Apple's iPad Pro lineup has long been synonymous with cutting-edge display technology, and the latest unveiling of the 11-inch and 13-inch models marks another significant milestone. With the introduction of Ultra Retina XDR OLED screens, Apple continues to redefine visual excellence on its flagship tablets.
For the past six years, the iPad Pro has been the undisputed champion of tablet displays. Apple has consistently pushed the envelope, introducing groundbreaking technologies like ProMotion and miniLED backlighting. Now, with the unveiling of the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models, the crown jewel is undoubtedly the all-new Ultra Retina XDR display. But how does it stack up against its predecessors? Let's embark on a journey through the evolution of iPad Pro displays.
This exploration will delve into the last three generations of display tech on the larger iPad Pro. We'll start with the 2018 model's Liquid Retina display, then move on to the 2021 iteration featuring the Liquid Retina XDR with miniLED backlighting, and finally, arrive at the pinnacle - the 2024 13-inch iPad Pro boasting the revolutionary Ultra Retina XDR display.
While Apple's display nomenclature might seem whimsical, there's a clear distinction in the underlying technology and user experience. Core features like 120Hz ProMotion refresh rates, P3 wide color gamut, and True Tone color adjustments have remained consistent. However, the most significant change lies in how pixels illuminate the screen.
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Let's unpack the terminology. "Liquid" in Liquid Retina refers to the IPS panel technology. XDR stands for "extended dynamic range," highlighting the display's exceptional contrast ratio achieved through the miniLED backlight in the previous generation.
The newest "Ultra" designation signifies the introduction of tandem OLED technology. This innovative approach stacks two OLED panels, enabling a sustained peak brightness of 1,000 nits for both SDR and HDR content.
A side-by-side comparison with the prior displays reveals a striking difference - bloom. Or rather, the lack of it. The miniLED backlight significantly reduced bloom, but it couldn't entirely eliminate it. Certain sections of the backlight had to illuminate even when a single pixel displayed white against a black background.
This issue is a thing of the past with OLED. Each pixel acts as its own light source, delivering perfect blacks when turned off. The shift to OLED represents the most substantial upgrade for the 13-inch iPad Pro, but there's more to the story.
## Comparing Generations: Liquid Retina to Ultra Retina
Over the years, the iPad Pro has seen a remarkable evolution in display technology. From the Liquid Retina display of 2018 to the Liquid Retina XDR display with miniLED backlighting in 2021, each generation has brought notable advancements. Now, with the transition to Ultra Retina XDR OLED screens, users can expect unparalleled clarity and vibrancy.
In addition to the groundbreaking display technology, the 13-inch iPad Pro introduces a host of enhancements and accessories. From a slight increase in screen size to the option for Nano Texture technology, Apple leaves no stone unturned in delivering a premium tablet experience. With the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard, users can unlock new levels of productivity and creativity.
Eagle-eyed viewers might notice a subtle increase in display size compared to marketing materials that advertise a 13-inch display. While Apple hasn't explicitly confirmed this, the specifications reveal an additional 20 pixels vertically and 16 pixels horizontally. This suggests a slight physical size increase to justify the "13-inch" moniker.
The final noteworthy upgrade for the 13-inch iPad Pro is an optional one. Customers opting for the 1TB or 2TB models can choose to add Nano Texture for an additional $100. This unique etching process minimizes screen reflectivity, making the iPad Pro significantly more usable in bright environments and outdoors.
While not directly related to the display, Apple also introduced the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard alongside the new iPad Pro. Existing Apple Pencil 2 users will need to upgrade to the new Apple Pencil with USB-C for compatibility with the 13-inch model.
Pre-orders are now open, with in-store availability starting on May 15th. The 13-inch iPad Pro starts at a base price of $1,299 and can reach a maximum price point of $2,599 without factoring in additional accessories.
