New iPad Pro has ‘laser to map world in 3D’ and is ‘more powerful than most laptops’, Apple reveals
APPLE is releasing a rejigged version of the iPad Pro with a laser that can scan the world around you in 3D.
The tablet, which Apple calls its "most advanced iPad yet", was unveiled Wednesday by the California tech titan.
Starting at £769, it's Apple's first iPad Pro since 2018, and boasts a dual-camera system and vastly improved display.
A new computer chip housed in the gadget makes it faster and more powerful than most Windows PC laptops, according to Apple.
"The new iPad Pro introduces advanced technologies never before available in mobile computing,” said the firm's Phil Schiller. "There’s no other device in the world like the new iPad Pro and we think our customers are going to love it."
The new tablet comes in 11-inch and 12.9-inch models.
Its key feature is its dual-camera system, which boasts a 12MP main snapper and a 10MP ultra-wide lens.
Apple stopped short of going for a triple-camera system though, which it loaded into last year's iPhone range.
The iPad snapper features LiDAR technology, which allows it scan a room in 3D.
LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging, and is a remote sensing method that uses a pulsed laser to measure range.
Typically used by self-driving cars to sense the world around them, the tool will likely assist with new augmented reality features.
Recent reports have suggested Apple is developing a new augmented reality app.
Apparently, it'll allow users to hold up their iPhone or iPad to get more information about the world around them.
As well as a new camera system, Apple also gave the iPad an upgraded chip.
The A12Z Bionic chip gives iPad Pro the highest performance ever in an iPad, according to Apple.
The firm said it's built for the most demanding tasks, like editing 4K video or designing 3D models.
Apple has also upgraded the iPad Pro's microphones and display, and designed a new wireless "magic keyboard" that snaps onto the tablet magnetically so you can use it like a laptop.
The new iPad Pro is available to order in the UK and US starting today on Apple's website.
Available in silver and space grey finishes, it'll hit stores next week.
The 11-inch iPad Pro starts at £769 for the Wi-Fi model and £919 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model, and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at £969 for the Wi-Fi model and £1119 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model.
Schools can purchase iPad Pro for a discounted price.
Apple unveiled the gadget in an online release on its website in what marks an unusual change of tact for the company.
Apple usually shows off its new gadgets at glitzy launch events in front of big crowds, but chose to announce its latest slew of gadgets with online press releases due to the coronavirus crisis.
Governments are shutting down public gatherings in regions across the globe - including California, where the tech titan is based.
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