Apple’s new iPad Pros are far more powerful but also far more expensive

The biggest new features in the iPad Pro models include a more powerful M4 chip — the first time that Apple’s newest processor has been used in a computer — and lighter and thinner form factors.

They also have a much brighter and vivid Oled display.

The new M4 models weigh 0.45kg (11-inch model) and 0.58kg (13-inch model).

However, this likely means that they won’t be compatible with existing high-end keyboard accessories, such as Apple’s previous Magic Keyboard. Instead, Apple launched an updated, thinner Magic Keyboard (€349 to €399).

Meanwhile, a new 13-inch iPad Air model has been added to Apple’s lineup, with the company also updating its 11-inch iPad Air. Both devices come with an M2 chip and are configurable up to 1TB of storage.

All of Apple’s new iPads have moved the webcam from the vertical ‘top’ of the tablet to the horizontal ‘top’, meaning that they more resemble the webcam position of laptops.

A new Apple Pencil was also launched, called Apple Pencil Pro (€149). The updated stylus supports ‘Find My’ functionality for when the accessory gets lost or is mislaid. The new Apple Pencil Pro also works with the iPad Air.

The iPad Pro and iPad Air updates are the first from Apple in two years.

The new 11-inch iPad Pro M4 costs from €1,229, a €150 rise on the previous entry-level 11-inch iPad Pro model, while the 13-inch iPad Pro costs from €1,579, a €100 increase over the previous model.

A fully maxed-out 13-inch iPad Pro M4 costs €2,919 with 2TB of storage and nano-texture glass.

The new 11-inch iPad Air costs from €729 while the new 13-inch iPad Air costs from €979.

A fully maxed-out 13-inch iPad Air with 1TB of storage and cellular connectivity costs €1,779.

Apple’s most recent quarterly results showed revenue from its iPad range dipping to $5.6bn in the first quarter of the year, a 17pc decline on the same period last year. However, this still makes it one of the best-selling laptops, worldwide.

“The timing of these new iPads is significant, particularly the focus on AI,” said Ben Wood, an analyst with CCS Insight.

“Apple is facing growing noise from AMD, Intel, Microsoft, Qualcomm and partners around a new generation of AI PCs. Before this event, the promise of new iPads generated little excitement. However, the unexpected introduction of the very latest M4 chip in the iPad Pro, significant performance jumps, updates to key apps such as Final Cut and an emphasis on the AI capability delivered by Apple’s integrated approach to making products made for a compelling launch. It could just give the iPad range the shot in the arm it needs.

"Although tablets are one of Apple’s less prominent products, the iPad generated $5.6 billion in revenue in the company’s most recent quarterly earnings, surpassing the total revenue of many rival device makers. However, given this was more than 15pc down year-on-year, Apple is undoubtedly keen to reinvigorate the category, particularly in the premium tier.

“Whilst these new iPads are unlikely to return the category to growth immediately, they represent a much-needed reason to upgrade for customers with ageing products. The emphasis on artificial intelligence was palpable with Apple determined to seize back the initiative in this area given the huge focus on this topic by all its rivals over the last 18 months.”

Mr Wood added that the event launch “should be seen as a precursor to next month’s Worldwide Developers Conference in terms of how Apple talks about AI”.