iPad Pro (4th generation)

iPad Pro (4th generation)
Name	iPad Pro (4th generation)
Developer	Apple Inc.
Family	iPad
Release	2020

iPad Pro (4th generation) is a tablet computer developed by Apple Inc. as part of the iPad product line. Announced in 2020, it followed the third-generation iPad Pro models and introduced updates to display, camera, and processor technologies. The device was positioned for professional users alongside software from Adobe Inc., Microsoft, Autodesk, Avid Technology, and creative institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art.

Design and Hardware

The chassis combined an anodized aluminum body similar to prior iPhone and MacBook Pro designs with rounded corners and thin bezels; notable collaborators in industrial design include Jonathan Ive (former Apple Inc. design lead) and suppliers like Foxconn and Pegatron. Physical controls echoed the iPad Air and iPad Mini families: a top-mounted power button, volume rocker, and four-piece magnetic connector compatible with the Magic Keyboard (Apple). Internal components referenced parts from vendors such as TSMC for processors, SK Hynix for RAM, and Samsung Electronics for flash storage. The device retained stereo speakers tuned by Apple Inc. engineers and microphones positioned for conference and studio use; accessories referenced included the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), Smart Keyboard Folio, and third-party docks from Belkin and Logitech.

Display

The 11-inch and 12.9-inch models inherited the Liquid Retina and Liquid Retina XDR lineages used across Apple Inc. displays and professional monitors like the Pro Display XDR. The display system used a high-resolution Multi-Touch panel with P3 color space coverage and True Tone technology introduced with the iPad Pro (3rd generation). The 12.9-inch variant used a mini‑LED backlighting approach influenced by mini‑LED developments tracked by companies such as LG Display and AU Optronics; the 11-inch used an LED IPS panel comparable to panels in Microsoft Surface Pro devices. Touch and stylus latency improvements paralleled work by Wacom and stylus standards promoted by Bluetooth SIG.

Performance and Software

Powered by the Apple A12Z Bionic chip developed by Apple Inc. and manufactured by TSMC, the device delivered CPU and GPU performance useful for workflows relying on software from Adobe Creative Cloud, Final Cut Pro, Affinity Photo, Procreate, and Unity (game engine). The operating system shipped with iPadOS updates derived from iOS and integrated features familiar to users of macOS and services such as iCloud and Apple Music. Benchmarks referenced by reviewers compared performance to laptops like the Dell XPS and Microsoft Surface Book and to mobile SoCs by Qualcomm and Samsung Exynos. Enterprise integrations cited included Microsoft 365, Cisco Systems, and VMware mobile management solutions.

Cameras and Audio

The rear camera module introduced a multi‑lens array including wide and ultra‑wide optics, following trends established by iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 series; suppliers included Sony Corporation for image sensors and LG Innotek for lens modules. The addition of LiDAR sensing aligned with depth-sensing systems used in Microsoft Kinect research and augmented reality platforms promoted at WWDC. Front-facing TrueDepth systems enabled Face ID authentication previously used in iPhone X. Audio performance, delivered through four-speaker stereo arrays, drew design influence from portable speaker technologies by Bose Corporation and studio monitoring practices from institutions like Abbey Road Studios.

Connectivity and Accessories

Connectivity options included USB-C ports consistent with USB standards overseen by the USB Implementers Forum and optional accessories leveraging Bluetooth standards from the Bluetooth Special Interest Group. Wireless features incorporated Wi‑Fi 6 (802.11ax) capabilities and Bluetooth 5.0, aligning with networking hardware developments from Cisco Systems and Intel Corporation. Cellular models supported LTE categories using baseband components from firms like Qualcomm. Official accessories included the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), the Magic Keyboard (Apple), and the Smart Keyboard Folio, while ecosystem partners such as Logitech, Belkin, and Anker produced docks, cases, and hubs.

Release and Reception

Announced at an Apple Inc. event in 2020 amid global industry conversations involving COVID-19 pandemic impacts on supply chains, the device received reviews from outlets including The Verge, Engadget, Wired, and TechCrunch. Critics praised the multitasking abilities and display technology while noting pricing comparisons with ultraportable laptops from Dell, HP, and Lenovo. Professional reviewers referenced use cases in visual effects pipelines at studios such as Industrial Light & Magic and editorial workflows at organizations like The New York Times and The Guardian.

Models and Specifications

Available configurations included 11-inch and 12.9-inch models with storage tiers ranging from 128 GB to 1 TB, color finishes matching Space Gray (color) and Silver (color), and cellular variants supporting carrier networks operated by providers like Verizon Communications, AT&T, and T-Mobile US. Memory and thermal designs reflected supply inputs from SK Hynix and Broadcom Inc. for wireless chips. Weight and dimensions aligned with Apple’s device portfolio including the iPad Air (4th generation) and prior iPad Pro (3rd generation) models.

Category:Apple hardware