Apple, new iPad Pro with M2 chip

Apple has once again raised the bar in the tablet market with the announcement of its latest iPad Pro, powered by the cutting-edge M2 chip. Unveiled on May 13, 2025, this new iteration promises to deliver unprecedented performance, blending laptop-grade power with the portability of a tablet. As the tech world buzzes with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and hardware innovation, Apple’s latest offering positions itself at the forefront of productivity and creative tools, catering to professionals and enthusiasts alike.

The Power of M2: Performance Redefined

The heart of the new iPad Pro is Apple’s M2 chip, a successor to the M1 that debuted in 2021. The M2 boasts an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, offering up to 15% faster CPU performance and 35% faster graphics compared to its predecessor. This leap in processing power is designed to handle intensive tasks such as 4K video editing, 3D rendering, and augmented reality (AR) applications with ease. Apple claims the M2 chip also improves energy efficiency, extending battery life for all-day usage—a critical feature for professionals on the go.

Beyond raw power, the M2 chip integrates a 16-core Neural Engine, capable of 15.8 trillion operations per second, a 40% increase over the M1. This enhancement is particularly significant in the context of AI-driven features, such as on-device machine learning for photo editing and voice recognition. With AI becoming a cornerstone of modern technology, as highlighted by recent discussions on its impact on human dignity by Pope Leo XIV [1], Apple’s focus on neural processing underscores the growing intersection of hardware and intelligent software.

Design and Display: Evolutionary Refinement

While the design of the new iPad Pro retains the sleek, minimalist aesthetic of its predecessors, Apple has introduced subtle refinements. Available in 11-inch and 12.9-inch models, the device features a Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology, supporting a 120Hz refresh rate for buttery-smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The mini-LED technology on the larger model pushes brightness to 1,600 nits for HDR content, making it ideal for creators working in varied lighting conditions.

The iPad Pro also supports the second-generation Apple Pencil with hover functionality, allowing users to preview actions before committing—a boon for digital artists and note-takers. Additionally, the device’s compatibility with the Magic Keyboard reinforces its positioning as a laptop replacement, a trend that aligns with the industry’s push toward versatile, hybrid devices as reported by VentureBeat in their coverage of AI-driven hardware innovations [2].

Software Synergy: iPadOS 16 and Beyond

Running on iPadOS 16, the new iPad Pro introduces enhanced multitasking capabilities, including Stage Manager, which allows users to overlap and resize app windows for a desktop-like experience. This feature, combined with the M2’s raw power, targets professionals who require seamless transitions between applications. Apple also emphasized improved external display support, enabling resolutions up to 6K—a clear nod to creative industries where multiple screens are often essential.

Moreover, iPadOS 16 integrates advanced AI features, such as real-time text recognition in videos and smarter Siri responses, leveraging the M2’s Neural Engine. As AI continues to reshape workflows—evidenced by studies like Duke University’s findings on workers’ perceptions of AI use [3]—Apple’s integration of these technologies into consumer devices signals a broader trend toward embedding intelligence in everyday tools.

Industry Context: Competing in a Rapidly Evolving Landscape

Apple’s launch comes at a time when the tech industry is grappling with rapid advancements in AI and hardware. Companies like Siemens and SiLC Technologies are pushing boundaries in industrial automation and laser scanning [4][5], while OpenAI and Microsoft advocate for collaborative AI development on a global scale [6]. Against this backdrop, the iPad Pro with M2 chip stands out as a consumer-focused innovation that bridges personal productivity with professional-grade performance.

Analysts note that Apple’s timing is strategic. “With AI workloads becoming mainstream, from content creation to data analysis, devices like the iPad Pro are no longer just tablets—they’re platforms for next-gen computing,” said tech industry expert Sarah Lin of TechInsights in an interview on May 12, 2025. “Apple is clearly aiming to capture the growing market of hybrid workers who need power and portability.” This perspective aligns with recent reports from The Verge on the increasing demand for versatile hardware in tech [7].

Pricing and Availability: Premium Power at a Premium Price

The new iPad Pro starts at $799 for the 11-inch model and $1,099 for the 12.9-inch version, with configurations reaching up to 2TB of storage. Pre-orders began on May 13, 2025, with shipping expected to commence the following week. While the price point remains in the premium segment, Apple’s focus on durability—boasting a 100% recycled aluminum enclosure—and long-term software support may justify the investment for many users.

However, the cost could be a barrier in a market increasingly sensitive to economic pressures. As noted in recent coverage by Ars Technica, the growing power demands of AI and tech innovations are straining resources [8], potentially impacting consumer spending on high-end devices like the iPad Pro.

Looking Ahead: Implications for the Future of Tablets

The release of the iPad Pro with M2 chip is more than a hardware upgrade; it’s a statement of intent from Apple to redefine what tablets can achieve. As AI and machine learning continue to permeate every facet of technology—from industrial automation to personal devices—the iPad Pro positions itself as a tool for creators, developers, and professionals navigating this new landscape. Its ability to handle complex workloads while maintaining portability could accelerate the shift away from traditional laptops, a trend already gaining traction in hybrid work environments.

Yet, challenges remain. The broader tech industry faces scrutiny over AI’s societal impact, with leaders like Pope Leo XIV warning of threats to human dignity [1], and studies highlighting workplace stigma around AI adoption [3]. Apple will need to balance innovation with ethical considerations, ensuring that devices like the iPad Pro empower users without exacerbating these concerns.

As we move deeper into 2025, the iPad Pro with M2 chip serves as a benchmark for what’s possible in personal computing. Whether it will inspire competitors to follow suit or carve out a unique niche remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Apple is betting big on a future where power, portability, and intelligence converge in the palm of your hand.

References

1. Ars Technica: New pope chose his name based on AI’s threats to “human dignity” (May 13, 2025)
2. VentureBeat: Siemens Introduces AI Agents for Industrial Automation (May 13, 2025)
3. Ars Technica: New Duke study says workers judge others for AI use—and hide its use, fearing stigma (May 13, 2025)
4. VentureBeat: SiLC Technologies Unveils First Public Demonstration of Revolutionary Class 1 Laser Line Scanner at Automate 2025 (May 13, 2025)
5. VentureBeat: OpenAI, Microsoft tell Senate ‘no one country can win AI’ (May 13, 2025)
6. The Verge: The latest tech news about the world’s best (and sometimes worst) hardware, apps, and much more (May 13, 2025)
7. Ars Technica: Without renewables, it’s nearly impossible to meet growing power demand from AI (May 13, 2025)
8. VentureBeat: How The Ottawa Hospital uses AI ambient voice capture to reduce physician burnout by 70%, achieve 97% patient satisfaction (May 13, 2025)