The first reviews of Apple's updated iPad Pro series are here. While the M2 chip and Hover Mode are the focus, the testers criticize a few missing innovations.
Apple announced the 11-inch iPad Pro and 12.9-inch iPad Pro with M2 in a press release on October 18th announced. The most important new features include the processor change from M1 to M2, the introduction of WiFi 6E and the hover mode of the Apple Pencil. Engadget published a review and described the 2022 models as a "small iteration" of their M1 counterparts. Apart from the chip, "the design, screen, cameras, storage options, accessories and price (in the US) are the same" as last year's models. But that's not a problem, because the iPad Pro was already an "outstanding device". The switch to M2 has made the iPad Pro a "much more responsive" tablet than reviewer Nathan Ingram's 11-inch iPad Pro from 2020. So writes he:
The other devices aren't slow by any stretch of the imagination, but the iPad Pro with M2 responds to everything almost instantly.
Hover is described as a "pretty cool new feature," but developers still need to build interactions for the feature into their apps. Ultimately, the review states that "most of what we said about the iPad Pro in 2021 applies here too": "Excellent performance, a great screen, and the Pencil and Magic Keyboard are considered great but expensive add-on features."
M2 iPad Pro: Lack of change in the front camera criticized
At CNBC showed Sofia Pitt is impressed with the processing power of the M2, which will be noticeable when editing videos or "running multiple complex applications at the same time." The screen has "excellent" image quality. But it is still "not an upgrade over last year's model." The mini-LED of the 12.9-inch display was praised as being brighter "than any other iPad I've used before," with watching videos in a bright room being a highlight. While the M2 and Hover innovations are improvements, the lack of other changes was criticized. The repositioned front camera on the iPad 10 should also have been an innovation on the iPad Pro. But Apple did not implement this change.
A comprehensive judgment will only follow
The 2022 models are worth buying "if you want the extra power and better screen compared to other iPads." ZDNet focused more on the software in its testing concentrated. Elements such as the Stage Manager for supporting external monitors and multitasking are handled "without issues" with the M2 chip. Hover is also mentioned, a "very subtle addition" that is obvious in some apps, such as Notes, but not noticed in others. The reviewer wanted to spend more time with the iPad Pro to see if there are "notable differences" from the M1 model. A few days of testing is not enough to make a comprehensive judgment - that's the general consensus. (Image: Apple)
