When Did IPad Pro Come Out? A Detailed History

Hey there, tech enthusiast! Ever wondered about the evolution of Apple’s powerhouse tablet, the iPad Pro? It’s more than just an oversized iPad; it’s a device that blurred the lines between tablets and laptops, offering a blend of portability and performance that’s hard to beat.

We’re going to take a trip down memory lane, exploring the different generations of the iPad Pro and pinpointing exactly when did iPad Pro come out. This isn’t just about dates; it’s about understanding how Apple has continuously pushed the boundaries of what a tablet can do. From its initial debut to the current models, we’ll examine the key features, design changes, and technological advancements that have shaped the iPad Pro into the device it is today.

So, grab a coffee (or your favorite beverage), get comfy, and let’s dive into the fascinating world of the iPad Pro!

The Genesis of the iPad Pro: 2015 and Beyond

The story of the iPad Pro begins in 2015. It was a pivotal year for Apple, as they sought to redefine the tablet market. The introduction of the iPad Pro marked a significant shift in Apple’s strategy, moving away from the more consumer-focused iPad Air and iPad mini lines and targeting professionals and creative users.

The 12.9-Inch iPad Pro (2015): The Pioneer

The first iPad Pro, launched in November 2015, was a bold statement. Its most striking feature was its size: a 12.9-inch display, significantly larger than any iPad before it. This larger screen was a key selling point, providing more real estate for productivity tasks, content creation, and media consumption. The original iPad Pro was powered by the A9X chip, a powerful processor at the time, offering a substantial performance boost compared to previous iPad models. This allowed for smoother multitasking, faster application loading, and enhanced graphics performance.

Alongside the larger display and improved performance, Apple introduced two key accessories that further solidified the iPad Pro’s professional focus: the Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard. The Apple Pencil offered precise input for drawing, sketching, and note-taking, while the Smart Keyboard provided a physical typing experience, transforming the iPad Pro into a more versatile productivity tool. The original iPad Pro also featured four speakers, delivering an immersive audio experience, and a thinner design compared to previous iPads.

Release Date: November 2015
Display: 12.9-inch
Processor: A9X
Key Features: Apple Pencil support, Smart Keyboard support, four speakers

The 9.7-Inch iPad Pro (2016): A More Portable Option

In March 2016, Apple expanded the iPad Pro lineup with the introduction of a 9.7-inch model. This smaller version offered the same powerful performance and features as its larger sibling but in a more portable form factor. The 9.7-inch iPad Pro was powered by the same A9X chip, ensuring consistent performance across both models. This model also introduced a True Tone display, which dynamically adjusted the screen’s color temperature to match the ambient lighting, making it easier on the eyes. The 9.7-inch iPad Pro also featured an improved camera compared to the original 12.9-inch model, with a 12-megapixel rear camera capable of capturing 4K video. (See Also: Can You Plug Your iPad Into Your TV? A Complete Guide)

The addition of the 9.7-inch iPad Pro was a strategic move by Apple, catering to users who desired the Pro features and performance but preferred a more compact device. It gave users more choice to find the right iPad Pro for their needs. The 9.7-inch model also supported the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, further enhancing its productivity capabilities.

Release Date: March 2016
Display: 9.7-inch
Processor: A9X
Key Features: True Tone display, improved camera, Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard support

The Second Generation: Refining the Formula

The second generation of iPad Pro models brought significant improvements in performance, display technology, and design. These models continued Apple’s focus on professional users, further solidifying the iPad Pro’s position in the market.

The 10.5-Inch and 12.9-Inch iPad Pro (2017): Enhanced Performance and Display

In June 2017, Apple introduced the second generation of iPad Pro models, featuring both 10.5-inch and updated 12.9-inch models. These models were powered by the A10X Fusion chip, offering a significant performance boost compared to the previous generation. This chip enabled faster multitasking, smoother graphics performance, and improved overall responsiveness. The 10.5-inch model replaced the previous 9.7-inch model, offering a larger display in a similar-sized body thanks to thinner bezels. The 12.9-inch model was also updated with the same performance upgrades.

One of the most notable improvements in these models was the ProMotion display technology. ProMotion enabled a 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling, animations, and gaming incredibly smooth and responsive. The display also offered improved brightness and color accuracy, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The 2017 iPad Pros also featured improved cameras, faster storage options, and support for USB-C charging. These models represented a significant step forward in iPad Pro’s evolution, offering a compelling blend of performance, display quality, and features.

Release Date: June 2017
Displays: 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch
Processor: A10X Fusion
Key Features: ProMotion display, improved cameras, USB-C charging

The Third Generation and Beyond: Design and Technology Reinvented

The third generation of iPad Pro models brought a radical redesign and significant technological advancements, further solidifying the iPad Pro’s position as a leader in the tablet market. These models showcased Apple’s commitment to innovation and their vision for the future of computing.

The 11-Inch and 12.9-Inch iPad Pro (2018): A Bold New Design

In November 2018, Apple introduced the third generation of iPad Pro models, featuring a completely redesigned form factor. These models ditched the Home button, adopting an all-screen design with thinner bezels and Face ID for biometric authentication. The 11-inch model replaced the previous 10.5-inch model, offering a larger display in a similar-sized body, while the 12.9-inch model retained its screen size but with reduced overall dimensions. (See Also: I Cannot Send Emails From My iPad: Troubleshooting Guide)

These iPad Pros were powered by the A12X Bionic chip, offering a massive performance boost compared to the previous generation. The A12X Bionic chip, combined with the new design, made these models incredibly fast and responsive. They also featured a USB-C port, replacing the Lightning port, which enabled faster charging and data transfer, as well as compatibility with a wider range of accessories. The 2018 iPad Pros also introduced a new Apple Pencil design that magnetically attached to the side of the iPad for charging and storage. These models were a bold statement by Apple, showcasing a modern design and cutting-edge technology.

Release Date: November 2018
Displays: 11-inch and 12.9-inch
Processor: A12X Bionic
Key Features: All-screen design, Face ID, USB-C port, new Apple Pencil design

The 11-Inch and 12.9-Inch iPad Pro (2020): Further Enhancements

In March 2020, Apple updated the iPad Pro lineup with new 11-inch and 12.9-inch models. These models retained the design of the previous generation but introduced several key improvements. They were powered by the A12Z Bionic chip, offering enhanced performance and graphics capabilities. The 2020 iPad Pro models also featured an improved camera system, including a new ultra-wide lens and a LiDAR scanner. The LiDAR scanner, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, enabled advanced augmented reality (AR) experiences and improved depth sensing for photography and video recording. These models also introduced support for the new Magic Keyboard, which featured a trackpad and a more laptop-like typing experience.

The 2020 iPad Pro models were a refinement of the previous generation, building upon its strengths and adding new features to enhance productivity and creativity. The addition of the LiDAR scanner and the support for the Magic Keyboard further solidified the iPad Pro’s position as a versatile device for both work and play.

Release Date: March 2020
Displays: 11-inch and 12.9-inch
Processor: A12Z Bionic
Key Features: Ultra-wide lens, LiDAR scanner, Magic Keyboard support

The 11-Inch and 12.9-Inch iPad Pro (2021): M1 Chip and Mini-LED Display

In April 2021, Apple made a monumental leap with the iPad Pro, integrating its powerful M1 chip, previously exclusive to Macs. This marked a significant performance upgrade, making the iPad Pro one of the most powerful tablets on the market. The 12.9-inch model also featured a stunning Liquid Retina XDR display with mini-LED technology, offering exceptional brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. This display technology was a first for an iPad, providing a visually stunning experience for content consumption and creation. The 2021 iPad Pro models also introduced Thunderbolt connectivity, enabling faster data transfer and support for a wider range of external devices. They also featured an updated front-facing camera with Center Stage, which automatically kept users in the frame during video calls.

The 2021 iPad Pro models represented a significant leap forward in performance and display technology, further blurring the lines between tablets and laptops. The M1 chip and the Liquid Retina XDR display transformed the iPad Pro into a powerhouse for both creative professionals and everyday users.

Release Date: April 2021
Displays: 11-inch and 12.9-inch
Processor: M1
Key Features: M1 chip, Liquid Retina XDR display (12.9-inch), Thunderbolt connectivity, Center Stage

The 11-Inch and 12.9-Inch iPad Pro (2022): The M2 Era

In October 2022, Apple released the latest generation of iPad Pro models, featuring the M2 chip. The M2 chip brought even more performance improvements, making the iPad Pro even faster and more efficient. These models retained the design of the previous generation but introduced several new features, including a new Apple Pencil hover experience, which allowed users to preview their strokes before they made them. The 2022 iPad Pro models also featured Wi-Fi 6E support for faster wireless connectivity and Bluetooth 5.3 for improved accessory support. The 12.9-inch model continued to feature the Liquid Retina XDR display, while the 11-inch model retained its Liquid Retina display. (See Also: How Do I Block an Email on My iPad? A Simple Guide)

The 2022 iPad Pro models represented a further refinement of the iPad Pro experience, with enhanced performance, display technology, and new features. The M2 chip and the new Apple Pencil hover experience made these models even more powerful and versatile for creative professionals and everyday users. Apple continues to improve and release new iPad Pro models. It will be exciting to see what Apple will do next!

Release Date: October 2022
Displays: 11-inch and 12.9-inch
Processor: M2
Key Features: M2 chip, Apple Pencil hover, Wi-Fi 6E

iPad Pro Model Comparison Table

To help you visualize the evolution of the iPad Pro, here’s a comparison table:

Feature	2015 (12.9″)	2016 (9.7″)	2017 (10.5″/12.9″)	2018 (11″/12.9″)	2020 (11″/12.9″)	2021 (11″/12.9″)	2022 (11″/12.9″)
Release Date	Nov 2015	Mar 2016	Jun 2017	Nov 2018	Mar 2020	Apr 2021	Oct 2022
Display	12.9″	9.7″	10.5″/12.9″	11″/12.9″	11″/12.9″	11″/12.9″	11″/12.9″
Processor	A9X	A9X	A10X Fusion	A12X Bionic	A12Z Bionic	M1	M2
Key Features	Apple Pencil, Smart Keyboard	True Tone, Apple Pencil, Smart Keyboard	ProMotion, USB-C	Face ID, USB-C, New Apple Pencil	Ultra-wide, LiDAR, Magic Keyboard	M1, Liquid Retina XDR (12.9″), Thunderbolt, Center Stage	M2, Apple Pencil Hover, Wi-Fi 6E

The Future of iPad Pro

Apple continues to innovate and refine the iPad Pro. With each new generation, we can expect to see further advancements in performance, display technology, and features. The iPad Pro has come a long way since its debut, evolving from a tablet with a focus on productivity to a versatile device capable of handling the most demanding tasks. Apple is always making improvements and pushing the limits of the technology.

Conclusion

So, when did iPad Pro come out? The original iPad Pro was released in November 2015, marking the beginning of a new era for Apple’s tablet line. From its initial launch to the present day, the iPad Pro has consistently pushed the boundaries of what a tablet can achieve.

Through its various iterations, the iPad Pro has adapted to the needs of creative professionals and everyday users alike. The integration of powerful processors, stunning displays, and innovative accessories has made the iPad Pro a device that bridges the gap between portability and performance.

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As Apple continues to innovate, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the iPad Pro. One thing is certain: it will continue to evolve, pushing the limits of tablet technology and solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.

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When Did iPad Pro Come Out? A Detailed History