2016 was a significant year for Apple and its iPad line. While many expected radical changes, Apple instead focused on refining existing models and targeting specific user needs. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the iPads released in 2016, delving into their specifications, features, and target audience. Understanding these devices offers valuable insight into Apple’s evolving tablet strategy.
The iPad Pro 9.7-inch: A Powerful Compact Performer
The first iPad to grace the market in 2016 was the 9.7-inch iPad Pro. Released in March, it aimed to bring the power and features of the larger 12.9-inch iPad Pro to a more portable form factor. This iPad was positioned as a premium device, designed to appeal to creative professionals, students, and anyone seeking a high-performance tablet.
Design and Display
The 9.7-inch iPad Pro mirrored the design language of other iPads, boasting a sleek aluminum unibody construction. It was remarkably thin and light, making it easy to carry around. However, the key highlight was its display. It featured a 9.7-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels. What made this display stand out was its True Tone technology. This technology used ambient light sensors to adjust the color temperature of the display to match the surrounding environment, providing a more natural and comfortable viewing experience. The display also offered wide color gamut, resulting in vibrant and accurate colors.
Performance and Specifications
Under the hood, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro was powered by the A9X chip, a powerful processor that provided a significant performance boost compared to previous iPad models. This chip allowed for smooth multitasking, seamless graphics performance, and responsive gameplay. It also had 2GB of RAM, which was sufficient for most tasks. Storage options ranged from 32GB to 256GB, providing ample space for apps, documents, and media. The iPad Pro also included a Smart Connector, allowing users to connect the Smart Keyboard for a more traditional typing experience. The device also supported the Apple Pencil, enabling artists and designers to create detailed drawings and illustrations.
Camera Capabilities
The 9.7-inch iPad Pro boasted a significantly improved camera system compared to previous iPads. It featured a 12-megapixel iSight camera with Focus Pixels, which allowed for faster and more accurate autofocus. It could also record 4K video, further enhancing its appeal to creative professionals. The front-facing camera was a 5-megapixel FaceTime HD camera, suitable for video conferencing and selfies.
Key Features and Target Audience
The 9.7-inch iPad Pro offered a range of features designed to enhance productivity and creativity. These included support for the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, a powerful A9X chip, a True Tone display, and an improved camera system. The target audience was primarily creative professionals, students, and anyone seeking a high-performance tablet for work and entertainment. Its compact size made it ideal for users who valued portability.
The Importance of the 9.7-inch iPad Pro in Apple’s Lineup
The introduction of the 9.7-inch iPad Pro was a strategic move by Apple. It allowed them to offer a professional-grade tablet in a more accessible and portable size. Before this, the iPad Pro was only available in the larger 12.9-inch form factor, which may have been too bulky for some users. The 9.7-inch model addressed this concern, providing a powerful and feature-rich tablet in a more convenient size.
A Look at the Software: iOS 9 and Beyond
The iPads released in 2016 shipped with iOS 9, which offered several new features designed to enhance the iPad experience. These included Slide Over, Split View, and Picture in Picture, which allowed users to multitask more efficiently. With Slide Over, users could quickly access a second app without leaving the current app. Split View allowed users to run two apps side-by-side, and Picture in Picture allowed users to watch videos while using other apps. iOS 9 also included improvements to Spotlight search, Siri, and Apple Pay.
Subsequently, the iPads were also updated to iOS 10 and later versions, which brought further enhancements and new features. iOS 10 introduced a redesigned lock screen, improved notifications, and a revamped Messages app. It also added new features like Raise to Wake and Memories in the Photos app.
Competitor Landscape in 2016
In 2016, the tablet market was becoming increasingly competitive. While Apple remained the dominant player, other manufacturers were releasing compelling tablets that offered alternative features and price points. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab series was a major competitor, offering a range of tablets with AMOLED displays and S Pen support. Microsoft’s Surface Pro line was also gaining traction, offering a hybrid device that could function as both a tablet and a laptop. Other notable competitors included Lenovo, Huawei, and Google.
Why 2016 iPads Still Hold Value Today
While newer iPads have been released since 2016, the iPads launched in that year still hold value for several reasons. They offer a good balance of performance, features, and affordability.
Affordability
Used or refurbished 2016 iPads can be found at significantly lower prices than newer models, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
Performance for Everyday Tasks
The A9X chip in the 9.7-inch iPad Pro is still capable of handling most everyday tasks, such as browsing the web, checking email, watching videos, and playing games.
iOS Support
Although these iPads are no longer receiving the latest iOS updates, they still support a range of older iOS versions, which provide access to a vast library of apps.
Conclusion: Reflecting on Apple’s 2016 iPad Strategy
The iPad lineup in 2016 demonstrated Apple’s commitment to refining its existing products and catering to specific user needs. The 9.7-inch iPad Pro stands out as a significant release, bringing professional-grade features to a more portable form factor. While other iPads may have been in development or consideration internally at Apple, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro was the sole released product in the iPad category. It remains a testament to Apple’s focus on innovation and user experience in the tablet market. Despite their age, the 2016 iPads still offer a compelling option for users seeking a capable and affordable tablet, proving that well-designed technology can withstand the test of time. The iPad Pro model continues to be relevant thanks to its processing power and compatibility with Apple’s accessories like the Apple Pencil. The refined design and focus on specific use-cases solidify the 2016 iPad Pro’s position within the legacy of Apple’s tablet offerings.
What iPad models were released by Apple in 2016?
In 2016, Apple released two distinct iPad models: the iPad Pro 9.7-inch and the iPad Pro 12.9-inch. While the 12.9-inch version was technically announced in late 2015, it became widely available and a significant part of Apple’s 2016 tablet lineup. These models represented a shift towards more powerful and versatile tablets targeted at professional users and creative individuals.
It’s important to note that the iPad Air 2 was still sold during 2016, but it wasn’t a new release for that year. Apple focused its new iPad releases on the Pro line, showcasing advancements in processing power, display technology, and accessory compatibility, such as the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard.
What were the key differences between the two iPad Pro models launched in 2016?
The most obvious difference between the 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models was their screen size, impacting the overall portability and viewing experience. The larger 12.9-inch model offered a more immersive canvas for creative tasks and multitasking, while the smaller 9.7-inch version was more convenient for carrying around and general use.
Beyond size, the 12.9-inch model featured slightly better audio performance due to its larger speaker chambers. While both boasted excellent displays, some found the 12.9-inch to have a slightly more vibrant color representation. Internally, they shared the same A9X chip, but the physical size difference led to differing user experiences based on individual needs and preferences.
What was the significance of the “Pro” designation for these iPad models?
The “Pro” designation signified Apple’s intention to target professional users with these iPad models. They were designed to offer increased performance, enhanced features, and compatibility with professional-grade accessories like the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard. This marked a departure from the more consumer-focused iPad Air line, aiming to provide a viable alternative to laptops for certain tasks.
The inclusion of features like the A9X chip, ample RAM, and ProMotion technology (later introduced) demonstrated Apple’s commitment to delivering a powerful and responsive experience for demanding applications. This allowed professionals to use iPads for tasks such as graphic design, video editing, and document creation, pushing the boundaries of what a tablet could achieve.
What kind of processor did the 2016 iPad Pro models have?
Both the 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models released in 2016 were equipped with Apple’s A9X chip. This custom-designed processor was a significant upgrade over previous iPad models, offering substantially improved CPU and GPU performance.
The A9X chip played a crucial role in enabling the advanced capabilities of the iPad Pro, such as smooth multitasking, fast graphics rendering, and responsive Apple Pencil input. It allowed users to run demanding applications and perform complex tasks with ease, contributing to the “Pro” designation of these tablets.
Did the 2016 iPad Pro models support the Apple Pencil?
Yes, both the 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models released in 2016 fully supported the first-generation Apple Pencil. This was a key feature that differentiated them from other iPad models at the time, enabling precise input and a natural drawing experience.
The Apple Pencil integration allowed artists, designers, and note-takers to leverage the iPad Pro’s display for detailed work and creative expression. The pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition of the Apple Pencil, combined with the iPad Pro’s responsive touch screen, provided a seamless and intuitive user experience.
What were the storage options available for the 2016 iPad Pro models?
The 2016 iPad Pro models initially offered various storage options, catering to different user needs. The 12.9-inch model was originally available in 32GB, 128GB, and 256GB configurations. The 9.7-inch model initially came with the same storage options.
However, Apple later discontinued the 32GB option for both models, likely due to the increasing storage demands of apps and media. This left 128GB and 256GB as the remaining storage choices for consumers purchasing these iPad Pros later in their lifecycle.
How did the 2016 iPad Pro models compare to previous iPad generations?
The 2016 iPad Pro models represented a significant leap forward compared to previous iPad generations. They featured faster processors, improved displays, and support for accessories like the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, offering enhanced performance and functionality.
These “Pro” models were specifically designed for professional users and creative individuals, targeting a different audience than the more consumer-focused iPad Air line. The iPad Pro models aimed to bridge the gap between tablets and laptops, offering a more versatile and powerful computing experience for demanding tasks.