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Apple’s newly-launched iPad Pro signals that iPhone users may soon need to think about getting a new charger.
The company has switched from its ‘Lightning’ cable connection to a USB-C connection, the same shape and format as that used by rival Android phones.
It is leading to speculation that the tech giant may be preparing a switch away from its current iPhone charging cable in the same way it did six years ago when it repacked the wider charging cable for the launch of the iPhone 5.
Apple says that the new USB-C format, which it has been using in its MacBook range of computers for three years, allows for better data transfers and more flexibility.
The tech giant upgraded its iPad Pro professional tablet range, with a larger 11-inch screen on the base model and almost edge-to-edge displays.
The tablet also replaces Touch ID with Face ID, the facial recognition technology seen on Apple’s iPhone X and Xs smartphones.
And the new device uses USB-C instead of Apple’s traditional ‘Lightning’ connection cable format.
One advantage to this is that the iPad Pro can be used to charge other devices, such as an iPhone. It can also be directly connected to hardware such as cameras.
The new tablet has Apple’s A12X chip, which Apple claims is faster than 92pc of existing laptops.
The Company is positioning the iPad Pro as a natural tool for designers, photographers and other creative professionals, with better functionality in apps such as Adobe Photoshop.
The company also launched an updated Apple Pencil, which attaches magnetically to the iPad Pro and begins charging immediately.
A new touch sensor built onto the Pencil detects taps, which Apple says represents a new way to interact within apps.
There’s also a new Smart Keyboard for the iPad Pro which costs €199.
The removal of the bezels means that the larger 12.9-inch iPad Pro is now 17pc more compact than the older model, despite having the same-sized display.
Both new iPads are 5.9mm in width, making them slightly thinner than the existing models.
Unlike on iPhones, the Face ID implementation on the iPad Pro works while holding the tablet in any position or while seated using the new Smart Keyboard Folio.
The TrueDepth Camera on iPad Pro also facilitate the use of Apple’s Animoji and Memoji.
As well as charging, the USB-C standard allows for high-bandwidth data transfers up to twice the speed to and from cameras and musical instruments. It also connects to external displays up to 5K resolution.
The screen on the iPad supports a refresh rate of up to 120Hz for what Apple claims is the smoothest scrolling experience on a tablet.
Apple will continue to sell the existing 10.5-inch iPad Pro with Touch ID and Lightning connection.
The new 11-inch iPad Pro starts at €909 for the Wi-Fi model and €1,079 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. The new 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at €1,129 for the Wi-Fi model and €1,299 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model.
The new models will come in silver and space grey.
The current 10.5-inch model with Touch ID and Lightning connection will remain on sale, starting at €749.
Online Editors
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