The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th Gen), released in 2022, is Apple’s most powerful and feature-rich tablet to date. Designed for professionals, creatives, and tech enthusiasts, it offers cutting-edge technology, exceptional performance, and unparalleled versatility. Powered by the M2 chip and featuring the stunning Liquid Retina XDR display, this device sets a new benchmark for what a tablet can achieve.
Design and Build Quality
Apple has maintained its signature sleek design with the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th Gen). Constructed with an aluminum chassis, it feels premium and durable. The thin bezels surrounding the display maximize screen real estate while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. Measuring just 6.4mm thick and weighing 682 grams (Wi-Fi model), it is surprisingly portable for a device of its size.
The placement of the buttons and ports is thoughtfully designed, with the USB-C port supporting Thunderbolt 4 for lightning-fast data transfers and extensive accessory compatibility. The quad-speaker setup, strategically positioned on both sides, delivers immersive audio, making it ideal for media consumption.
Display: Liquid Retina XDR
The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is one of the standout features of this iPad. With a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels and a peak brightness of 1600 nits for HDR content, it’s a visual delight. The display utilizes Mini-LED technology, offering exceptional contrast ratios and vibrant colors. Whether you’re editing high-resolution photos, watching HDR movies, or sketching intricate designs, the display ensures every detail comes to life.
The ProMotion technology, which enables a 120Hz refresh rate, ensures smooth scrolling and responsiveness. This is particularly beneficial for gamers and artists who require precision and fluidity in their work.
Performance: Powered by M2
The inclusion of the M2 chip, Apple’s latest silicon, makes the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th Gen) a performance powerhouse. With an 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, it delivers 15% faster CPU performance and 35% faster GPU performance compared to its predecessor. This means demanding tasks like 3D rendering, video editing, and advanced machine learning workflows are handled effortlessly.
For creatives, apps like Adobe Photoshop and Final Cut Pro run seamlessly, while multitasking is a breeze thanks to the optimized iPadOS and up to 16GB of RAM (available in higher storage configurations). The M2 chip also introduces hover functionality for the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen), which enhances the overall user experience by allowing users to preview their inputs before applying them.
Apple Pencil and Accessories
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th Gen) supports the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen), which remains a favorite among digital artists and note-takers. The new hover feature, enabled by the M2 chip, allows the Pencil to be detected up to 12mm above the screen, offering greater precision and interactivity.
The device also pairs seamlessly with the Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio, transforming it into a laptop-like workstation. The Magic Keyboard, in particular, adds a comfortable typing experience with backlit keys and a trackpad, making it ideal for productivity tasks.
Software: iPadOS 16
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th Gen) runs iPadOS 16, which introduces a host of features tailored for professional users. The new Stage Manager feature enhances multitasking, allowing users to run multiple overlapping windows, resize them, and switch between apps with ease. This brings the iPad closer to a traditional desktop experience.
Other notable features include Desktop-Class Apps, Live Text, and advanced collaboration tools. With support for external displays, users can now extend their workspace, making the iPad Pro a true productivity machine.
Storage Options and Connectivity
Apple offers the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th Gen) in various storage configurations, ranging from 128GB to a massive 2TB. The higher storage variants come with 16GB of RAM, while the base models include 8GB.
Connectivity options are top-notch, with Wi-Fi 6E ensuring faster and more reliable wireless performance. The cellular models support 5G, enabling ultra-fast internet speeds on the go. The inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 opens up possibilities for connecting high-performance peripherals, such as external storage drives, monitors, and audio interfaces.
Battery Life
Despite its immense power, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th Gen) offers excellent battery life. Apple claims up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on Wi-Fi, and around 9 hours on cellular models. While heavy tasks like 4K video editing can drain the battery faster, the device’s USB-C port supports fast charging, ensuring minimal downtime.
Camera System
The camera system on the iPad Pro is highly capable, though it’s not the primary focus of the device. It features a 12MP wide camera and a 10MP ultra-wide camera on the back, along with a LiDAR scanner for AR applications. The front-facing 12MP TrueDepth camera supports Center Stage, which automatically keeps users in the frame during video calls. This feature is particularly useful for remote work and online meetings.
Who Is It For?
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th Gen) is designed for:
- Professionals: Video editors, graphic designers, and photographers who need top-tier performance and a color-accurate display.
- Creatives: Digital artists and illustrators who use the Apple Pencil for precision work.
- Students and Educators: Those seeking a powerful, versatile device for research, note-taking, and presentations.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Anyone who wants the latest and greatest in tablet technology.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Blazing-fast performance with M2 chip.
- Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display with Mini-LED technology.
- Excellent accessory ecosystem (Apple Pencil, Magic Keyboard).
- Advanced multitasking with iPadOS 16.
- Long-lasting battery life.
Cons:
- Expensive, especially at higher storage configurations.
- Overkill for casual users who don’t need its full potential.
- Limited desktop-like functionality despite iPadOS improvements.
Conclusion
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th Gen) is an engineering marvel that pushes the boundaries of what a tablet can do. With the power of the M2 chip, a breathtaking display, and a robust ecosystem of accessories, it is an excellent choice for professionals and creatives who demand the best. However, its high price point may deter casual users, who might find more value in the iPad Air or standard iPad models.
If you’re looking for a device that blurs the line between tablet and laptop, offers unparalleled performance, and adapts to a wide range of tasks, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th Gen) is undoubtedly worth considering.