12.9-inch iPad Pro - page 2

Microsoft’s sleek Surface Pro X hits iPad Pro where it hurts [Updated]

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Microsoft Surface Pro X
The Surface Pro X is slim and light but doesn’t run the standard version of Windows 10.
Photo: Microsoft

The newly-unveiled Surface Pro X is a 13-inch tablet that seems designed to take on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Apple dominates tablet sales but Microsoft clearly wants a bigger piece, is hoping this slim and light Windows device will accomplish that.

Microsoft also finally added a USB-C port to the Surface Pro line in the seventh-generation model.

Proposed iPad Pro docking station packs keyboard, trackpad, ports into one

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DoBox Pro with iPad Pro
The DoBox Pro adds features to an iPad Pro that aren‘t even available in MacBook Pros.
Photo: DoBox

DoBox is looking for funding for a desktop docking station that gives the 2018 iPad Pro an array of additional features. A keyboard and trackpad are the most obvious, but there’s also a built in hub with HDMI and other ports.

On top of all that, the proposed DoBox Pro will have a slot capable of adding up 2TB of additional storage.

First iPad Pro keyboard case with trackpad hopes to launch this winter

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Sentis Libra iPad keyboard case with trackpad
An iPad keyboard case with trackpad wasn’t possible before iPadOS.
Photo: Sentis

Libra is angling to be the first-out-of-the-gate iPad Pro case that includes not only a keyboard but also a trackpad. This wasn’t possible before, but the just-released iPadOS adds support for mice and trackpads.

The designers are looking for backing on Kickstarter to defray the costs of developing an accessory that lets an iPad mimic a MacBook more closely than any before.

Latest iPadOS 13 beta is finally stable enough for almost anyone [Opinion]

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iPadOS Home Screen
Widgets on the Home screen are something you can have today, if you install the iPadOS13 beta.
Photo: Apple

The iPadOS beta Apple introduced this week offers something none of its predecessors did: reliability. Stability, even. After days of testing on an iPad Pro, I found it close enough to the final version that an average person can access a mouse or thumbdrive with their iPad nearly hassle-free. That hasn’t been true of earlier betas.

Less rigorous testing of iOS 13 on an iPhone XS Max indicates it’s also relatively stable.

UAG Scout brings serious drop protection to iPad Pro with Apple keyboard [Review]

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UAG Scout for iPad Pro
The UAG Scout shields both a 2018 iPad Pro and an Apple Smart Keyboard Folio.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Some third-party case makers have begun treating the iPad Pro with a Smart Keyboard Folio attached as a single device. Urban Armor Gear is the latest to introduce a lightweight protective case that goes around both, adding drop protection and an Apple Pencil holder.

Don’t miss our hands-on review of the UAG Scout Series, which is available for the most recent 12.9- and 11-inch iPad Pro.

Update April 27, 2020: UAG released a version of the Scout modified for the larger camera hump in the 2020 iPad Pro.

iOS 13 could be Apple’s biggest iPad-focused upgrade ever

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Apple Smart Keyboard Folio turns the 2018 iPad Pro into a notebook.
Details leaking out ahead of next month’s iOS 13 announcement indicate it will offer plenty for iPad, but iPhone won‘t be overlooked.
Photo: Apple

The unveiling of iOS 13 is expected in less than a month, and a new report spills details on many of the improvements supposedly coming. For iPhone users, iOS 13 is bringing refinements to already existing features. iPad users, on the other hand, are supposedly getting plenty of new capabilities.

Brilliant folding touchscreen MacBook concept is almost a reality

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Astro HQ’s MacBook concept has a flexible touchscreen in place of the keyboard and trackpad.
This MacBook concept has a flexible touchscreen in place of the keyboard and trackpad.
Photo: Astro HQ

Astro HQ, makers of Luna Display, dreamed up a macOS laptop concept with a foldable display that covers the entire interior of the MacBook. The design includes a touchscreen and Apple Pencil support.

Artists’ concepts are often impractical dreams for the future but a version of this can be assembled right now. Sort of.

Professional portfolio case supports your iPad Pro at any angle [Review]

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STM Atlas has a strong Apple Pencil holder, and holds up the the iPad Pro at a wide array of angles.
STM Atlas has a strong Apple Pencil holder, and holds up the latest iPad Pro at a wide array of angles.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The STM Atlas portfolio case protects the latest iPad Pro models while also serving as a portable stand. This case can hold up the tablet at a broad range of angles, giving it an advantage over most of its rivals.

This device also comes with a slot to very securely store an Apple Pencil 2. Don’t miss our hands-on review of this handy accessory.

Satechi launches headphone adapter iPad Pro needed all along

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The Satechi Type-C Headphone Jack Adapter also lets you charge your iPad Pro.
The Satechi Type-C Headphone Jack Adapter also lets you charge your iPad Pro.
Photo: Satechi

Satechi just introduced an adapter for audiophiles with the new iPad Pro.  There’s no headphone jack in this tablet, so this accessory maker created a USB-C-to-3.5mm adapter. 

At the same time, Satechi has a new USB-C to USB-C charging cable that can handle high-speed data and fast charging.“

Perk up the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio with Slickwraps [Review]

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Slickwraps for Apple Smart Keyboard Folio review
This is an iPad Pro, believe it or not.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Apple Smart Keyboard Folio for the 2018 iPad Pro is slim, lightweight and very useful. It’s also ugly as a mud fence. Slickwraps makes an array of “skins” designed to improve the appearance with bright colors, simulated wood grain or other options.

We tested this device cover to see whether it really enhances this iPad Pro add-on. Read on to find out how it did.

Lightweight iPad Pro folio won’t drain your wallet [Review]

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EasyAcc Ultra Slim Folio Case with 12.9 iPad Pro
EasyAcc’s Ultra Slim Folio Case is very inexpensive but functional.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Anyone who choked at the $99 pricetag on the Apple Smart Folio cover for the latest iPad Pro should consider EasyAcc’s rival. This is slim and light, and costs less than half what Apple’s does.

We put this budget folio case through weeks of daily use and bring you our findings.

This iPad Pro case is rugged without excess bulk [Review]

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The Urban Armor Gear Metropolis is both a protective case and an iPad Pro stand.
The Urban Armor Gear Metropolis is both a protective case and an iPad Pro stand.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The latest rugged folio case from Urban Armor Gear protects the 2018 iPad Pro models without adding too much bulk. The Metropolis also adds some industrial style, and it includes an Apple Pencil holder.

Don’t miss our review of this rugged folio that starts at $59.95.

iPad Pro’s winning redesign takes sting out of iPhone slump

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2018 iPad Pro Smart Keyboard
The launch of the 2018 iPad Pro gave Apple a stellar holiday season in tablet sales.
Photo: Apple

iPad shipments grew by double digits last quarter, giving Apple its best holiday period for tablet sales since 2015.  Shipments of slates and 2-in-1s had dropped earlier in the year, but analysts correctly predicted this was the result of people holding off for the new iPad Pro.

Some of Apple’s rivals also saw gains at the end of 2018.

Dodocase Two Tone turns your iPad into an old-school notebook [Review]

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Dodocase Two Tone looks right at home in a classroom or coffeeshop.
Dodocase Two Tone looks right at home in a classroom or coffeeshop.
Photo: Dodocase

The Dodocase Two Tone brings a retro look to iPad or iPad Pro. You could almost write “Trig” on the cover in Magic Marker and feel like you’re in high school again.

And this case is very lightweight while still doing double duty as a stand. There’s even an Apple Pencil holder.

The Dodocase Two Tone is available for a wide range of iOS tablets, including the 2018 iPad Pro models.  Prices start at $64.95.

Apple busts out iPad Pro tips in new vids

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Sketching with an Apple Pencil is the merest tip of the iceberg of Apple’s suggestions for making your iPad Pro more useful.
Apple Pencil will soon convert your chicken scratches into legible text.
Screenshot: Apple

Making your iPad Pro more useful is the theme of a series of short videos released today by Apple. Each takes a common task and briefly shows how it can be tackled with a iOS tablet and Apple Pencil.

There’re suggestions on creating presentations and podcasts, going paperless, and more. Watch all five videos now.

Satechi USB-C hub adds the ports iPad Pro needs most [Review]

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Satechi USB-C hub for 2018 iPad Pro
A USB-C hub can’t make an iPad Pro into a full desktop but Satechi‘s really tries.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Satechi Aluminum Type-C Mobile Pro Hub was designed specifically for the 2018 iPad Pro. It adds all the the most-useful ports to Apple’s latest tablet. With it, you can add headphones, an external monitor and other USB-A accessories. All in a tiny package.

Those who want even ports can choose instead this company’s slightly larger but still slim USB-C hub designed for laptops. This also works with the new iPad.

Don’t miss our hands-on review of the Satechi Alumiunium Type-C Mobile Pro Hub.

Preorder this keyboard that’s a brilliant match for the 2018 iPad Pro

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Brydge for 2018 iPad Pro makes this tablet into a notebook.
Brydge for 2018 iPad Pro makes this tablet into a notebook.
Photo: Brydge

CES 2019 bugThe wait for Brydge’s sweet add-on keyboard for the new iPad Pro is almost over. The company today began taking pre-orders for an accessory that fully embraces the concept of turning this tablet into a laptop.

This premium keyboard has an all-aluminum casing and ships with a magnetic cover that protects the back of the iPad.

Apple explains why some LTE iPad Pros might come bent

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The screen really is beautiful.
Apple and some iPad Pro customers are debating “How bent is too bent?’
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

A recent support document from Apple describes a manufacturing process that’s apparently the cause of complaints that 2018 iPad Pro units sometimes arrive new from the store already slightly bent.

While acknowledging that this is possible, Apple stands by its earlier statements that its inspection process eliminates any units that are bent more than 0.016 inches.

Zagg’s new iPad Pro keyboard cases beautifully hold Apple Pencil

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Zagg Slim Book Go
A Zagg Slim Book Go keyboard case for the 12.9- and 11-inch iPad Pro is in the offing.
Photo: Zagg

CES 2019 bugZagg is using the Consumer Electronics Show to unveil a trio of clip-on keyboards for the newest iPad Pro and iPad models: the Slim Book Go, Rugged Book Go, and Messenger Folio. These range from lightweight to more rugged options.

In addition, Zagg subsidiary InvisibleShield launched advanced screen protectors for the 2018 iPads that won a CES award.

Enter to win a brand new 12.9-inch iPad Pro [Deals]

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Jump at your chance to win the drool-worthy new 12.9
Jump at your chance to win the drool-worthy new 12.9" iPad Pro for free.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

The new iPad Pro sure is drool-worthy. It’s completely redesigned, with powerful new capabilities that make it a compelling alternative to computers. At more than $1,500, the 12.9-inch version isn’t something everyone can afford. So when you have a chance to win one for free, you’d better jump at it.

UPDATE: Congrats to the winner … Tony R. from Pennsylvania!

Create an on-the-go office with this rugged iPad Pro case

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The Urban Armor Gear Metropolis iPad Pro case was created with the modern wanderer in mind.
The Urban Armor Gear Metropolis iPad Pro case was created with the modern wanderer in mind.
Photo: UAG

Urban Armor Gear created its new Metropolis case for people who take the  2018 iPad Pro to more than offices and coffee shops.

This rugged case protects the tablet from drops and impacts, plus it includes a stand and an Apple Pencil holder.

Save up to 30% on the 2017 iPad Pro [Deals]

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iPad Pro
Right now, you can pick up a 2017 iPad Pro for (up to) $330 off!
Photo: Apple

If you’re in the market for an iPad Pro, but working on a budget, B&H Photo Video is currently offering the 2017 12.9-inch iPad Pro at an amazing discount. With savings ranging from $220 to $330 off, you can pick up last year’s biggest tablets for hundreds less than their 2018 counterparts.

With B&H’s current offering, you can get a 2nd Generation (2017) 12.9-inch iPad Pro with 64GB of storage and Wi-Fi for $579 (a $230 savings). Or get the fully loaded Wi-Fi + Cellular model with 512GB for a cool $999 (a $280 savings).

The best deal of the bunch, coming in at $330 off, is the 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular model for $749.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Get a second iPad Pro USB-C power charger for $29

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The power charger from the 2018 iPad Pro isn’t well suited for travel.
The power charger from the 2018 iPad Pro isn’t well suited for travel.
Photo: Apple

The 2018 iPad Pro comes with an 18W power adapter. Apple just began selling this as a separate item.

Having a second charger for your tablet when you’re on the go is convenient, but Apple’s $29 offering might not be the best choice.

5 reasons I regret getting a 2018 iPad Pro [Review]

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IPad Pro Apple Pencil Smart Keyboard Folio
Do the drawbacks of the 2018 iPad Pro outweigh its advantages?
Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac

The latest iPad Pro includes the most significant changes Apple has made to its tablets in years. There’s USB-C instead of Lightning, Face ID instead of Touch ID, and the device is more portable.  In some ways it’s better than a MacBook.

But that’s not to say Apple got everything right. The 2018 iPad Pro has problems noticeable enough to leave me questioning whether I made the right decision buying one.

Author’s Note Sept. 26, 2019: The release of iPadOS 13 brought so many new features that it removed nearly all my regrets about the iPad Pro. The addition of mouse support and full access to drives plugged into the USB-C port are game changers. And giving apps the ability to open multiple windows simultaneously greatly simplifies my workflow. It seems Apple took the unusual route of waiting about 9 months after the iPad Pro’s debut to introduce a software update that makes the tablet shine.

In short, many of the regrets listed here are no longer relevant in 2019.

OtterBox’s first folio case for 2018 iPad Pro is sleek but protective

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Symmetry Series 360 offers sleek protection for iPad Pro (11-inch) and iPad Pro (12.9-inch) (3rd Gen).
Symmetry Series 360 offers sleek protection for iPad Pro (11-inch) and iPad Pro (12.9-inch) (3rd Gen).
Photo: OtterBox

The Symmetry Series 360 just became the first OtterBox case released for the newest iPad Pro. This isn’t one of the super-rugged cases this company is best known for, but it brings some protection without adding a lot of bulk.

A bulkier OtterBox Defender case promising even greater shelter for the latest iOS tablet was announced a few weeks ago but is not yet available.