New iPad Pro Supports Wi-Fi 6, New MacBook Air Still Has 720p Webcam, and Other Tidbits

Apple announced new iPad Pro and MacBook Air models today. We've compiled some smaller tidbits about each device below.

As with iPhone 11 models, the new iPad Pro supports Wi-Fi 6, aka 802.11ax. The newer standard delivers faster speeds, greater network capacity, improved power efficiency, lower latency, and connectivity improvements in areas with several Wi-Fi devices. Wi-Fi 6 devices must support WPA3, a Wi-Fi security protocol with improved cryptographic strength.

2020 ipad pro 2020 macbook air
By comparison, the new MacBook Air still supports Wi-Fi 5, aka 802.11ac, and it also continues to have a lackluster 720p front-facing camera.

While the new MacBook Air has a lower $999 starting price, the notebook is even cheaper for those who qualify for an educational discount, with the base model starting at $899 for students and their parents, faculty, and even homeschool teachers of all grade levels, which is particularly interesting with many schools closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

MacRumors contributor Steve Moser has discovered glyphs in iPadOS 13.4 GM code that suggest users will be able to view the battery life of their Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and other Bluetooth mice in the batteries widget of the Today view on the iPad, accessible by swiping right on the first page of the home screen. Apple announced that iPadOS 13.4 will gain trackpad support, with the software update to be released March 24.

As noted by Parker Ortolani on Twitter, one small change is that the Apple logo on the upcoming Magic Keyboard case for the iPad Pro is now horizontally positioned so that the logo appears upright when the iPad is used in landscape orientation.


Apple's new iPad Pro models now start with 128GB of storage, up from 64GB, and all higher storage tiers are now $50 cheaper. For example, an 11-inch iPad Pro with 256GB of storage and Wi-Fi only is now $899, whereas the equivalent 2018 model was $949. This price cut applies to all 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage tiers for the new 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

Apple says the new LiDAR Scanner on the latest iPad Pro models improves the Measure app, making it faster and easier to automatically calculate someone's height, while helpful vertical and edge guides automatically appear to let users more quickly and accurately measure objects. The app is also gaining a Ruler View for more granular measurements.

A few tidbits we noted earlier include the upcoming Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro offering pass-through USB-C charging for accessories, and the new MacBook Air supporting up to a 6K external display, including Apple's Pro Display XDR.

Related Roundups: iPad Pro, MacBook Air
Related Forums: iPad, MacBook Air

Top Rated Comments

AMTYVLE Avatar
53 months ago

Can anybody explain at a technical level why the MacBook Air doesn't have Wi-Fi 6? It is integrated in the 10th gen Intel ecosystem, right?
...or why both MacBook models, especially the Pro still has a 720p webcam in the year 2020?
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
munpip214 Avatar
53 months ago

Can anybody explain at a technical level why the MacBook Air doesn't have Wi-Fi 6? It is integrated in the 10th gen Intel ecosystem, right?
10th gen Intel Icelake does support it but it requires using a special RF module on the platform which Apple probably didn't see the need to include for a bottom-of-the-line laptop to save on costs.
https://www.anandtech.com/show/14514/examining-intels-ice-lake-microarchitecture-and-sunny-cove/9
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mannyvel Avatar
53 months ago
It's crazy that Apple didn't want to blow another .15 and make the front-facing camera 1080p. I mean, it's 2020.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BenLeong Avatar
53 months ago
How is it that no one with journalistic or even consumer level access to Apple reps has gotten an official explanation from them yet as to why they continue to get away with putting extremely dated 720p camera tech into their computers? It’s flat out embarrassing—especially in an age where so many people video conference for work.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MakeAppleAwesomeAgain Avatar
53 months ago
Can anybody explain at a technical level why the MacBook Air doesn't have Wi-Fi 6? It is integrated in the 10th gen Intel ecosystem, right?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jonnysods Avatar
53 months ago
What is with the FaceTime cameras in the laptop lineup. My 2019 MBP is pitiful and embarrassing to use for work calls.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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