Apple’s iPad Pro lineup has received minor improvements in processing power, display quality, and camera capability over the past year, but a significant upgrade may be on the way. Sources claim that the next generation of iPad Pro tablets will feature an upgraded version of Apple’s M3 SoC. This chipset is said to have “industry-leading power efficiency” and a unified memory architecture that allows for faster, more efficient operations.
Additionally, the report suggests that the new iPad Pro models will be available with 512GB of storage as an option instead of the current starting configuration of 128 GB. Similarly, the starting RAM configuration will increase to 16GB from the existing 8GB.
The most significant change is a move to OLED displays for the first time. Apple currently offers an LCD screen in its 12.9-inch iPad Pro model, but OLED provides superior color accuracy and more profound contrast. Whether the smaller 11-inch model will get this new display technology needs to be clarified, but it seems likely.
Apple will also upgrade the cameras in the upcoming tablets. The current-gen Pro models offer a 12-megapixel front-facing camera, while the 2023 model will sport an improved 13-megapixel shooter. The upgraded cameras should provide improved low-light performance and better zoom capabilities.
The 2023 tablet should look similar to its predecessor in terms of design. Rumors suggest that the 11-inch and 12.9-inch versions will have a narrower bezel, though it’s unclear if this will affect screen size.
Other reports suggest that Apple will add an optional magnetic keyboard accessory for the tablet to make it more laptop-like. The new keyboard is said to be designed with a built-in trackpad, allowing users to type in landscape mode with the screen tilted backward. The keyboard is also said to feature a fingerprint sensor for secure logins.
The report claims the new iPad Pro will be available in early 2024. It will continue to be offered in two sizes, with the larger Pro tablet featuring a relatively sizeable 13-inch display instead of the existing 12.9-inch screen.
In the past, Apple has added a few extra inches of screen real estate to its tablet models without sacrificing portability or battery life. The upcoming upgrades should further enhance the Pro tablet’s impressive features, including its Liquid Retina display, powerful A12X Bionic chip with next-generation Neural Engine, and fast LTE data connectivity. The iPad Pro can also run professional software, which makes it more capable than a desktop PC in some cases, thanks to its USB-C connector and Gigabit-class LTE capabilities.