When Apple introduced the exceptionally large iPad Pro last fall with its 12.9-inch display, many had wondered whether an iPad with such a large screen would be comfortable. Naturally, for many people the larger display worked out rather well; for others, a typical 9.7-inch display would have been preferred. Fortunately, there is now an option for people in both camps, as Apple has officially unveiled a 9.7-inch variant of the iPad Pro.
There really isn’t much that differentiates the new smaller iPad Pro with its big brother. Both devices sport the A9X processor, and now both support the same three (yes, three) storage offerings from 32, 128, and now 256GB. The key differentiator (aside from the size) lies within the camera, which, oddly enough, is in favor of the smaller 9.7-inch model. The 9.7-inch iPad Pro features the same 12-megapixel iSight camera found in the iPhone 6s, whereas the 12.9-inch variant only features an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera. The 9.7-inch variant also offers "True Tone" display, which changes the tone of the display depending on your surrounding environment to be easier on your eyes.
As expected, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro also supports the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard accessories, which means that the new iPad Pro also features the Smart Connector. It also sports the same immersive four-speaker system, with two on top of the device and another pair on the bottom.
Pricing of the 9.7-inch iPad Pro starts at $599 for the 32GB Wi-Fi only model, while the 128GB model will run you $749. As previously mentioned, Apple also introduced a 256GB model for both iPad Pro models, which starts at $899. Colors available are Gold, Space Gray, Silver, and Rose Gold.
The new iPad Pro will be available for pre-orders starting on March 24, with the device's official release date being March 31 (the same pre-orders and release dates for the new Apple iPhone SE).
More information to come shortly.
Readers, what are your thoughts on the new iPad Pro? Do you prefer a better camera, smaller display, and cheaper price tag, or are you all about that extra real estate on the 12.9-inch version?