Apple launches iPad Pro with 12.9-inch screen

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Apple has launched the iPad Pro, "the most capable and powerful iPad ever created", in addition to a new iPad Mini 4...

The much-rumoured super-size iPad is now official. The new model boasts a 12.9-inch screen with a 2732 x 2048 resolution. That's 5.6-million pixels, pixel fans.

The tablet is powered by a brand new 64-bit A9X chip, which Apple is claiming to be 1.8 times faster than the A8X chip found in the current iPad Air 2.

MORE: iPad Pro hands-on review

Apple says technology in the new backlit LED display allows for better contrast and off-axis performance, and Apple's 'refined' Multi-Touch technology - but not the 3D Touch seen on the new iPhones.

The Pro's screen also features a variable refresh rate, which allows the tablet to alter power consumption based on what's being shown.

MORE: Apple iPad Air 2 review

Besides the Pro's large screen, Apple has given the tablet four internal speakers - as opposed to two found in the iPad Air 2 - promising "clear and rich stereo sound".

There's a speaker located in each corner of the tablet and Apple claims they can automatically adjust frequency depending on how the iPad Pro is being held.

Apple also revealed the new tablet would produce three times the audio volume of the iPad Air 2.

The new super-size iPad will have the latest iOS 9 software on board, plus new multitasking features and a number of redesigned apps, such as Notes, Maps and News.

The iPad Pro battery life is a claimed 10 hours and the Pro comes in silver, gold and space grey.

There are three iPad Pro models, 32GB ($799), 128GB ($949) and a 128GB version with LTE ($1079).

All three versions will go on sale in November with UK pricing still to be confirmed.

Also announced were a couple of accessories: Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard.

The Apple Pencil is effectively a stylus for the iPad Pro, promising "incredible accuracy for activities like fine art illustration and detailed 3D design".

The Smart Keyboard is a full-size keyboard which connects via a new connector port - no Bluetooth pairing - and is foldable and doubles as a Smart Cover. A bit like the Microsoft Surface, dare we suggest.

There were also changes to the iPad family, with a new iPad mini 4 quietly revealed in place fo the mini 3, plus a price drop for the iPad mini 2.

Apple claims the new iPad mini 4 is eighteen percent thinner than the outgoing model and that its 2nd gen, 64-bit A8 processor is quicker and more powerful.

The mini's iSight camera has an improved sensor, while the front-facing FaceTime HD camera has been redesigned too.

Available to buy now, the new Apple iPad mini 4 is available in 16GB (£319/£419), 64GB (£399/£499) and 128GB (£479/£579) versions with the price dependant on whether you opt for the wi-fi only or wi-fi plus LTE version. The finishes are as before: Silver, Gold and Space Grey.

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Joe Cox
Joe Cox
Content Director

Joe is the Content Director for What Hi-Fi? and Future’s Product Testing, having previously been the Global Editor-in-Chief of What Hi-Fi?. He has worked on What Hi-Fi? across the print magazine and website for almost 20 years, writing news, reviews and features on everything from turntables to TVs, headphones to hi-fi separates. He has covered product launch events across the world, from Apple to Technics, Sony and Samsung; reported from CES, the Bristol Show, and Munich High End for many years; and written for sites such as the BBC, Stuff, and the Guardian. In his spare time, he enjoys expanding his vinyl collection and cycling (not at the same time).