Apple Releases 4th Generation iPad Pro: "Your Next Computer"

iPad Pro 4th Generation Unveiled After 1 Year and 6 Months
Apple: "Faster and More Powerful Than Windows PC Laptops"
New Keyboard with Adjustable Angle and Touchpad in Mid-Air Also Draws Attention

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Apple has released the 4th generation iPad Pro after 1 year and 6 months. Apple emphasized it as "your next computer," boasting the performance that rivals laptop PCs with three cameras installed. They also introduced a new Magic Keyboard that magnetically floats the iPad and allows free angle adjustment.

On the 18th (local time), Apple launched the 4th generation iPad Pro in 11-inch and 12.9-inch models. Apple stated, "The new iPad Pro is equipped with the A12Z Bionic chip, making it faster and more powerful than Windows PC laptops." Although it has not been officially released in Korea yet, shipping will begin in the U.S. from the 25th.

The 4th generation iPad Pro has significantly improved camera specifications compared to its predecessor. It features a total of three cameras: a 10-megapixel ultra-wide camera, a 12-megapixel wide camera, and a LiDAR scanner that measures flight distance. The LiDAR scanner enhances the augmented reality (AR) experience to be more immersive. A TrueDepth camera is installed on the front to enable Face ID. Performance has also been slightly improved; moving on from the 3rd generation iPad Pro which had the A12X chipset, the 4th generation is equipped with the revised A12Z chipset supporting an 8-core GPU. The 4th generation does not support 5G.

More attention-grabbing than the detailed features of the iPad Pro is the keyboard. Apple unveiled the new Magic Keyboard priced comparable to the iPad mini (449,000 KRW for the 12.9-inch model). It magnetically attaches to the back of the iPad Pro, allowing it to float in the air and be adjusted to a convenient angle. The keyboard includes a trackpad that lets users freely move the cursor and swipe to return to the home screen. An iPad OS-exclusive cursor that changes shape depending on where it is placed?buttons, apps, or text?was also introduced. The new Magic Keyboard is compatible with the 3rd generation iPad Pro. It is scheduled to be released in Korea in May.

The price of the iPad Pro starts at 1,029,000 KRW for the 11-inch (128GB) and 1,299,000 KRW for the 12.9-inch (128GB). Storage options are available in four capacities: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. Including the Magic Keyboard, the 12.9-inch 4th generation iPad Pro 1TB model (1,949,000 KRW) costs 2,398,000 KRW, which is more expensive than the MacBook Pro (13-inch, 256GB). The colors available are white and silver. Battery performance is estimated to be about 10 hours.