2020 iPad Pro

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on 2020 iPad Pro:

OtterBox updates sleek, transparent folio case to fit 2020 iPad Pro

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OtterBox Symmetry Series 360 for 2020 iPad Pro
The OtterBox Symmetry Series 360 both protects the 2020 iPad Pro and acts as a stand.
Photo: OtterBox

The latest iteration of the OtterBox Symmetry Series 360 Folio Case got a design tweak for the 2020 iPad Pro. This case offers a clear, scratch-resistant design as well as drop protection.

The updated version takes into account the significant camera enhancements in the latest iPad Pro.

AppleCare+ for iPad Pro includes coverage for new Magic Keyboard

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AppleCare+ accidental damage coverage can apply to keyboards under the right circumstances.
An iPad’s AppleCare+ accidental damage coverage plan protects these keyboards too.
Photo: Apple

The just-released iPad Pro Magic Keyboard costs more than some iPads, and it’s possible to get AppleCare+ repair insurance for it. Just not directly.

Purchasing AppleCare+ adds accidental damage coverage to an iPad, as well as some Apple-branded accessories. That includes keyboards, like the very expensive one that debuted last week.

iPad Pro’s LiDAR Scanner isn’t accurate enough for 3D printing

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Esper is a proof-of-concept app to demonstrate the LiDAR scanner in the 2020 iPad Pro
The LiDAR scanner in the latest iPad makes a 3D map of its area, as demonstrated by Esper from Lux Optics.
Photo: Sebastiaan De With/Lux Optics

The 3D scanner built into the 2020 iPad Pro is intended for augmented-reality applications. Tests by the developers of the Halide camera app found that LiDAR built into this new tablet is well-suited for scanning furniture-size objects, but not anything smaller.

New Logitech keyboard case brings trackpad to regular iPads

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Logitech-Combo-Touch-iPad
Logitech Combo Touch is like the Magic Keyboard for regular iPads.
Photo: Logitech

Logitech Combo Touch adds both a keyboard and a trackpad to inexpensive iPad models, because it’s not just Apple’s professional-grade models that can use mice and trackpads. Plus, there’s a flexible kickstand, and the keyboard is removable.

In addition, the Logitech Slim Folio Pro, a more basic keyboard case for the 2020 iPad Pro, is also available now on the Apple Store.

Surprise! Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro launches early

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iPad-Pro-Magic-Trackpad
The Apple Magic Keyboard isn’t like any other iPad Pro accessory.
Photo: Apple

Apple began taking orders for the new Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro on Wednesday, about a month before the expected launch. This is Apple’s first iPad case with a built-in trackpad, and it sports an eye-catching design that leaves the tablet seemingly floating above the keyboard.

No, the 2020 iPad Pro doesn’t have Apple’s spatially aware U1 chip

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2020 iPad Pro with official wallpaper
A great iPad. But not a U1 chip in sight.
Photo: Apple

Daring Fireball‘s John Gruber said Monday that he has confirmed “with a little birdie” that there is indeed no U1 chip in the new iPad Pro.

The U1 Ultra Wideband chip debuted with the iPhone 11. It allows the iPhone to detect its exact position relative to other devices in the same room. That gives it a sense of spatial awareness for things like targeted AirDrop by pointing one iPhone at another to share a file.

2020 iPad Pro microphone has ‘hardware disconnect’ for added security

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Apple Smart Keyboard Folio for the 2020 iPad Pro
It stops software from listening in when you think your iPad is asleep.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s newest iPad Pro has the ability to disconnect its microphone when the device is not in use for increased security. The disconnect happens at a hardware level so software cannot override it — but there’s a catch.

The feature only works for you if you have the right accessories.

No, Apple is not throttling its A-series chips for easy upgrades later

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2020 iPad Pro builds on the 2018 model.
The 2020 iPad Pro offers an additional GPU core, but its chip hasn't changed.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

A new investigation into Apple’s improved A12Z Bionic chip inside the 2020 iPad Pro reveals that it features exactly the same GPU found in the A12X Bionic for 2018 iPad Pro units. The one big difference is that an additional eighth core is now enabled, making it slightly faster.

Many fans are now criticizing Apple for what seems, at first glance, as intentional throttling. It is assumed Cupertino is disabling features in its newest chips, only to enable them later and market them as improved — even though they’re essentially the same on the inside.

Could it be that this is a scheme to make quick and easy cash? Actually, no. This is standard practice across the semiconductor industry. Others like Intel and Nvidia use exactly the same approach — and there’s a very good reason for it.

Here’s the real reason why an A12Z is just an A12X with unlocked potential.

Top 5 reasons to love the 2020 iPad Pro

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2020 iPad Pro builds on the 2018 model.
2020 iPad Pro has more RAM, a better camera, an innovative LiDAR 3D scanner and other improvements,
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The 2020 iPad Pro takes Apple’s very capable tablet from 2018, improves the specs and performance, and even adds some great features.

I did hands-on testing of the new capabilities and found there’s a lot to love in the latest iPad.

Apple’s ARKit 3.5 offers augmented reality enhanced wih LiDAR 3D mapping

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ARKit 3.5 offers improved people occlusion with its LiDAR 3D scanner.
ARKit 3.5 does a better of job of mixing people and virtual objects in augmented reality apps.
Photo: Apple

ARKit 3.5, the new version of Apple’s augmented reality software, can capture a 3D representation of the world in real time. This feature employs the LiDAR scanner that’s already in the 2020 Pad Pro and expected in some of this autumn’s iPhone models.

And the version of ARKit that debuted yesterday in iOS 13.4 is better at allowing virtual objects to pass in front of and behind people in the scene.

2020 iPad Pro review roundup: Still stellar, but little reason to upgrade

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Apple Smart Keyboard Folio for the 2020 iPad Pro
The best keeps getting better.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s newest iPad Pro will begin landing on customers’ doorsteps Wednesday, March 25. Will it be worth their hard-earned cash? Let’s find out from reviewers who already have their hands on one.

Unsurprisingly, the 2020 iPad Pro is already being dubbed Apple’s best tablet yet. It improves upon an already winning formula with a LiDAR Scanner, Ultra Wide camera, and faster connectivity.

Some still bemoan missing features in iPadOS. When it comes to the hardware, however, there’s very little to complain about.

OtterBox Defender case adds massive protection to 2020 iPad Pro

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OtterBox Defender Series for 2020 iPad Pro brings plenty of protection.
The OtterBox Defender Series for the 2020 iPad Pro includes a screen shield that does double duty as stand.
Photo: OtterBox

The OtterBox Defender Series adds multiple layers of shielding, and a version specifically for the 2020 iPad Pro already hit store shelves.

This case wraps around the sides and back of the tablet, plus it includes a built-in screen protector and a removable screen shield that also functions as a kickstand.

Attention hoarders, Apple lifts limits on iPhone, iPad, and new MacBook Air purchases

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There are no iPad or iPhone purchases limits
Buy all the 2020 iPad Pro units you want.
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

The limit on the number of iPhones, iPads and new MacBook Air models each customer could purchase that Apple put into place a few days ago has already been lifted everywhere outside China.

This means any hoarders who have money left after buying every scrap of TP in their town can stock up on Apple devices, hoping the limited supply will make prices skyrocket.

Best 2020 iPad Pro keyboard cases available at launch

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Apple Smart Keyboard Folio for the 2020 iPad Pro
An updated Apple Smart Keyboard Folio is one of the best keyboards available now for the 2020 iPad Pro.
Photo: Apple

Adding an extra camera lens and LiDAR to the 2020 iPad Pro changed the design enough that virtually all keyboard cases designed for its predecessor can’t be used with the new model. And Apple’s own Magic Keyboard won‘t debut for months.

Still, there are already a couple of keyboard cases available for people expecting a new iPad Pro to arrive this week.

Benchmarks reveal 2020 iPad Pro barely beats previous model

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2020 iPad Pro with official wallpaper
The 2020 iPad Pro benchmarks are high, but not much better than its predecessor’s.
Photo: Apple

The 2020 iPad Pro is less than 1% faster than the previous model, according to a popular benchmarking test. The numbers appear to be the result of the new model not using Apple’s latest-generation processor.

The new tablet does offer improved graphics capabilities, however.

Grab the beautiful 2020 iPad Pro wallpapers now

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Apple wallpapers from the 2020 iPad Pro
All the wallpapers Apple created for the 2020 iPad Pro can be yours.
Photo: ispazio

The 2020 iPad Pro comes with a gorgeous set of wallpapers. But it’s not necessary to get Apple’s latest tablet to put these images on your own tablet. Or your iPhone, Mac or Apple Watch.

All the new wallpapers have been posted online in a variety of sizes.

Apple limits iPad Pro purchases as early stocks run out

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iPad
You’ll have to wait until April to get the base model 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
Photo: Apple

Buyers already snapped up the Apple’s initial supply of one version of the 2020 iPad Pro. A 12.9-inch model ordered now won‘t ship until early April. The 11-inch model is still available on launch day, however.

In what’s likely an attempt to prevent hoarding, Apple put a restriction on how many iPad Pro units each customer could buy.

Why the 2020 iPad Pro is better than any Mac [Opinion]

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iPad-Pro-Magic-Trackpad
The 2020 iPad Pro intensifies the battle for computing supremacy.
Photo: Apple

Ten years ago, the iPad was a barely capable, outsize version of the iPhone. The idea that it could outdo the Mac was laughable. And yet here we are, a decade later with the 2020 iPad Pro, and that’s exactly what has happened.

The Mac has stood still (or even gone backward, if you count that keyboard), while the iPad has turned into the computer from the future. Here’s what Apple’s two platforms look like in a head-to-head battle in 2020.

See what the 2020 iPad Pro looks like on your desk with the magic of AR

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2020-iPad-Pro-AR
The 2020 iPad Pro looks good anywhere.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

The first 2020 iPad Pro orders will start reaching customers next Wednesday, March 25. You don’t need to wait that long to see what it will look like on your desk, complete with amazing Magic Keyboard, however.

Using the power of augmented reality, Apple can put a virtual iPad Pro anywhere in your home. But be warned: If you didn’t already want a 2020 iPad Pro, you will after you see one right in front of you.

Amazon starts taking 2020 iPad Pro preorders for March 25 release

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2020-iPad-Pro-trackpad
Got Amazon vouchers ready to spend? Save on the 2020 iPad Pro.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s new 2020 iPad Pro lineup is now available to preorder from Amazon just a day after its official unveiling.

Both the 11- and 12.9-inch options in all storage capacities are available with a release date of March 25. Prices start at $799.99 — 99 cents more than Apple charges — for the base model.

2020 iPad Pro gets a serious RAM upgrade

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2020 iPad Pro with Apple Pencil
Apple says the 2020 iPad Pro is well suited for 4K video editing, 3D design, and augmented reality.
Photo: Apple

Every 2020 iPad Pro reportedly includes 50% more RAM than most versions of its predecessor. This goes along with an enhanced processor.

In addition, Apple’s latest tablet also supposedly includes the U1 chip for directionally-aware AirDrop.

Update: Tests with Apple’s latest tablet confirm that it has 6GB of RAM.  However, it does not have the U1 chip.

Logitech creates keyboard folio and mouse for 2020 iPad Pro

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Logitech Slim Folio Pro and
Add a keyboard and mouse to your 2020 iPad Pro with new options from Logitech.
Photo: Logitech/Cult of mac

The Logitech Slim Folio Pro adds a backlit keyboard to the just-announced 2020 iPad Pro or its predecessor. It doesn’t include a trackpad, but the Logitech Pebble i345 is a mouse designed to be used with any iPad.