The iPad Pro is a top-tier tablet computer from Apple, running on iPadOS, a specialized version of their iOS operating system tailored for tablet use.
September 9, 2015: 12.9-inch iPad Pro Announcement
On September 9, 2015, Apple announced the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, the largest iPad model at the time and the first to feature LPDDR4 RAM.
September 2015: First Generation iPad Pro Release
In September 2015, Apple released the original iPad Pro, available in 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, running iOS 9 and powered by the A9X chip.
November 11, 2015: 12.9-inch iPad Pro Release
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro was released on November 11, 2015, running iOS 9.1.
March 2016: 9.7-inch iPad Pro Release
March 2016 saw the release of the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, expanding the first-generation iPad Pro lineup.
March 21, 2016: 9.7-inch iPad Pro Announcement
Apple announced the 9.7-inch iPad Pro on March 21, 2016, based on the iPad Air 2's form factor.
June 5, 2017: Second Generation iPad Pro Announcement
On June 5, 2017, Apple announced the second-generation iPad Pro with A10X Fusion processors, introducing a 10.5-inch model and refreshing the 12.9-inch model. Both featured display upgrades like 120Hz refresh rates, HDR, and TrueTone. This marked the discontinuation of the first-generation iPad Pro models.
June 2017: Second Generation iPad Pro Release
The second-generation iPad Pro was unveiled in June 2017, featuring the A10X Fusion chip and introducing a 10.5-inch model to replace the 9.7-inch version.
October 2018: Third Generation iPad Pro Release
October 2018 marked the arrival of the third-generation iPad Pro, featuring a new all-screen design, Face ID instead of a home button, and available in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes.
October 30, 2018: Third Generation iPad Pro Release
The third generation of iPad Pro, available in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, was released on October 30, 2018, featuring full-screen displays, up to 1TB of storage, Face ID, and USB-C connectivity.
2018: First-Generation Apple Pencil Compatibility
The first-generation Apple Pencil, released in 2018, was compatible with various iPad models, including the iPad Pro, iPad (2018), iPad (2019), iPad Air (2019), and iPad Mini (5th generation).
2018: Design Continuity Since 2018
The sixth-generation iPad Pro, announced in 2022, retained the same design as previous generations released since 2018.
2018: Magic Keyboard Compatibility with iPad Pro Models Since 2018
The Magic Keyboard is compatible with all iPad Pro devices released since 2018.
2018: USB-C Adapters for 2018 iPad Pro Models
Apple introduced USB-C adapters for the 2018 iPad Pro models, which were the first to feature USB-C connectivity. These adapters enabled connectivity with HDMI cables, USB ports, and SD cards, expanding the iPad's functionality.
2019: Apple Pencil Support and Features
In 2019, Apple emphasized the increased responsiveness and precision of iPad displays with Apple Pencil support, showcasing features like drawing, publication layout management, and document annotation.
March 2020: Fourth Generation iPad Pro Release
Apple introduced the fourth-generation iPad Pro in March 2020, powered by the A12Z chip, and launched alongside the Magic Keyboard accessory.
March 18, 2020: Fourth Generation iPad Pro Announcement
Apple announced the fourth-generation iPad Pro on March 18, 2020, featuring a redesigned camera module, A12Z processor, 128GB minimum storage, LiDAR Scanner, and support for the Magic Keyboard case.
April 2020: Magic Keyboard Early Shipping
Orders for the Magic Keyboard began shipping earlier than expected in late April 2020.
May 2020: Magic Keyboard Initial Launch Expectation
The Magic Keyboard, featuring the first trackpad for iPad, was initially expected to launch in May 2020.
2020: Magic Keyboard Support
In 2020, the third-generation iPad Pro gained support for the Magic Keyboard with a trackpad.
2020: 2020 iPad Pro: Minor Enhancements and "Overkill" Criticism
The 2020 iPad Pro was viewed as a minor upgrade by tech reviewers. Its LiDAR sensor, while offering AR capabilities, was seen as having limited use. The new camera system was praised, and RAM and storage improvements were welcomed, but the overall package was sometimes considered excessive.
April 2021: Fifth Generation iPad Pro Release
In April 2021, Apple announced the fifth-generation iPad Pro, featuring the M1 processor, marking the first time an iPad model didn't use an A-series processor.
April 20, 2021: Fifth Generation iPad Pro Announcement
The fifth-generation iPad Pro was announced on April 20, 2021, featuring the Apple M1 processor, 5G connectivity, Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 support, external display output, 8GB or 16GB RAM options, and a mini-LED display ("Liquid Retina XDR") on the 12.9-inch model.
2021: 2021 iPad Pro Release and Reviews
The 2021 iPad Pro release was met with mixed reviews. While the powerful processor was praised, many critics felt its potential was limited by iPadOS and the lack of professional-grade apps available on macOS. The camera placement was also criticized for video conferencing, and some reviewers, like those at The Verge, pointed out the missed opportunity for multiuser support. On a positive note, the Mini-LED display and cameras received positive feedback.
2021: Magic Keyboard Mixed Reception and White Color Option
The Magic Keyboard received mixed reviews upon release. While praised for its typing experience, trackpad, and build quality, its weight, lack of a function key row, and high price made it a niche accessory. A white color option was added to the Apple Store in 2021 with the launch of the fifth-generation iPad Pro.
October 2022: Sixth Generation iPad Pro Release
The sixth-generation iPad Pro was launched in October 2022, featuring the M2 processor, Apple Pencil Hover, and ProRes video recording capabilities.
October 18, 2022: Sixth Generation iPad Pro Announcement
The sixth generation iPad Pro was announced on October 18, 2022, featuring an Apple M2 processor, Apple Pencil Hover, and ProRes Video Recording.
May 7, 2024: Seventh Generation iPad Pro Announcement
On May 7, 2024, Apple announced the seventh-generation iPad Pro with a thinner design, Apple M4 processor, landscape camera with Face ID, and a "Ultra Retina XDR" OLED display with a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio and up to 1600 nits brightness. The base storage increased to 256GB, with options up to 2TB.
May 2024: Seventh Generation iPad Pro Release
May 2024 witnessed the release of the seventh-generation iPad Pro, featuring the M4 processor, Apple Pencil Pro, a new Magic Keyboard with function keys, and the first iPad with an OLED display.