IPad Pro

iPad Pro is a line of iPad tablet computers designed, developed, and marketed by Apple Inc. and first available in November 2015. They run the iOS and iPadOS mobile operating systems. The current generation is available in two screen sizes, and , each with five options for internal NVMe storage capacities: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB.
History.
First generation.
The first iPad Pro, the 12.9-inch version, was announced on September 9, 2015. and released on November 11, 2015. It is larger than all previous iPad models and the first iPad tablet to feature LPDDR4 RAM. It originally shipped with iOS 9, having the 12.9-inch tablet being followed by the smaller 9.7-inch version, which was announced on March 21, 2016, and released on March 31 that same year.
Second generation.
On June 5, 2017, the second-generation iPad Pro was announced, which features A10X Fusion processors, with storage options of 64 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB. Upgraded displays include a 10.5-inch version to replace the 9.7-inch model, while the 12.9-inch version was refreshed. Following this announcement, both models of the first-generation iPad Pro were discontinued.
Third generation.
The third generation of iPad Pro was announced on October 30, 2018, and was made available in two screen sizes: and . They feature full-screen displays, with the 11-inch model replacing the 10.5-inch model of the previous generation. They also feature up to 1 TB of storage and Face ID using a sensor array on the top bezel which, unlike iPhone models featuring Face ID, can unlock the iPad in any orientation. Due to having an all-screen design, these devices are the first iPads to lack a physical button on the front. These are also the first iPad Pro models to come with USB-C connector replacing Apple's Lightning connector. It launched with a Smart Keyboard Folio (sold separately), but also supports the Magic Keyboard with a trackpad launched in mid 2020.
Fourth generation.
The fourth generation of iPad Pro was announced on March 18, 2020, with the same screen sizes of the previous generation. It offers a redesigned camera module, an A12Z processor, 128 GB minimum storage, LiDAR Scanner (<5m distance), and support for the Magic Keyboard with a trackpad that is sold separately.
Fifth generation.
The fifth generation of iPad Pro was announced on April 20, 2021, with the same design and screen sizes as the previous generation. It offers the Apple M1 chip, 5G connectivity, Thunderbolt 3/USB4 connectivity (up to 40 Gbps), external display output upto 6K resolution, 8 or 16 GB of RAM (16GB is only available for 1TB and 2TB models), and, on the 12.9" variant, an XDR display with mini-LEDs marketed as "Liquid Retina XDR".
Accessories.
There are three primary accessories made specifically for iPad Pro, all of which are sold separately: an active bluetooth tracking stylus, Apple Pencil; an attachable keyboard, Smart Keyboard; and a form-fitted silicone case that is compatible with the Smart Keyboard. Additionally, with the inclusion of a USB-C connector in the third-generation and newer iPad Pro, it is now possible to connect to other displays and devices, and to charge other devices with the iPad Pro.
Smart Keyboard and Smart Cover.
Smart Keyboard docks with iPad Pro using the , a magnetic connection with three pins that provides data transfer and power. Smart Keyboard, which doubles as a kickstand, is comparable to that of the competing Microsoft Surface Pro. The design of the Smart Keyboard is similar to the design of the Smart Cover accessory.
Apple Pencil.
First generation.
The first-generation Apple Pencil is a precision stylus exclusive to the iPad Pro, iPad (2018), iPad (2019), iPad Air (2019) and iPad Mini (5th generation). The accessory is rechargeable via the Lightning port on iPad itself on the pre USB-C models. iPad Pro introduces a new display with increased responsiveness and precision over previous iPad displays with Apple Pencil support added. During the keynote, Apple demonstrated drawing, managing publication layout, and document annotation.
Second generation.
The second-generation Apple Pencil functions exclusively with the 2018 and later iPad Pro models, and the iPad Air 4. The new features include:
The second generation Apple Pencil is "only" compatible with:
All other iPad Pro models require the first generation Apple Pencil.
USB-C accessories.
Apple created various adapters to pair with the 2018 iPad Pro models, which are the first iPad models to come with USB-C connector replacing the proprietary Lightning connector. These adapters utilize the new USB-C connector, which allows the iPad to connect with HDMI cables, USB ports, and read SD cards. Using an HDMI cable, users can connect their iPad to another display, such as a computer, laptop, or television. The USB and SD card support allows user to transfer and save files to and from external memory storage devices.
Third party developers have taken advantage of the inclusion of USB-C connection in the third-generation iPad Pros to create other adapters, which can include several adapters in one connection. The USB-C port allows the iPad Pro to integrate with various USB-C accessories, ranging from USB-C docking stations, USB-C to USB-A generic adapter with a flash drive, ethernet, and so on. It can also charge other devices; for instance, you can plug in a USB-C to Lightning cable to charge your phone or AirPods; you can even charge one iPad with another one with the included USB-C to USB-C cable. There are also USB-C to USB-A adapters, and a USB-C to HDMI adapter to view the iPad display on your television or monitor; wired keyboards and mice also work. This is not restricted to supported/approved devices.
Magic Keyboard.
The Magic Keyboard features the first trackpad designed for an iPad, a hinge to adjust the viewing angle and includes a USB-C port for pass-through charging. The Magic Keyboard is supported by all iPad Pro devices introduced since 2018. Though initially expected to launch in May of 2020, orders shipped starting in late April 2020.
The Magic Keyboard was met with mixed reviews. While providing many features which users wanted, there were some downsides to it. The Magic Keyboard provided a proper typing experience and supplied a good trackpad bundled with excellent build quality. On the downside, the added weight to the iPad Pro for this functionality, a missing function key row and a steep price, made the Magic Keyboard an accessory only for a niche market. With the launch of 5th generation of iPad Pro on 20 April 2021, a white color has also been added to the Apple Store. 
Reception.
General reviews.
The iPad Pro's 9.7-inch version set a record among all currently released tablets tested in color accuracy, screen reflectance, peak brightness, contrast rating in high ambient light, and smallest color variation. However, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch version tested to having better contrast ratio in the dark.
Despite Apple advertising the tablets as PC replacements, most reviewers noted that it could not replace a laptop running the Microsoft Windows, macOS, or Linux desktop operating systems with its current operating system.
2015 model reviews.
Scott Stein from "CNET" praised the faster processor and new accessories available. However, he criticized the cost of both the unit and its accessories, while noting its slightly slower processor with less RAM compared to the larger 12.9-inch model. Matt Swider from "TechRadar" complimented the easy handling, large 256 GB configuration and True Tone display, but was upset about the high starting price. Gareth Beavis gave a positive review, commending the expansive screen and audio quality but stated that the battery life could be made longer.
2017 model reviews.
Max Parker from "TrustedReviews" and Gareth Beavis from "TechRadar" both praised the 10.5-inch model's high-quality audio and performance, though both critics noted that it was expensive.
Reviewing the 12.9 inch second-generation iPad Pro, Lauren Goode of "The Verge" complimented the quality camera, A10X processor and large screen size, but argued that the device could have been cheaper.
2018 model reviews.
The third generation iPad Pro models were praised for their better displays, slimmed bezels, the addition of Face ID and general speed as well as CPU improvements. Ben Sin from "Forbes" noted that despite the LCD screen, the 120 Hz refresh rate makes it feel more smooth. The switch to USB-C connectors received mixed reviews; external monitor support and device charging were added at the cost of extra dongles to use older cables and headphones. Some reviewers noted that although the hardware updates are great steps forward, iOS's limitations, including the lack of external storage capabilities, prevents the third generation from competing against computers. Its high prices were also criticized.
iPadOS addresses the lack of external storage on supported iPads by adding support for external storage.
The body has been criticized for bending and breaking easily. Users on forum boards have reported the iPad bending after a few days of use, or after carrying it around in a backpack. YouTuber Zack Nelson then published a video on his channel "JerryRigEverything" showing the device cracking and snapping in half after applying just a small amount of pressure with his hands in the center of the device. Nelson concluded that the "two weakest points [were] right dead center on either side of the iPad Pro, [and] the crack happened at the very poorly placed microphone hole and the new Apple Pencil 2 charging duct". Users reported devices already bent right out of the box, mostly cellular models. Apple responded to these reports quickly, asserting that this is normal and a non-issue, a response that has been criticized. According to Apple, the bending is a byproduct of its new manufacturing process. Apple has added a support page relating to these issues.
2020 model reviews.
The 2020 model of the iPad Pro was seen as a minor enhancement amongst technical reviewers. The LIDAR sensor which Apple added for increased AR capability was touted as a feature only a handful of customers will use. The new camera setup in the 2020 model was noted for providing good image quality. The addition in RAM and change in storage options were welcomed, but the 2020 model was generally seen as "overkill" for most consumers.