Released over a decade ago, the second generation iPad Pro marked a significant evolution in Apple’s tablet lineup, refining the design established by its predecessor while introducing meaningful technical upgrades. This device targeted professionals and creatives who demanded more processing power and a more immersive display experience from their mobile hardware.
Design and Physical Specifications
At first glance, the most notable change was the removal of the large Home button, allowing for a nearly full-screen display that stretched to the edges of the chassis. The device adopted a more industrial aesthetic with a flat metal back, replacing the previous curved design which often gathered fingerprints. These dimensional adjustments were not merely cosmetic; they were part of a strategy to improve grip comfort and facilitate the attachment of the first-generation Smart Keyboard.
Display and Visual Enhancements
Display technology took a major leap forward with the introduction of the ProMotion technology, a term Apple coined to describe its adaptive refresh rate system. While the exact technical terminology might be complex to the average consumer, the result was immediately apparent in the smoothness of scrolling and responsiveness of the interface. The 12.9-inch variant also introduced True Tone technology, which adjusts the color temperature of the screen based on ambient lighting conditions to reduce eye strain during extended use.
Performance and Technical Specifications
Under the hood, the transition to the A10X Fusion chip was a dramatic performance boost that positioned the device as one of the most powerful consumer electronics of its time. This processor enabled 4K video editing and complex 3D rendering directly on the device, blurring the lines between tablet and desktop workstations. For users engaged in graphic design or music production, this processing power eliminated the need to tether to a laptop for intensive tasks.
Connectivity and Accessories
The second generation iPad Pro was the first iPad to utilize the USB-C connector, a move that aligned the device with modern MacBooks and external hardware standards. This change dramatically increased data transfer speeds and allowed for the connection to high-resolution external displays, a critical feature for the target demographic of video editors and developers. The introduction of native Apple Pencil support, while limited to the 9.7-inch variant in this specific generation cycle, set the stage for the device’s future as a creative tool.
Release Timeline and Market Strategy
Understanding the release date context helps explain the device's market positioning. The second generation iPad Pro was announced in June 2017 and made available to consumers in late November of that year. This staggered timeline allowed Apple to manage supply chains effectively while building anticipation during the holiday shopping season, ensuring the device was a key player in the premium tablet market well into the following year.
Legacy and User Experience
While subsequent models have since surpassed its hardware capabilities, the second generation iPad Pro remains a pivotal device in the ecosystem. It successfully converted many skeptics who viewed tablets as consumption-only devices, proving they could serve as primary work computers. The software optimizations for split-screen multitasking and external drive support created a user experience that felt remarkably like a traditional computer, albeit one that fit in a sleeve.
