Apple's 2021 iPad Pro packs its M1 chip, 5G, and mini

Forget the 2020 iPad Pro — Apple's new 2021 iPad Pro models pack some serious upgrades.

The new iPad Pro now includes Apple's in-house M1 chip. Apple says its 8-core CPU is 50 percent faster than the A12Z Bionic chip that powers last year's iPad Pro.

In addition to the 128GB, 256GB, and 1TB options, there's also a new 2TB configuration that power users can pair with up to 16GB of memory.

The main difference between Apple's two new iPad Pro models — apart from size — comes down to the display type used. The 11-inch iPad Pro has a Liquid Retina display, while the 12.9-inch version incorporates a Liquid Retina XDR display which features mini-LED tech.

Colors on the  mini-LED display should look super bright and crisp. Credit: apple

With that mini-LED-powered display, colors on the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro should appear brighter and more vibrant. It includes 10,000 LEDs beneath the display and offers up to 1,600 nits of peak brightness.

Display differences aside, both iPad Pro models support Apple's True Tone technology, and ProMotion, as well as HDR and Dolby vision. They're also compatible with Apple's second-generation Apple Pencil.

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As for the camera system, there's a 12-megapixel ultra-wide TrueDepth camera with a 120-degree field of view. It comes with a feature called "Center Stage," which uses the M1 chip to automatically keep you centered in the frame during FaceTime calls (it will also work with other video chat apps over time). As you move around, this camera pans to keep you in the shot and zooms out when it detects others alongside you.

The rear cameras remain the same as last year's model: 12-megapixel main camera coupled with a 10-megapixel 125-degree ultra-wide lens. There's also a LiDar scanner for augmented reality apps.

The 2021 iPad Pro also includes a Thunderbolt port, in addition to a USB-C port. This allows you to connect the tablet to external displays with support for up to 6K resolution, like Apple's Pro Display XDR.

And, as with the company's 2020 iPhones, the new iPad Pro is 5G compatible and, crucially, supports the mmWave standard (a.k.a. the faster version of 5G). Take note, though, that 5G connectivity will vary depending on your mobile carrier.

Apple also introduced its Magic Keyboard case in a new white color — in case you weren't a fan of the current black option.

The new Magic Keyboard in white. Credit: apple

The 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $799 for the WiFi model, and $999 for Wi-Fi and Cellular. The company's larger 12.9-inch model starts at $1,099 for the Wi-Fi version, and $1,299 for WiFi and Cellular.

The new 2021 iPad Pro will be available for pre-order starting April 30, and is slated to release in the second half of May.