen brightness and 1,600 nits of peak brightness, offering a viewing experience comparable to professional reference monitors. The 11-inch model continues with a traditional Liquid Retina display using LED-backlit LCD technology.

Hardware and performance

At the core of this iPad Pro is the Apple M1 chip, the same system on a chip first introduced in the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. This marked a pivotal transition from the Apple A-series processors used in all prior iPad models. The Apple M1 integrates an 8-core CPU, an 8-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, delivering dramatic performance and efficiency gains. Configurations offered up to 16 GB of unified memory and up to 2 TB of flash storage. The device also includes a new Ultra Wideband chip for spatial awareness with other devices and a upgraded 5G cellular modem for faster connectivity on supported networks like those from AT&T and Verizon.

Software and features

The tablet launched with iPadOS 14.5 and is compatible with subsequent major updates, including iPadOS 15 and iPadOS 16. The integration of the Apple M1 chip enabled new software capabilities, such as Center Stage, a feature that uses the new 12-megapixel ultra-wide front camera and machine learning to keep users framed during video conferencing on apps like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. The LiDAR scanner, carried over from the previous generation, continues to enable advanced AR experiences and improved depth sensing for photography. The powerful hardware also made the device a compelling platform for demanding creative workflows in applications from Adobe, such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Pro.

Accessories and connectivity

The fifth-generation iPad Pro is compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil, which magnetically attaches to the top edge for pairing, charging, and storage. It also works with the Magic Keyboard, which features a responsive scissor mechanism keyboard, a trackpad supporting multi-touch gestures, and a floating design. The new Thunderbolt port supports faster data transfer speeds, with theoretical rates up to 40 Gbps, and allows the connection of high-resolution external displays, fast SSD storage, and even eGPU enclosures. For wireless connectivity, it supports Wi-Fi 6 and, in cellular models, sub-6 GHz and mmWave 5G.

Reception and reviews

Upon its release, the fifth-generation iPad Pro received widespread critical acclaim, with reviewers from publications like The Verge, CNET, and TechCrunch praising the transformative performance of the Apple M1 chip and the exceptional display on the 12.9-inch model. Many noted that the hardware had significantly outpaced the capabilities of iPadOS at the time, sparking discussions about the future convergence of iPad and macOS platforms. The Liquid Retina XDR display was frequently highlighted as best-in-class, drawing favorable comparisons to premium OLED televisions. Some criticism was directed at the high starting price, especially for the 12.9-inch configuration, and the continued lack of a more pro-oriented desktop operating system to fully leverage the internal hardware.