Apple reveals new tech: ‘Biggest day for iPad since it’s introduction’

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Apple unveiled a slew of new products Tuesday as part of the company’s “Let Loose” event, which CEO Tim Cook called “the biggest day for iPad since its introduction.”

While the iPad Air and iPad Pro were significantly revamped, Apple also introduced the new Apple Pencil Pro, as well as launching upgrades to Magic Keyboard, Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro.

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The company also announced it has dropped the price of the 10-inch iPad to US$349 ($478.64). The new products are now available for order and will become available beginning next week.

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Apple live streamed the event on its YouTube channel and website. Here’s what to know.

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New iPad Pro

Apple said to took “a huge leap forward” with the new iPad Pro which features a thin and light design, Ultra Retina XDR display, M4 performance and “powerful” AI capabilities.

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“iPad Pro empowers a broad set of pros and is perfect for anyone who wants the ultimate iPad experience — with its combination of the world’s best displays, extraordinary performance of our latest M-series chips, and advanced accessories — all in a portable design. Today, we’re taking it even further with the new, stunningly thin and light iPad Pro, our biggest update ever to iPad Pro,” said John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering.

The iPad comes in both 11- and 13-inch size options and its Ultra Retina XDR display is touted as the world’s most advanced display with superior brightness and colour precision. It also supports accessories like the new Apple Pencil Pro and a redesigned Magic Keyboard.

The 11-inch model is priced for US$999 ($1,371) and the 13-inch model goes for US$1,299 ($1,783).

Updated iPad Air

Along with the new iPad Pro, Apple also upgraded the iPad Air with the M2 chipset, a significant performance upgrade from the previous M1 chipset, reports Engadget.

Like the iPad Pro, the revamped iPad Air is available in its original 11-inch size and a new 13-inch model. The front-facing camera has also been relocated to the longer edge of the device, matching the new iPad Pro design.

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Pricing starts at US$599 ($822) for the 11-inch model and US$799 ($1,096) for the 13-inch model, with an additional US$250 ($343) for 5G cellular connectivity.

Apple Pencil Pro

The new Apple Pencil Pro includes a pressure-sensitive sensor and haptic feedback for a more intuitive user experience.

It features a gyroscope for precise control and it can be magnetically paired, charged and stored on the side of the iPad Pro.

It also has “Find My” support for the first time, allowing users to locate the Apple Pencil Pro if misplaced.

Available next week, the Apple Pencil Pro retails for $169.

Magic Keyboard

The new Magic Keyboard is thinner and lighter, with a floating design similar to previous models and now includes a function row for features like screen brightness and volume controls.

It offers a more responsive trackpad with haptic feedback and comes in two colours to match the new iPad Pro finishes.

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The keyboard attaches magnetically, and the Smart Connector connects power and data without the need for Bluetooth. The machined aluminum hinge also includes a USB-C connector for charging.

The Magic Keyboard retails for $119.

Logic Pro for iPad 2

This new version of Logic Pro for iPad introduces “studio assistance” features and enhanced AI for music production,

These features include session players, which expand on popular “drummer” capabilities in Logic to include a new bass player and keyboard player; and Stem Splitter, to extract and work with individual parts of a single audio recording, among other features.

Logic Pro for iPad 2 will be accessible on the App Store for $6.99 per month or $69 annually, with a one-month free trial for new users.

Final Cut Pro for iPad 2

The updated app includes Live Multicam, a new feature that allows users to manage multi-camera setups for video production directly from their iPads.

Up to four iPhone and iPad devices can be connected wirelessly, while an all-new capture app also comes to iPad and iPhone, Final Cut Camera, giving users control over options like white balance, ISO and shutter speed, along with monitoring tools like overexposure indicators and focus peaking.

Final Cut Camera works as a stand-alone capture app or with Live Multicam. Final Cut Pro for iPad 2 also allows users to create or open projects from external storage.

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