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iPad Pro 2018: Feast your eyes on Apple's big iPad update

It's a big one.

Jessica Dolcourt
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Jessica Dolcourt
iPad Pro 2018
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Apple's iPad Pro for 2018 is a humdinger of an update to Apple's line of iPads. 

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The iPad Pro for 2018 comes in two sizes -- 11 inches and 12.9 inches. 

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It has rounded corners and is made of aluminum.

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The back is home to a 12-megapixel camera.

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New to the 2018 iPad Pro: Face ID replaces the home button.

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The iPad Pro is packed with new tools, and 102 magnets that help accessories snap into place.

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Here's one of those accessories, the second-generation Apple Pencil. (More on this soon.)

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This year's model is also thinner, with slimmer bezels.

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Here's a comparison.

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USB-C will also charge your iPhone through an adapter dongle.

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There's a 7-megapixel camera for Face ID, FaceTime and, of course, selfies on the front. With iOS 12.1, you can FaceTime with up to 32 people.

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The profile is 0.23-inch thin, compared to 0.27-inch on the 2017 model.

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You can see the speakers and connector ports in these shots.

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Importantly, Apple's proprietary Lightning port gets the heave-ho in favor of USB-C.

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The USB-C standard means that the iPad Pro 2018 will be able to easily connect to other devices. 

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Here are some shots with the second-generation Apple Pencil, followed by the Smart Folio Keyboard -- you can use them both in tandem.

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Inside, it runs on an A12X Bionic chip. Apple says it's faster than 92 percent of the world's computers.

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The Face ID face unlock system carries over from the iPhone and so do new features for gesture navigation.

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Split screen mode shows two apps, or panels within the same app, side by side.

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Here's another look.

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Apple says the iPad Pro's CPU architecture makes it 35 percent faster than last year's model.

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The Retina display holds steady at 246 pixels per inch. This is just as sharp as the iPad Pro for 2017, but no more so.

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Apple compares the 2018 iPad Pro to a standard 8.5-by-11-inch sheet of paper.

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Photo-editing tools support the 12-megapixel camera (same as last year's).

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The 11-inch model weighs just over a pound.

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A new USB-C connector means you can charge your iPhone from the iPad Pro.

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Support for the Apple Pencil, especially the second-generation Apple Pencil, is a big selling point for professional users. You can tap the screen to wake the iPad Pro and launch the Notes app.

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The Apple Pencil for 2018 connects magnetically to the front or back, and charges continuously.

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There's also the Smart Keyboard Folio, which magnetically clicks into place.

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You buy both accessories separately.

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You'll have your choice between Wi-Fi or LTE-enabled iPads for connectivity.

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Multiple storage configurations are available, including 64GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.

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Apple has been working with app makers to take advantage of the iPad's shape and size.

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There are games like this Assassin's Creed title running on the iPad Pro with a high level of detail.

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Games can run at 120fps, Apple promises.

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Photoshop for the iPad Pro 2018 uses the company's fully leaded Photoshop engine, not a modified, lighter version.

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The iPad Pro 2018 starts at $800, but depending on the screen size, configuration, and connectivity model, can balloon to $1,900.

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Apple will still sell you last year's 10.5-inch iPad Pro.

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Still didn't get enough? Here are even more iPad Pro shots.

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You can buy the iPad Pro now for a Nov. 7 delivery date. Read all about the iPad Pro 2018.

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