Apple iPad and iPad Pro 2022 releases now available

Apple has launch updated versions of both the affordable iPad, now in its 10th generation, as well as an upgrade to the premium iPad Pro available in 12.9" and 11" screen sizes.

The new iPad features a bigger than usual upgrade to a range of specifications, including a slightly larger 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, an A14 Bionic chip, upgraded camera lenses, a WiFi 6 upgrade and 5G support, and a new Magic Keyboard Folio for on-the-go productivity.

Alongside this release, Apple have also upgraded their premium iPad Pro tablets, with the biggest changes seeing an M2 chip upgrade, an Apple Pencil 'hover' feature, and upgraded connectivity to the WiFi 6E protocol and 5G mobile data.

Credit: Farknot Architect/Shutterstock.com

Apple iPad 10th generation: What's new?

Apple's new iPad is available in a range of bright colours for the first time, including silver, pink, blue and yellow. It costs from £499 new, but is also available with a range of mobile data contracts to spread the cost.

It's available in both WiFi-only and WiFi & Cellular options, and supports both the latest WiFi 6 (802.11ax) protocol, as well as 5G for the first time.

Notably, Apple have given way to pressure from the EU and have replaced their proprietary Lighting connector for a USB-C charging port for the first time too.

Here are specifications of the iPad 10th against the iPad 9th and 8th generation devices.

Apple's latest iPad shows some significant upgrades over the previous 9th generation device, including a high-quality screen, improved front and rear cameras, and a new optional Magic Keyboard Folio to enhanced productivity when using the iPad for work and study activities.

Overall, this latest update provides a few solid reasons to upgrade from an older iPad device to this latest model.

Apple iPad Pro 2022: What's new?

Apple's flagship tablet, the iPad Pro, has also been released for sale from 26th October, and like the iPad, has also seen some major advancements in a number of areas.

The 2022 iPad Pro is available in two sizes: 12.9" and 11". Both devices are pretty similar, with the same upgrades to the processor chip, camera, WiFi protocol and 5G connectivity.

Outright prices are high though, with the larger device costing from £1249 new, and the slightly smaller 11" iPad Pro costing from £899 new.

Where the 12.9" and 11" devices differ is really just in minor differences to the screen size and display quality, with the larger iPad Pro 12.9" boosting XDR brightness of 1,000 nits full screen, and 1,600 nits viewing HDR content only.

The resolution of the larger iPad Pro is also slightly bigger at 2732x2048 at 264ppi, compared to the 11" device's 2388x1668 at 264 ppi resolution.

Otherwise however, the devices are very similar, and people wanting the slightly smaller device are unlikely to feel they've missed out on much.

The biggest upgrade from the previous iPad Pro is the inclusion of the brand new M2 chip, up from the M1. The new M2 chip delivers an 8-core CPU for up to 15 times faster performance, and a 10-core GPU for up to 35% faster graphics.

Here's a full list of the specifications of the iPad Pro 2022 models against the previous iPad Pro 2021.

As you can see, while there have been some improvements, the latest iPad Pro is still very similar to its predecessor, making an upgrade from a recently purchased iPad Pro questionable.

Anyone who doesn't have a recent iPad Pro from the last few years however, will benefit from the latest releases' advancements into WiFi 6 and 5G connectively, upgraded cameras, as well as ultra-fast processing, immersive display quality, and huge storage capacity for photos and videos.

Costs for the iPad (10th gen) and iPad Pro 2022

The Apple iPad 10th generation, and iPad Pro 2022 tablet devices are on general sale as of today, Wednesday 26th October.

Customers can choose to purchase the devices outright through outlets including Amazon, as well as Apple directly, or they can choose to spread the cost of the device and include a monthly data plan with one of the UK's mobile networks.

Note that while all of the tablets will connect to a home's wireless network for Internet activity, the cellular devices need an additional mobile data contract to work away from a WiFi network.

The latest Apple tablets are currently available with Vodafone, O2, and EE. These plans include both the cost of the device spread over a contract period, as well as included data so it's easier to use the iPad away from home without losing Internet access.

*Plans unlinked after 24 months | £13.75 Device + £21.00 Airtime.
**Plans unlinked after 24 months | £29.25 Device + £21.00 Airtime.