New iPad Pro: Apple releases tablet with 3D scanner and trackpad alongside updated MacBook Air

(Apple)

Apple has launched a new iPad Pro that includes a 3D scanner and a trackpad, alongside an update MacBook Air.

The trackpad represents an entirely new way of interacting with the tablet, which has until now required people to tap around the screen to navigate through menus.

The new iPad Pro also includes a much improved "A12Z Bionic" chip, which Apple says makes it more powerful than most Windows PC laptops, an ultra-wide camera like that on the latest generation of iPhones, and what Apple claims are "studio-quality" mics.

The new iPad Pro came alongside an updated MacBook Air that most notably includes the new Magic Keyboard that arrived on its 16-inch MacBook Pro late last year, and is intended to address ongoing complaints about Apple's laptop keyboards. It is also cheaper at £999 and includes more storage and a better processor.

Both products come as Apple deals with ongoing problems from the outbreak of Covid-19. The company has been hit by supply problems, has shut its stores and has cancelled at least one public event, and it is not clear if the new products were intended to be launched at their own press conference.

Both devices are available to order from Apple now. The new Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro – which includes the trackpad, and will be compatible with last year's iPad Pro too – will be available in May.

The new iPad Pro starts at £769 for the smaller 11-inch model, or £969 for the 12.9-inch one, and each has more expensive options that add cellular connectivity and more storage. The new keyboard costs £299 for the smaller version or £349 for the bigger one.

The new trackpad required Apple to re-write its iOS operating system for the iPad, Apple said. The new system does not take the traditional pointer system from the Mac but rather allows people to see items highlighted as they move through menus.

It will work with other pointing devices like Apple's own mice and Magic Trackpad, as well as third-party ones.

“We’re making iPad even more capable and versatile by bringing trackpad support to iPadOS,” said said software boss Craig Federighi in a statement.

“We carefully considered the best way to integrate trackpad use into a touch-first environment while retaining everything our customers know and love about iPad. We’re thrilled to bring this new way of interacting with iPad to the millions of people using iPadOS today.”

As well as adding the trackpad, the new keyboard includes the ability to adjust the angle of the keyboard, and backlights for the keys.

The 3D scanner, which uses LiDAR technology, allows the new iPad Pro to measure the distance to objects that are up to 5 meters away, and works both indoor and outdoors. Apps will be able to use the data from it to improve the augmented reality features that are already in iOS, Apple said.