Apple launches Pencil Pro and new Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro
Apple, at its launch event yesterday, unveiled not just the new iPad Pro and iPad Air models, but also two new accessories that should elevate the experience for professional iPad users. The Pencil Pro is a feature-laden stylus compatible with the new M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air models, while the new Magic Keyboard steps up the laptop-like experience for the M4 iPad Pro.
Apple Pencil Pro
As revealed by the rumours leading up to the event, the Pencil Pro features haptic feedback and two new input gestures. Squeezing the Pencil Pro can bring up a palette to switch drawing tools or change settings, while 'barrel roll' offers precise control of an angled or shaped pen/brush tool, as with a calligraphy pen. The haptic engine provides the much-needed feedback for squeeze or double-tap gestures.
Another new and rather handy feature, introduced for the first time to the Apple Pencil, is support for the Find My app. Other aspects, such as pressure sensitivity and wireless pairing and charging from the iPad remain the same. Apple also mentioned that new developer tools are available to customise the functionality of the Pencil Pro’s gestures and haptics.
The Pencil Pro is priced at $129. Meanwhile the older 2nd gen Apple Pencil has been discounted to $79 and remains a cheaper option, plus one that's compatible with older iPads (i.e. any model that wasn't launched at yesterday's event).
Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro M4
The new Magic Keyboard is a definitive step towards a more laptop-like experience on the iPad Pro. The addition of a row of function keys puts some useful shortcuts, such as brightness, volume and playback controls, at one’s fingertips, just like on a MacBook. It also now has a larger glass trackpad with haptic feedback and, consequently, a larger palm-rest area.
It maintains the same overall design, with a floating cantilever that allows the viewing angle to be adjusted, and a USB-C port for pass-through charging. The new Magic Keyboard is priced at $299 for the 11-inch version and $349 for the 13-inch one, and is available in black and white.
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Apple
