When Was iPad Pro 12.9 Released? A Complete Guide

Trendian Staff

Hey there, tech enthusiast! Ever wondered about the release dates of your favorite gadgets? Today, we’re diving deep into the history of Apple’s powerhouse tablet: the iPad Pro 12.9-inch. This behemoth of a tablet has gone through several iterations, each packed with cutting-edge technology and design improvements. Knowing when each model was released can help you understand its capabilities and how it stacks up against the competition.

Whether you’re a seasoned iPad user or considering your first purchase, understanding the evolution of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch is key. We’ll explore each generation, highlighting the key features and advancements that set them apart. Get ready to journey through the timeline of this impressive device, from its initial debut to the current state of the art.

Let’s get started and uncover the release dates and what made each version special!

The Genesis: iPad Pro 12.9-Inch (1st Generation) – 2015

The story of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch begins in November 2015. This first-generation model was a bold statement from Apple, signaling a shift towards a more professional-oriented tablet. It was a significant departure from previous iPads, offering a larger screen and a focus on productivity.

Key Features:

  • Display: A 12.9-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels. This provided ample screen real estate for multitasking and content creation.
  • Processor: Powered by the A9X chip, which offered a significant performance boost compared to previous iPad models.
  • Accessories: Introduced the Apple Pencil (1st generation) and the Smart Keyboard, expanding its capabilities for drawing, note-taking, and typing.
  • Storage: Available in storage options up to 128GB.
  • Design: It featured the familiar iPad design with a thin and lightweight profile, though noticeably larger than other iPads at the time.

The original iPad Pro 12.9-inch was aimed at creative professionals and users who needed a larger screen for work. It wasn’t just a bigger iPad; it was designed to be a replacement for laptops for many users. The addition of the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard was a clear indication of this focus.

Why It Mattered

This first generation set the stage for future iPad Pro models. It proved that there was a market for a larger, more powerful tablet that could handle demanding tasks. It also established the iPad Pro as a premium product line with a focus on performance and versatility.

The introduction of the Apple Pencil was a huge deal, opening up the iPad to creative users who could now draw, sketch, and take notes with precision. The Smart Keyboard transformed the iPad into a more productive device, making it easier to type and work on documents.

The 2015 model was a groundbreaking device that redefined what a tablet could be.

iPad Pro 12.9-Inch (2nd Generation) – 2017

The second generation of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch arrived in June 2017. This model built upon the foundation of its predecessor, bringing improvements in performance, display technology, and camera capabilities.

Key Features:

  • Display: Improved Retina display with ProMotion technology (120Hz refresh rate), making scrolling and animations smoother and more responsive.
  • Processor: Upgraded to the A10X Fusion chip, offering a further boost in performance.
  • Camera: Improved 12MP rear camera with optical image stabilization and a 7MP FaceTime HD camera.
  • Storage: Expanded storage options, including a 512GB configuration.
  • Audio: Enhanced audio with a more powerful speaker system.

The 2nd generation iPad Pro 12.9 was all about enhancing the user experience. The ProMotion display was a major upgrade, making everything feel faster and more fluid. The improved camera and audio also contributed to a more immersive experience. (See Also: How Do I Remove Apple Id From iPad: A Step-by-Step Guide)

Why It Mattered

The ProMotion display was a game-changer. The 120Hz refresh rate made a huge difference in how the iPad felt to use. It was a noticeable improvement, especially for tasks that involved scrolling or animations.

The faster processor and improved camera also made the iPad Pro a more capable device. It could handle more demanding tasks, and the improved camera made it better for taking photos and videos.

This version solidified the iPad Pro’s position as a leader in the tablet market.

iPad Pro 12.9-Inch (3rd Generation) – 2018

The 3rd generation iPad Pro 12.9-inch, released in November 2018, brought a radical redesign and significant upgrades. This model marked a major shift in design and functionality.

Key Features:

  • Design: Completely redesigned with thinner bezels, a Liquid Retina display, and the removal of the Home button.
  • Display: 12.9-inch Liquid Retina display with rounded corners and True Tone technology.
  • Processor: Powered by the A12X Bionic chip, offering a massive performance boost.
  • Connectivity: USB-C port replaced the Lightning port.
  • Apple Pencil: Introduced the second-generation Apple Pencil, which attached magnetically to the side of the iPad for charging and pairing.
  • Face ID: Replaced Touch ID with Face ID for secure authentication.

The 3rd generation iPad Pro was a visual and functional overhaul. The new design was sleek and modern, and the performance was incredible. The USB-C port and second-generation Apple Pencil added to its versatility.

Why It Mattered

The redesign was a huge leap forward. The thinner bezels and Liquid Retina display made the screen feel even more immersive. Face ID was a welcome addition, and the USB-C port made it easier to connect to other devices.

The A12X Bionic chip was a powerhouse, making the iPad Pro one of the fastest tablets on the market. The second-generation Apple Pencil was also a big improvement, with its magnetic attachment and improved responsiveness.

This generation set a new standard for tablet design and performance.

iPad Pro 12.9-Inch (4th Generation) – 2020

The 4th generation iPad Pro 12.9-inch, released in March 2020, focused on refining the design and adding new features to enhance productivity and creativity.

Key Features: (See Also: Does Procreate Come with iPad Pro? The Ultimate Guide)

  • Processor: Upgraded to the A12Z Bionic chip, offering improved performance.
  • Camera: Added a new Ultra Wide camera and a LiDAR scanner for improved augmented reality experiences.
  • Audio: Improved audio with five studio-quality microphones.
  • Keyboard: Introduced the Magic Keyboard, a new keyboard case with a trackpad and a floating design.

The 4th generation iPad Pro was an iterative upgrade, improving upon the previous model’s strengths. The new camera system and LiDAR scanner enhanced the iPad’s augmented reality capabilities, while the Magic Keyboard took the iPad’s productivity to the next level.

Why It Mattered

The addition of the LiDAR scanner was a significant development, enhancing augmented reality applications. The Magic Keyboard was a game-changer, providing a better typing experience and adding a trackpad for more precise control.

The improved audio with five studio-quality microphones also made the iPad Pro a better tool for video conferencing and audio recording.

This model offered a more complete and refined user experience.

iPad Pro 12.9-Inch (5th Generation) – 2021

The 5th generation iPad Pro 12.9-inch, released in May 2021, brought a major upgrade to the display and introduced the M1 chip, bringing desktop-class performance to the tablet.

Key Features:

  • Display: Introduced a Liquid Retina XDR display with mini-LED backlighting, offering incredible brightness and contrast.
  • Processor: Powered by the M1 chip, the same chip used in some Macs, providing a massive performance boost.
  • Connectivity: Added Thunderbolt support for faster data transfer and external display connectivity.
  • Front Camera: Upgraded front camera with Center Stage, which automatically keeps you in frame during video calls.
  • Storage: Expanded storage options, including up to 2TB.

The 5th generation iPad Pro was a significant upgrade, offering a stunning display and desktop-class performance. The M1 chip made the iPad Pro incredibly fast, and the Liquid Retina XDR display was a visual treat.

Why It Mattered

The M1 chip was a huge leap forward, making the iPad Pro one of the most powerful tablets on the market. The Liquid Retina XDR display was also a major highlight, offering incredible brightness and contrast. The addition of Thunderbolt support further enhanced the iPad Pro’s versatility.

This generation blurred the lines between tablets and laptops even further.

Here’s a table summarizing the key features of each generation:

Generation Release Date Processor Display Key Features
1st Generation November 2015 A9X 12.9-inch Retina Apple Pencil (1st gen) support, Smart Keyboard support
2nd Generation June 2017 A10X Fusion 12.9-inch Retina with ProMotion ProMotion technology, improved camera
3rd Generation November 2018 A12X Bionic 12.9-inch Liquid Retina Redesign, USB-C, Face ID, Apple Pencil (2nd gen) support
4th Generation March 2020 A12Z Bionic 12.9-inch Liquid Retina Ultra Wide camera, LiDAR scanner, Magic Keyboard support
5th Generation May 2021 M1 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR M1 chip, Thunderbolt support, Liquid Retina XDR display

iPad Pro 12.9-Inch (6th Generation) – 2022

The 6th generation iPad Pro 12.9-inch, released in October 2022, focused on performance and efficiency, introducing the M2 chip and further enhancing the display and Apple Pencil experience. (See Also: Can You Get Procreate on iPad Air? Everything You Need to Know)

Key Features:

  • Processor: Powered by the M2 chip, offering even faster performance than the M1.
  • Display: Carried over the Liquid Retina XDR display from the previous generation.
  • Apple Pencil: Improved Apple Pencil (2nd generation) experience with hover functionality.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E for faster wireless speeds.
  • Camera: Enhanced camera system with ProRes video recording.

The 6th generation iPad Pro was a performance upgrade, with the M2 chip providing a noticeable boost in speed and efficiency. The improved Apple Pencil experience and faster Wi-Fi further enhanced the user experience.

Why It Mattered

The M2 chip offered a significant performance increase, making the iPad Pro even more capable of handling demanding tasks. The improved Apple Pencil hover functionality provided a more intuitive and precise drawing and writing experience.

Wi-Fi 6E offered faster wireless speeds for downloading and streaming, and the enhanced camera system made the iPad Pro even better for content creation.

This generation continued to push the boundaries of tablet performance and functionality.

iPad Pro 12.9-Inch (7th Generation) – Expected Release

As of late 2024, the 7th generation iPad Pro 12.9-inch is highly anticipated. While Apple hasn’t officially announced a release date, rumors and leaks suggest significant upgrades. Some potential features include:

  • OLED Display: A move to OLED technology for even better contrast and color accuracy.
  • M3 Chip: The latest Apple silicon, promising even greater performance and efficiency.
  • Thinner Design: A potential redesign for a thinner and lighter form factor.
  • Updated Accessories: New accessories to further enhance the user experience.

The next generation iPad Pro promises to build on the strengths of its predecessors, offering even more power, a better display, and a more refined user experience. Keep an eye out for official announcements from Apple!

Understanding the evolution of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch helps you appreciate the technological advancements and how each generation has contributed to the current state-of-the-art tablet. From the original model to the upcoming generations, the iPad Pro has consistently pushed the boundaries of what a tablet can achieve.

Verdict

So, there you have it – a comprehensive look at the release dates and key features of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch. Each generation has brought something new to the table, from groundbreaking designs to cutting-edge performance. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch continues to be a leader in the tablet market. Now you have a better understanding of how far this incredible device has come. You can make a more informed decision when choosing the right model for you.

🔥 Read More:

The iPad Pro 12.9-inch is more than just a tablet; it’s a versatile tool for creatives, professionals, and anyone who wants a powerful and portable device. The future looks bright for the iPad Pro, and we can’t wait to see what Apple has in store for future iterations!

Recommended Products

[amazon bestseller=”iPad Pro 12.9 release date” items=”3″ grid=”3″]