Apple’s new 4th-generation iPad Pro 11-inch features breakthrough LiDAR Scanner, Ultra Wide camera, and is compatible with a new Magic Keyboard.
On March 18, Apple announced the new generation of iPad Pro tablets. The new models, both the 11 and 12.9-inch, have the same dimensions and look as their respective predecessors released in 2018, and you may wonder whether it’s worth upgrading at all.
The following post is focused on the smaller model. The 2020 iPad Pro 11 is available in multiple online stores, not only on Apple’s website (the link will redirect you to the Amazon – we may earn a small commission if you buy the iPad there).
The price of the entry-level version (Wi-Fi + 128 GB of internal memory) is the same as of its 2018 predecessor, $799, but you get twice as much internal memory – 128 GB instead of 64 GB. There are other improvements as well. We list them below.
iPad Pro 11 2020 – what’s new
Here are the highlights of the improvements and new features:
LiDAR Scanner – the new feature measures the distance to surrounding objects up to 5 meters away. The same technology is being used by NASA for the next Mars landing mission. The scanner, combined with data from cameras and motion sensors, enables a whole new level of AR experience.
Ultra Wide camera – the 2020 iPad Pro has now two rear cameras. The one that has been added allows for 125-degree field of view, features ƒ/2.4 aperture and 10 MP resolution.
Bigger 128 GB memory for entry-level variant – if you are going to buy the least expensive version, you will like the fact that the internal memory is now 128 instead of 64 GB. And that’s for the same price as in the earlier model.
A12Z Bionic chip – the new chip makes iPad Pro faster and more powerful than most Windows PC laptops. Combined with the powerful Neural Engine and 8-core CPU, it offers the best performance ever in an iPad.
Studio-quality microphones – the 2020 iPad Pro has the same number of built-in microphones as its predecessor, but they now offer professional studio quality. You can use them to capture even the quietest sounds and record super clean audio.
Magic Keyboard support – the newest original Apple keyboard may change the way you use your iPad forever. Full-size, backlit keys offer a new-level of typing experience. Most importantly, the keyboard now sports a trackpad that’s designed for multi-touch gestures and the cursor management.
Note: Magic Keyboard with Trackpad is also compatible with the 2018 iPad Pro 11 model.
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iPad Pro 11 2020 vs. 2018 – comparisons
To help you quicker spot all the differences between the 2020 and 2018 iPad Pro 11-inch model, we’ve created two handy tables.
In the first one, you will see compared only the features and specs that are different for each model – common features are excluded from the comparison. The Magic Keyboard is compatible with both the 2018 and 2020 models, so you won’t see it in the table, but LiDAR Scanner comes only with the latest model, so it’s included.
The second table compares compatibility of original Apple cases and accessories. Please note that due to the larger camera panel on the back, the cutout for the newer model is larger. Therefore, you have to keep in mind the following:
- Every case and accessory designed for iPad Pro 11 released in 2020 will be compatible with the 2018 model.
- Not every iPad Pro 11 2018 case and accessory will be compatible with the newer model released in 2020.
In other words, if you buy the Smart Keyboard Folio in the Apple online store today, it will also work on your 2018 model, but the Smart Keyboard Folio from your 2018 iPad Pro 11 won’t fit the new model.
iPad Pro 11 2020 vs. 2018 model – differences only
| Feature | iPad Pro 11 (2020) | iPad Pro 11 (2018) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A12Z Bionic chip | A12X Bionic chip |
| Internal memory | 128 GB 256 GB 512 GB 1 TB |
64 GB 256 GB 512 GB 1 TB |
| Rear cameras | Wide 12 MP Ultra Wide 10 MP |
Wide 12 MP |
| Battery | 28.65Wh | 29.37Wh |
| Studio-quality microphones | Yes | No |
| Weight | 16.61 oz 471 g |
16.51 oz 468 g |
| LiDAR Scanner | Yes | No |
| Release date | March 25, 2020 | November 7, 2018 |
iPad Pro 11 2020 vs. 2018 model – accessories compatibility
| Accessory | iPad Pro 11 (2020) | iPad Pro 11 (2018) |
|---|---|---|
| Magic Keyboard | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Keyboard Folio | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Keyboard | No | No |
| Smart Folio | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Pencil 2 | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Pencil 1 | No | No |
| Release date | March 25, 2020 | November 7, 2018 |
Further reading:
- Should you upgrade to the 2020 iPad Pro? – Apple Insider
- iPad Pro 2020 vs Huawei MatePad Pro: Specs Comparison – GizmoChina
- Apple’s iPad Pro 2020 is said to be just ‘1% faster’ than the 2018 version – Tech Radar
- iPad Pro 2020: everything you wanted to know – Mac Rumors
- Should you buy the new iPad Pro? Here’s how it compares to the 2018 iPad Pro – 9to5Mac
iPad Pro 11-inch (2020 release, 4th generation) – full tech specs
All specs of the newest 11-inch iPad Pro that were revealed by Apple, are added to the table below.
| Screen | 11-inch (diagonal) Liquid Retina LED-backlit Multi‑Touch display with ProMotion, True Tone, and Wide color display (P3) |
|---|---|
| Screen resolution | 2388 × 1668 px |
| Pixel density | 264 ppi |
| Storage capacity | • 128 GB • 256 GB • 512 GB • 1 TB |
| microSD card | No |
| RAM memory | 4 GB / 6 GB |
| Processor | • A12Z Bionic chip with 64-bit architecture • Neural Engine • Embedded M12 coprocessor |
| Cameras | • Wide: 12MP, ƒ/1.8 aperture • Ultra Wide: 10MP, ƒ/2.4 aperture, and 125° field of view |
| Body colors | • Silver • Space Gray |
| Battery | Built-in 28.65-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery, non-removable |
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi or watching video |
| Charging | Charging via power adapter or USB-C to computer system |
| Weight | 16.61 oz / 471 g |
| Dimensions | 9.74 × 7.02 × 0.23 in / 247.6 × 178.5 × 5.9 mm |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6; simultaneous dual band (2.4GHz and 5GHz); HT80 with MIMO |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.0 technology |
| Ports and connectors | • USB-C • Smart Connector |
| Operating System | iPadOS |
| Sound | Four built‑in speakers |
| Sensors | • Face ID • LiDAR Scanner • Three-axis gyro • Accelerometer • Barometer • Ambient light sensor |
| In the box | • iPad Pro 11 (2020) • USB-C charge cable (1 meter) • 18W USB-C Power Adapter |
| Compatible with Apple Pencil | Yes, Apple Pencil sold separately |
| Compatible with Smart Keyboard Folio | Yes, Smart Keyboard Folio sold separately |
| Compatible with Magic Keyboard | Yes, Magic Keyboard sold separately |
| Launch dates | • announcement – March 18, 2020 • pre-orders – March 18, 2020 • release – March 25, 2020 |
| Prices | • 128 GB / WiFi – $799 • 128 GB / WiFi + Cellular – $949 • 256 GB / WiFi – $899 • 256 GB / WiFi + Cellular – $1,049 • 512 GB / WiFi – $1,099 • 512 GB / WiFi + Cellular – $1,249 • 1 TB / WiFi – $1,299 • 1 TB / WiFi + Cellular – $1,449 |
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iPad Pro 11 (2020 release) – buttons and connectors
Take a quick look at the locations of buttons, ports, connectors, microphones, and speakers.
Apple iPad Pro 11 (2020) – highlights
Here are the main benefits of the newest iPad Pro 11 from the official product page on Apple website.
iPad Pro 11, 2020 release, 4th generation, Magic Keyboard ready
Space Gray / 128 GB
Your next computer is not a computer
It’s a magical piece of glass. It’s so fast most PC laptops can’t catch up. It has pro cameras that can transform reality. And you can use it with touch, pencil, keyboard, and now trackpad. It’s the new iPad Pro.
Liquid Retina technology
The edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display is not only gorgeous and immersive, but also features incredibly advanced technologies. Like ProMotion, True Tone, and industry‑leading color accuracy, which make everything feel responsive and look stunning. Quite simply, this combination of features make it the world’s most advanced mobile display.
Pro cameras
Advanced cameras combined with a large display, fast performance, and highly calibrated sensors have always made iPad uniquely capable. The Wide and new Ultra Wide cameras help you frame the perfect photo or video. And together with studio‑quality mics and four speaker audio, you can even set up a multicamera filmmaking rig.
LiDAR Scanner
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is used to determine distance by measuring how long it takes light to reach an object and reflect back. It is so advanced, it’s being used by NASA for the next Mars landing mission. And it’s now been engineered to fit in the thin and light iPad Pro.
Augmented reality
On the new iPad Pro, AR apps become even more realistic. Placing an AR object now happens instantly. Realistic object occlusion allows AR objects to pass in front of and behind real-world structures. Improved motion capture and people occlusion are more accurate than ever. And developers will be able to create even more immersive experiences.
Pro workflow
A12Z Bionic is designed to be put to work, especially with pro apps. The 8‑core graphics processor delivers fluid performance for things like 4K video editing, 3D design, and augmented reality. Enhanced thermal design means higher peak and longer sustained performance — critical for pro workflows. And the Apple‑designed Neural Engine enables on‑device machine learning ready for the next generation of pro apps.
Magic Keyboard
The all-new Magic Keyboard is an amazing companion for iPad Pro (sold separately). It features the best typing experience ever on iPad, a trackpad that opens up new ways to work with iPadOS, a USB‑C port for passthrough charging, and front and back protection. And it features a floating cantilever design, allowing you to attach iPad Pro magnetically and smoothly adjust it to the perfect viewing angle for you.
Interested in the iPad and iPhone? Keep exploring:
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