The Apple iPad Pro 2016, officially known as the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, was introduced in March 2016 as a more compact alternative to the larger 12.9-inch iPad Pro launched in 2015. This model was designed to offer high-end features and performance in a more portable size, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional tablets and professional-grade devices.
One of the defining features of the iPad Pro 2016 was its display. It featured a 9.7-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels, delivering sharp and vibrant visuals. The screen also incorporated several advanced technologies, including True Tone, which adjusted the color temperature of the display to match the ambient lighting, reducing eye strain and providing a more natural viewing experience. Additionally, the display supported the wide color (P3) gamut, ensuring richer and more accurate colors.
Under the hood, the iPad Pro 2016 was powered by the A9X chip, a significant upgrade from the A8X chip found in the previous generation iPad Air 2. The A9X chip featured a 64-bit architecture with a dual-core CPU and an enhanced GPU, providing a substantial boost in performance and graphics capabilities. This made the iPad Pro 2016 highly capable of handling intensive tasks such as professional photo and video editing, 3D gaming, and multitasking with ease.
The iPad Pro 2016 also introduced improved audio capabilities with a four-speaker audio system, delivering richer and more immersive sound compared to previous models. This enhancement was particularly beneficial for media consumption and professional presentations, providing clearer and more powerful audio.
A major highlight of the iPad Pro 2016 was its compatibility with the Apple Pencil, a precise stylus designed for creative professionals. The Apple Pencil enabled users to draw, sketch, and take notes with high accuracy, making the iPad Pro 2016 a versatile tool for artists and designers. Additionally, the tablet supported the Smart Keyboard, a detachable keyboard that provided a comfortable typing experience and turned the iPad Pro into a more productivity-focused device.
In terms of cameras, the iPad Pro 2016 came equipped with a 12-megapixel rear-facing iSight camera capable of recording 4K video, along with a 5-megapixel front-facing FaceTime HD camera. These cameras offered high-quality imaging and video capabilities, suitable for both professional and casual use.
The iPad Pro 2016 launched with iOS 9.3, which included several new features such as Night Shift mode, which reduced blue light emission in the evening, and the ability to use Split View and Slide Over for multitasking.
Overall, the iPad Pro 2016 successfully combined powerful performance, a high-quality display, and professional features in a compact form factor. Its blend of capabilities made it a strong choice for users seeking a versatile and high-performance tablet that could handle both creative and productivity tasks.