The iPad Pro 2021 may look the same as its predecessor, but a lot has changed under that familiar face. You probably didn’t know these five details yet.
iPad Pro 2021 details you missed
The first iPad with an M1 chip, a brand new mini LED display on the 12.9 inch variant and a greatly improved front camera: the iPad Pro 2021 improves on its predecessor on several fronts. However, the iPad does more than that, although Apple has not discussed all of that during the keynote. Time for us to dive into the smallest details of this brand new powerful tablet.
1. Thunderbolt 4 for the first time in an iPad
With the iPad Pro, we already saw in 2018 how handy it is that Apple replaced the Lightning port with USB-C. Now the company is taking it a step further by making the tablet also support Thunderbolt. This makes the iPad Pro 2021 suitable for even more accessories.
For example, you can now also connect the tablet to Thunderbolt docks and transfer data at a much higher speed to an external hard drive. Handy if you want to export large files. In addition, there are also monitors that have been specially designed for Thunderbolt and can now also work with this iPad.
Also read: iPad Pro has usb-c: you can do all this with it
2. Center Stage supports all video apps
With the Center Stage function, the iPad Pro 2021 makes optimal use of its improved front camera. Through person recognition, the iPad can zoom in independently and the camera moves with you when you walk back and forth. The camera continues to follow you until you move beyond the range of the wide-angle lens.
Apple has confirmed that the Center Stage feature will not be available just for FaceTime – all developers will have access to this feature so they can build it into their apps. It seems like a matter of time until Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet and Skype also start working on this.
3. Differences in working memory
For the first time, Apple mentions the amount of RAM of an iPad. Depending on the amount of storage, the working memory also increases. The more RAM, the more tasks your iPad can perform at the same time. This will be especially useful for people who use their iPad to edit and export videos, for example, or who want to use a large amount of heavy apps at the same time. The overview with iPad Pro 2021 RAM is as follows.
- 128GB: 8GB RAM
- 256GB: 8GB RAM
- 512GB: 8GB RAM
- 1TB: 16GB RAM
- 2TB: 16GB RAM
4.12.9 inch variant does not support old Magic Keyboard
Owners of the 12.9-inch iPad, take note, if you want to upgrade to a 2021 model and you also have a Magic Keyboard, then we have some bad news. Due to the mini LED display, the tablet has become thicker, so that it no longer sticks to the old version of the Magic Keyboard. So you will have to buy a new copy of 399 euros.
Also read: Thicker 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021 will not fit older Magic Keyboard
5. Fewer holes for the speakers
A striking detail when you count the holes of the speakers. Although the iPad is still equipped with four speakers, just like last year, there are a lot fewer holes in the housing. The 2020 model had 17 holes for each speaker, the 2021 version only has eleven. It will therefore have to be seen whether this also affects the sound quality or the maximum volume that this iPad can achieve.
iPad Pro 2021 can be ordered from Friday, delivered at the end of May
The new iPad Pro can be ordered from this Friday, April 30 at 14:00 in the Netherlands. Still, you will have to wait a little longer for the first copies to be delivered. Apple says that the tablet will be delivered ‘in mid-May’, but does not give a specific date yet. According to a rumor it would be on May 21 and 22. You can count on delivery times to increase after Friday, so keep that in mind if you want the latest iPad at home as soon as possible.