Since the Apple Watch launched in 2015, Apple has released numerous watch bands in a variety of colors and materials. In fact, more than 620 official Apple Watch bands have been released, and there is a beautiful iPhone app for browsing through them all.
Bandbreite is an app that provides comprehensive information about every official Apple Watch band ever released, including details such as color, release date, model number, and price. The app also lets you keep track of bands that you already own, complete with stats and insights about your collection, such as which colors you prefer most.
The app was updated this week to version 1.7 with several new features, including galleries of images for nearly every band, the ability to share stats and insights about your Apple Watch band collection with others, and many other improvements. Bandbreite is free on the App Store, and if you like it, you can consider buying the developers a coffee.
Bandbreite was first released in September 2020 by Filip Chudzinski and other Apple Watch band collectors, designers, and software engineers from multiple countries. The idea for the app stemmed from an ongoing MacRumors forum thread tracking every Apple Watch band and there is also a handy chart of bands available alongside the app.
Apple today seeded another release candidate version of macOS 13 Ventura, the next-generation version of the Mac operating system, to developers ahead of the public release scheduled for Monday, October 24. The release candidate version comes a little over one week after Apple provided the eleventh beta to developers.
Registered developers can download the beta through the Apple Developer Center and once the appropriate profile is installed, the beta will be available through the Software Update mechanism in System Preferences.
macOS Ventura introduces Stage Manager, a new feature that lets Mac users focus on a task while keeping other apps at the ready for easy swapping between tasks. The update adds Continuity Camera, which is designed to let you use the iPhone as a webcam for your Mac. It supports Center Stage, Desk View (for showing off your desk), and Studio Light.
Handoff is now available for FaceTime so you can transfer calls between iPhone, iPad, and Mac at will, and Messages supports features for marking an iMessage as unread, unsending an iMessage, and marking as unread. SharePlay also now works in the Messages app.
The Mail app supports scheduling and undoing emails for up to 10 seconds after they're sent, and there are now Weather and Clock apps that are available on the Mac. System Preferences has been renamed System Settings, and it features an iOS-like design.
Safari supports Shared Tab Groups and Apple is working on Passkeys, a next-generation credential that replaces the password. There are updates to Spotlight, Photo Library has new features, and Metal 3 is included in macOS Ventura for better graphics in games.
For everything new in macOS Ventura, we have a dedicated roundup that goes through all of the features. macOS Ventura is set to see a public release later in October.
Google today announced that Android users will be able to add emoji reactions to SMS texts received from iPhone users in Google's Messages app. This feature and other improvements to the app will begin rolling out in the coming weeks.
Given that the Messages app on iOS lacks support for the Rich Communication Services (RCS) protocol, emoji reactions from Android users will appear as annoying follow-up SMS text messages on the iPhone, according to CNET. For example, the message will say something along the lines of "Joe reacted with Heart to 'let's go to the movies tonight.'"
Google's head of its Messages app Jan Jedrzejowicz told CNET that it will be up to Apple to decide whether or not to parse those texts into the appropriate Tapback reaction on the iPhone, similar to how Tapbacks now appear properly on Android.
The feature seems to be at least partly an attempt at Google encouraging Apple to support RCS on the iPhone, as this would eliminate the annoying follow-up SMS messages. Google launched a campaign earlier this year pushing for Apple to adopt RCS, but Apple CEO Tim Cook suggested the feature has not been highly requested by iPhone users.
We discuss the details of Apple's latest product announcements, including the more powerful Apple TV 4K with the A15 chip, and explore the significance of switching to USB-C on the Siri Remote. We weigh up features like the M2 chip and Apple Pencil hover that headline the new iPad Pro, and take a deep dive into where the 10th-generation iPad now sits in the lineup amid features like its landscape front-facing camera, range of vibrant color options, support for the Magic Keyboard Folio, and support for the first-generation Apple Pencil and the adapter required to charge it.
If you haven't already listened to the last episode of The MacRumors Show, be sure to catch up for a discussion about how Google's new Pixel Watch, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, and Pixel Tablet devices compare to Apple's offerings.
Amazon today has a few cellular stainless steel Apple Watch Series 8 models at a discount, headlined by a big $100 discount on the 45mm stainless steel Apple Watch Series 8 with Graphite Milanese Loop for $699.00, down from $799.00.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Only the Graphite is available at this discounted price, and it's in stock and sold by Amazon with a delivery estimate between October 23 and 25. To date, this is the lowest price we've ever seen on this model of the Apple Watch Series 8.
There are a few smaller discounts on the 41mm stainless steel Apple Watch Series 8, which is on sale for $659.00, down from $699.00. This one is available in a few colors and both the M/L and S/M band sizes have this deal. You can find the band size options below the color selection on Amazon.
As expected, Apple today confirmed in a press release that iOS 16.1 will be released on Monday, October 24 alongside iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura.
iOS 16.1 includes at least eight new features for iPhone users, such as iCloud Shared Photo Library and Live Activities support in third-party apps on the App Store, along with several bug fixes. Below, we have recapped everything new in iOS 16.1 and shared complete release notes for the update ahead of its release next week.
iCloud Shared Photo Library
iCloud Shared Photo Library makes it easier for you to share photos with your family members or friends in the Photos app. The feature will let you and up to five other people add, edit, or remove photos in a shared library accessible via iCloud.
Live Activities for Third-Party Apps
iOS 16.1 expands Live Activities to third-party apps in the App Store. The feature allows iPhone users to stay on top of real-time events, such as a sports game or a food delivery order, right on the Lock Screen or in the Dynamic Island.
Live Activities appear at the bottom of the Lock Screen on iPhone 13 models and earlier, as well as on the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus. On the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, Live Activities appear in the Dynamic Island when the device is unlocked, or on the Lock Screen when the device is locked or in always-on display mode.
Clean Energy Charging
iOS 16.1 includes a new Clean Energy Charging feature that Apple says "aims to decrease the carbon footprint of the iPhone by optimizing charging times for when the grid is using cleaner energy sources." The feature is available in the U.S. only.
Apple Fitness+ Without an Apple Watch
Apple Fitness+ is available to iPhone users without an Apple Watch starting with iOS 16.1, iPadOS 16.1, and tvOS 16.1. Without an Apple Watch, iPhone users will not see real-time metrics like heart rate and calories burned during a workout.
Launched in December 2020, Apple Fitness+ features a library of over 3,000 workout and meditation videos, with new content added weekly. The subscription-based service is available through the Fitness app on the iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV in 21 countries, with U.S. pricing set at $9.99 per month or $79.99 per year.
Matter Accessories in Home App
iOS 16.1 includes support for Matter, an upcoming connectivity standard that will enable compatible smart home accessories to work together seamlessly across multiple platforms, including Apple's HomeKit, Amazon's Alexa, and Google's Home.
Controlling Matter accessories with the Home app and Siri will require a HomePod, HomePod mini, Apple TV 4K, or Apple TV HD running as a home hub.
Apple Card Savings Account
Starting with iOS 16.1, Apple Card users will be able to open a new "high-yield" savings account from Goldman Sachs and have their Daily Cash cashback rewards automatically deposited into it, with no fees, no minimum deposits, and no minimum balance requirements. Users will be able to manage the savings account in the Wallet app.
Reachability Support for Dynamic Island
iOS 16.1 adds Reachability support for the Dynamic Island on iPhone 14 Pro models, making it easier to access with one hand.
Reachability is an optional feature that lowers the top half of the screen so it's within easy reach of your fingers. The feature can be enabled in the Settings app under Accessibility → Touch → Reachability. To use the feature, simply swipe down on the bottom edge of the screen. To return to a regular view, tap the upper half of the screen.
Key Sharing in Wallet App
iOS 16.1 allows you to securely share keys stored in the Wallet app for cars, hotel rooms, and more via messaging apps such as Messages and WhatsApp.
iOS 16.1 Release Notes
Apple's full release notes for iOS 16.1:
This update introduces iCloud Shared Photo Library making it easy to keep your family photos up to date. This release also adds support for third party apps in Live Activities, support for Apple Fitness+ on iPhone even if you don’t have an Apple Watch, and includes other features and bug fixes for your iPhone.
iCloud Shared Photo Library - Separate library for seamlessly sharing photos and videos with up to five other people - Setup rules allow you to easily contribute past photos based on start date or people in the photos when you set up or join a library - Library filters for quickly switching between viewing the Shared Library, your Personal Library, or both libraries together - Shared edits and permissions let everyone add, edit, favorite, caption, and delete photos - Sharing toggle in Camera lets you choose to send photos you take straight to the Shared Library, or enable a setting to share automatically when other participants are detected nearby using Bluetooth
Live Activities - Live Activities from third party apps are available in the Dynamic Island and on the Lock Screen for iPhone 14 Pro models
Fitness+ - Apple Fitness+ is supported on iPhone even if you don’t have an Apple Watch
Wallet - Key sharing enables you to securely share car, hotel room, and other keys in Wallet using messaging apps such as Messages and WhatsApp - Savings account enables Apple Card customers to grow their Daily Cash by depositing it in a high yield savings account
Home - Matter, the new smart home connectivity standard, is supported enabling a wide variety of smart home accessories to work together across ecosystems
Clean Energy Charging - New setting that can try to reduce your carbon footprint by selectively charging when lower carbon emission electricity is available
Books - Reader controls are automatically hidden as you start reading
This update also includes bug fixes for your iPhone: - Deleted conversations may appear in the conversations list in Messages - Dynamic Island content is not available when using Reachability - CarPlay may fail to connect when using a VPN app
iOS 16.1 should be released around 10 a.m. Pacific Time on Monday.
Verizon today has solid discounts on Apple's three MagSafe accessories: the MagSafe Charger, MagSafe Duo Charger, and MagSafe Battery Pack. Verizon offers free two-day shipping and free in-store pick-up for all orders, and you don't need to be a Verizon Wireless user to take advantage of these deals.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Verizon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
In total, you can save 25 percent on MagSafe chargers with this sale, and no coupon is required. You can get the MagSafe Charger for $29.99, down from $39.00. The MagSafe Duo Charger is down to $96.74, from $129.00; and the MagSafe Battery Pack is down to $74.24, from $99.00.
Verizon has been one of the only retailers to consistently discount these accessories over the past few months, as well as provide all-time low prices on them. In this regard, the MagSafe Battery Pack and MagSafe Duo Charger are at the best prices we've ever tracked, while the regular MagSafe Charger is just about $2 higher than its best-ever price, so it's still a solid deal.
The carrier also has steep markdowns on iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 cases this week, as low as $12.49 for official Apple Silicone Cases. Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
After months of rumors and leaks, Apple this week finally released the new M2iPad Pro through a press release on its website. As expected, the new iPad Pro is powered by the M2 chip, as rumors predicted.
Other rumors, however, did not turn out to be true, and we’ve rounded up a few of those incorrect rumors below.
MagSafe and Reverse Wireless Charging
One of the most prominent iPad Pro rumors was that the upcoming models would include some form of MagSafe and reverse wireless charging capabilities. Rumors suggested that the iPad Pro would adopt a glass back that would allow users to place an iPhone or AirPods on the back of the iPad Pro to charge it while adopting some form of new MagSafe system for the iPad itself.
Evolving rumors had indicated that Apple prototyped multiple designs and could scrap the all-glass back, but a more feasible rumor of a glass Apple logo to accommodate wireless charging also failed to come true.
New Four-Pin Connector
A rumor suggested that the upcoming iPad Pro models would feature a new four-pin connector alongside the existing three-pin connector in the high-end iPads. The rumor suggested that the new four-pin connection would be used to support a wider variety of accessories with a higher throughput of power.
The rumor did not ultimately come true, with the latest sixth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro and fifth-generation 11-inch iPad Pro featuring the same three-pin connector as before.
Landscape FaceTime Camera
With the 10th-generation iPad, Apple has placed the front FaceTime camera on a long edge of the iPad’s bezel for the first time, giving the iPad a landscape front camera. One rumor suggested that Apple would bring the same landscape FaceTime camera to the iPad Pro, as well as a landscape Apple logo in the back, meant to present the iPad's default orientation as landscape and not portrait.
Apple's decision to bring a landscape FaceTime camera to the entry-level iPad in the same update cycle as the iPad Pro, while not bringing it to the iPad Pro, is sure to be intriguing for some customers.
Conclusion
While these rumored features and changes did not happen with the latest iPad Pros, that's not to say they'll never come true since we may see some of the features in future iPad Pro models. The latest M2 iPad Pro became available for pre-order earlier this week and will begin arriving to customers on Wednesday, October 26.
Apple this week expanded the iPad lineup with a new 10th-generation entry-level iPad, a new keyboard, and possibly confusing compatibility with older accessories. The new iPad, for example, does not support the second-generation Apple Pencil or the Magic Keyboard but is supported by a new "Magic Keyboard Folio" and the first-generation Apple Pencil.
To help make it clear which accessories from Apple are supported by which iPad, we've created this guide below, organized by each iPad model currently offered in Apple's lineup and which accessories they support. The accessories listed below are considered "iPad Essentials" by Apple.
The addition of the new 10th-generation iPad means the iPad lineup is the largest it's been in recent memory and potentially confusing for customers. Price-wise, the new iPad joins the lineup right before the iPad Air at a starting price of $449. The ninth-generation iPad remains in the lineup at $329.
Compared to the iPad Air, the new entry-level iPad does not feature a laminated display or an anti-reflective coating, lacks support for the second-generation Apple Pencil and is powered by the A14 Bionic chip. Pre-orders for the new entry-level iPad and the new iPad Pro, now featuring the M2 Apple silicon chip, began earlier this week and will begin arriving to customers on Wednesday, October 26.
Apple has moved to cut back iPhone 14 Plus orders with supply chain partners after unexpectedly sluggish sales less than two weeks after the model launched, reports DigiTimes.
According to the report, several supply chain makers and channel operators have confirmed that they received notification from Apple to cut iPhone 14 Plus production by around 40 percent. Apple is believed to be shifting production away from the non-Pro models to make more iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max devices, as suggested by increased component shipments.
Despite better iPhone 14 Plus sales in China compared to last year's iPhone 13 mini, shipments in other markets have been flat, which has caused Apple to adjust shipment ratios for the different iPhone 14 models. As a result, DigiTimes' sources indicated that total shipments of the iPhone 14 Plus will likely be revised downward to around 10 million units for 2022.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently said that Apple's product segmentation strategy for standard models has failed this year, following worse iPhone 14 Plus pre-order results than the third-generation iPhone SE and the iPhone 13 mini. Apple is believed to have shelved plans to increase production of both the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus in response.
Despite the drop in orders, related shipment ratio adjustments will mean that total iPhone 14 series shipments in 2022 will likely maintain at 85-90 million units, according to today's report.
Windows PC maker HP appears to believe that "the perfect laptop" is one that runs macOS — at least according to an ad the company promoted on Reddit. The ad shows an HP laptop with a macOS screenshot in what is clearly a Photoshop job gone wrong.
"For the digital nomads and work from anywhere-but-home types (yeah, we see you), HP has perfect laptops for wherever you're working from," the ad says. The macOS screenshot shows a Gmail inbox in Chrome, with an Apple logo visible in the menu bar.
Apple's licensing agreements do not permit macOS to be run on PCs, but there is a Hackintosh community of users who unofficially install macOS on PCs. Apple did allow its System 7 operating system to be licensed to other computer vendors in the mid-1990s, but the program was discontinued by Steve Jobs when he returned to the company.
Apple today released a new update for Safari Technology Preview, the experimental browser Apple first introduced in March 2016. Apple designed the Safari Technology Preview to test features that may be introduced into future release versions of Safari.
Safari Technology Preview release 156 includes bug fixes and performance improvements for Web Inspector, CSS, JavaScript, Rendering, Media, Web Animations, Accessibility, Web API, and Safari Extensions.
The current Safari Technology Preview release is built on the Safari 16 update and it includes support macOS Ventura fdatures like Live Text, Passkeys, Web Extension improvements, and more.
Apple's aim with Safari Technology Preview is to gather feedback from developers and users on its browser development process. Safari Technology Preview can run side-by-side with the existing Safari browser and while designed for developers, it does not require a developer account to download.
Intel today previewed the next generation of Thunderbolt, which would enable ultra-fast data transfer speeds and improved external display support on future Macs that incorporate the standard when it launches in 2023 or later.
The next generation of Thunderbolt will deliver up to 80 Gbps of bandwidth in each direction, allowing for up to 2× faster data transfer speeds between future Macs and external storage drives that support the standard compared to current speeds. The next generation of Thunderbolt will also have a mode that allows for up to 120 Gbps bandwidth for external displays, which would allow a Mac to support up to dual 8K displays at 60Hz.
The latest 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models are equipped with Thunderbolt 4/USB4 ports with up to 40 Gbps of bandwidth in each direction.
Currently, no Macs support 8K displays on a plug-and-play basis. The latest 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models support up to two or three external displays at up to 6K@60Hz depending on whether the laptop is configured with the M1 Pro or M1 Max chip.
The next generation of Thunderbolt is based on the newly released USB4 version 2.0 and DisplayPort 2.1 specifications, and it is backwards compatible with previous versions of Thunderbolt, USB, and DisplayPort. Intel plans to share more details about the next generation of Thunderbolt's official name, features, and capabilities in 2023.
The third-generation Apple TV 4K announced this week is a relatively minor update, but the device still has at least 10 new features and changes. We've recapped everything new with the latest Apple TV below for those looking for a quick overview.
What's new with the latest Apple TV:
A15 Bionic chip: The new Apple TV is equipped with the A15 Bionic chip for up to 50% faster performance than the previous model with the A12 Bionic chip. Apple says this results in improved responsiveness and faster navigation. Apple adds that graphics performance is up to 30% faster for smoother gaming.
4GB of RAM: The new Apple TV is equipped with 4GB of RAM, compared to 3GB in the previous model, for improved responsiveness.
128GB storage option: The new Apple TV is available with up to 128GB of storage, compared to a max of 64GB for the previous model.
HDR10+ support: In addition to Dolby Vision, the new Apple TV now supports HDR10+ content in supported apps.
Siri Remote with USB-C port: The new Siri Remote is equipped with a USB-C port instead of Lightning for charging.
Thinner and lighter design: Apple says the A15 Bionic chip's increased power efficiency allowed for the internal fan to be removed in the new Apple TV, resulting in the device having a more compact design that is around 12% thinner and around 50% lighter than the previous model.
No more "TV" branding on top: The new Apple TV no longer has "TV" imprinted on the top of the device and instead simply has a centered Apple logo.
Lower pricing: The new Apple TV starts at $129 with 64GB of storage, while the previous model started at $179 with 32GB of storage. While you need to spend $149 to get an Ethernet port, Thread support, and 128GB of storage, that's still cheaper than any of last year's models.
No charging cable in the box: The new Apple TV ships without a charging cable in the box for the Siri Remote, except in Brazil. Apple sells a new woven USB-C cable separately for $19.
It's been more than a month since we last saw a notable discount on the AirPods Max, but today Amazon has the headphones for $449.99, down from $549.00. This is still one of the best deals we've seen in 2022 on the AirPods Max, and overall it's a second-best price.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Silver, Sky Blue, and Space Gray are available at $449.99, and you won't find this deal anywhere other than Amazon. There is no coupon needed this time around, as the discount has been automatically applied.
We track sales for every model of the AirPods in our Best AirPods Deals guide, so be sure to bookmark that page while you shop around for the wireless headphones.
The launch of a new iPad Pro and entry-level iPad means that Apple's iPad lineup is the largest it has been in recent memory. The wide range of choices, inconsistent features, and confusing compatibility with accessories may be a source of confusion for customers looking for a new iPad.
One of the newest additions to the iPad lineup is the 10th-generation entry-level iPad. Compared to the ninth-generation model, which remains in the lineup at a lower starting price, it's a major update featuring a new design and a USB-C port. The new iPad, however, is eerily similar to the fifth-generation iPad Air.
Both the latest iPad Air and entry-level iPad have the same full-screen design with no Home Button, a Touch ID sensor embedded in the Power button, a 10.9-inch display, a single camera system, and support for 5G. The two iPads are extremely similar, with the only difference being the lack of support for the second-generation Apple Pencil on the entry-level iPad, minor changes in the displays, and the chip.
The latest iPad Air has the M1 Apple silicon chip, while the new entry-level iPad is powered by the A14 Bionic chip. While the M1 chip is more powerful than the A14 Bionic, customers are unlikely to see major differences in day-to-day use. With iPadOS 16, however, there are some ways the M1 chip will enable newer experiences not available on the entry-level iPad, most notably Stage Manager.
The 10th-generation iPad does not support the second-generation Apple Pencil, meaning it only works with the original stylus. The first-generation Apple Pencil requires a Lightning port in order to charge, unlike the newer model which charges magnetically. Since the new iPad has a USB-C port, customers will have to purchase an adapter to charge their first-generation Apple Pencil on their iPad. Design-wise, the new iPad is the first to feature a landscape FaceTime camera.
Other than the iPad Air and entry-level iPad, customers can still choose the ninth-generation baseline iPad as an option. The ninth-generation iPad features a Home Button, a smaller 10.2-inch display, the A13 Bionic chip, and a Lightning connector. Between the three iPad models, customers are left to choose between differences in performance, design, and compatibility for Apple Pencil.
At the higher end of the lineup, customers can choose the new iPad Pro, now powered by the M2 Apple silicon chip. The iPad Pro is offered in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes and is the only iPad model with advanced features like ProMotion, a LiDAR scanner, a USB‑C connector with support for Thunderbolt, and Face ID. The iPad mini is also an option for customers who solely want the smallest and most portable iPad possible.
Apple yesterday announced the new iPad Pro, and naturally this means previous generation models have begun hitting record low prices. On Amazon, you can find $200 off nearly every 12.9-inch model of the 2021 iPad Pro, with the sole exception of 2TB configurations.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
These sales are only available on Amazon, and as of now only the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is seeing notable discounts. Anyone okay with owning a previous generation model will be able to find solid deals among the price drops, which start at $899.00 for 128GB Wi-Fi.
12.9-inch iPad Pro (2021)
128GB Wi-Fi - $899.00, down from $1,099.00 ($200 off, all-time low)
256GB Wi-Fi - $999.00, down from $1,199.00 ($200 off)
512GB Wi-Fi - $1,199.00, down from $1,399.00 ($200 off, all-time low)
1TB Wi-Fi - $1,599.00, down from $1,799.00 ($200 off, all-time low)
128GB cellular - $1,099.00, down from $1,299.00 ($200 off, all-time low)
256GB cellular - $1,199.00, down from $1,399.00 ($200 off, all-time low)
512GB cellular - $1,399.00, down from $1,599.00 ($200 off, all-time low)
1TB cellular - $1,599.00, down from $1,799.00 ($200 off, all-time low)
The 2021 and 2022 iPad Pro models have a lot in common, with the typical performance enhancements coming to the latest models thanks to Apple's M2 chip. We've broken down all of the pros and cons to each iPad Pro in our Buyer's Guide, perfect for anyone trying to figure out if they should upgrade to the newest iPad Pro.
Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
The new iPad Pro has now replaced the previous model from 2021 in Apple's tablet lineup, but how different are the two successive iPad Pro generations?
In April 2021, Apple unveiled new iPad Pro models, adding the M1 chip, a Thunderbolt port, 8GB or 16GB of RAM, up to 2TB of storage, an upgraded front-facing camera with Center Stage, Smart HDR 3, and extended dynamic range video, as well as a mini-LED display on the 12.9-inch model. These iPad Pro models have now been discontinued by Apple and prices for the devices at third-party resellers are falling. As such, some customers may be weighing up whether to buy the 2021 iPad Pro or the new, 2022 models.
The iPad Pros from 2021 and 2022 share the overwhelming majority of their features, so should you consider buying or sticking with the older model to save money? This breakdown also serves as a way to clearly see all the differences that the new iPad Pro brings to the table.
iPad Pro 2021
M1 chip with 8-core, 3.2GHz CPU and 8-core GPU
68.25GB/s memory bandwidth
Neural Engine
Media engine for hardware-accelerated H.264 and HEVC
Most of the advantages of the new iPad Pro come from the M2 chip, which offers a 15 percent faster CPU and a 35 percent faster GPU. The chip's 16-core Neural Engine can process 40 percent more operations per second, while offering almost double the memory bandwidth to aid multitasking and working with large assets. With a new media engine, the iPad Pro can capture ProRes video for the first time, and encode the footage up to three times faster. While this may be beneficial to some users, very few people have professional workflows that can take advantage of the iPad Pro's power and most prospective customers do not need more than the 2021 model's M1 chip.
Apple Pencil hover provides a new way to interact with the iPad Pro, with the pencil being detected up to 12mm above the display, allowing users to see a preview of their mark before they make it. This makes sketching and illustrating more precise, and text fields and icons automatically expand below the Apple Pencil. While this is likely to be useful to illustrators and Apple Pencil fans, it is unlikely to be a major motivation to buy the latest model.
Overall, the 2022 iPad Pro is a very minor upgrade over the 2021 model, with the M2 chip and Apple Pencil hover being the only significant changes, meaning that it is difficult to recommend upgrading. Many 2021 iPad Pro users will likely not be able to justify upgrading to the latest model, but some customers coming from an older version of the iPad Pro could still have good reason to preference the latest models, especially those who need maximum performance and use the Apple Pencil for note taking and illustration heavily. The two iPad Pro models are very similar, so customers who have an older iPad and are looking for an upgrade may prefer to look for a discounted 2021 model.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Verizon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
