
Need to get some work done, especially while traveling? The Apple iPad Pro might be the answer to this question. Read on to find out what the new 3rd-Gen Apple iPad Pro can do for your productivity.
iPad Pro
Introduced in October 2018, the iPad Pro (3rd-gen) is available in two different screen sizes, 11" and 12.9". The 11" model has 2388 x 1668 resolution at 264 ppi (pixels per inch), while the 12.9" model offers 2732 x 2048 resolution at 264 ppi. Both have the new edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display with True Tone technology, wide color support, and ProMotion technology, which automatically adjust the refresh rate up to 120 Hz for smooth scrolling and high responsiveness.
Powering the iPad Pro is the new eight-core A12X Bionic chip, which can handle demanding tasks, like editing photos and creating 3D models. Built on 7nm technology, the A12X Bionic features four performance cores and four efficiency cores for up to 35 percent faster single-core performance and a new performance controller that makes use of all eight cores for up to a 90 percent boost during multi-threaded tasks. Additionally, there’s a seven-core GPU to deliver up to twice the graphics performance, as well as immersive AR (augmented reality) experiences and console-grade graphics.
The iPad Pro no longer has a physical home button. It now has Face ID support, thanks to its TrueDepth camera system. You’ll be able to unlock your iPad Pro simply by looking at it. If you weren’t a fan of the “notch” on the iPhone XS and XS Max, have no fear, Apple managed to fit the camera into the thin bezels of the iPad Pro for a clean, sleek design.
USB Type-C Hub
Now that the iPad Pro has a USB Type-C port, you’ll have a lot more options when it comes to connectivity. For example, you can plug in the Sanho HyperDrive USB Type-C Hub to add a wide variety of ports, jacks, and slots to your iPad Pro. The hub adds a USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A port and a USB Type-C power delivery port so you can keep your iPad Pro charged. There’s also an HDMI port that supports video output up to 4K @ 30 Hz. You’ll also have slots for microSDXC and SDXC cards for transferring media files, such as photos and videos. Oh, and if you’ve been missing the 3.5mm headphone jack, this hub brings it back for you. Being productive doesn’t mean it can’t look good, too. The hub comes in Space Gray or Silver color schemes to match your iPad Pro. While the hub may or may not fit third-party iPad Pro cases, it does work with the Apple Smart Folio and Smart Keyboard Folio cases.
Keyboard
As mentioned before, the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio is a solid choice if you’re looking to take full advantage of your iPad Pro. Having the physical keyboard allows you to type emails and write Word documents with ease instead of having to use your thumbs with the virtual one. And since the Smart Keyboard Folio connects to your iPad Pro via the Smart Connector, you don’t have to worry about constantly pairing or charging the keyboard. Simply attach the keyboard magnetically to your iPad Pro and you’re good to go. Aside from just typing, you’ll also gain access to keyboard shortcuts, like Command + H to go back to the Home screen, Command + Tab to switch apps, and more. The Smart Keyboard Folio also doubles as a case, providing front and rear protection when closed.

Apple Pencil
While a keyboard can help you bang out long documents with ease, sometimes you just need to jot something down for some quick note-taking. That’s where the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil comes in. Mark up documents, emails, PDFs, and even screenshots to make it easier to get your point across. Take notes and sketch out ideas in the Notes app. You can also change modes by double-tapping where your finger rests on the Apple Pencil, as well as customize your taps to switch easily between tools you use the most.
The Apple Pencil isn’t just for handwriting and marking up documents, though. Its pressure-sensitive tip lets you press hard for thicker lines and light for thinner ones. You can also start shading by simply tilting your Apple Pencil. With virtually no input lag, you’ll be able to draw and color with precision accuracy. Don’t worry about resting your palm on the display, either. It won’t register as a mark, so you’ll be able to draw comfortably. Simply attach the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil to the right side of your 3rd-gen iPad Pro for pairing and charging.
If you have the 3rd-gen 11" or 12.9" iPad Pro, make sure you get the 2nd-gen Apple Pencil. For 1st- and 2nd-gen 12.9" iPad Pro, the 10.5" iPad Pro, the 9.7" iPad Pro, and the 6th-gen iPad owners, you should opt for the original Apple Pencil.
4G LTE
While you could use Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) on the iPad Pro to stay connected to the Internet, you may not have access to it, especially if you’re traveling. To ensure that you always stay connected and up-to-date, you should consider opting for the 4G LTE model. With Nano-SIM (Apple SIM supported) and an optional data plan from your cellular provider, you’ll be able to stay connected wherever you have a signal. With eSIM, the iPad Pro also has wider carrier support. The iPad Pro also has Gigabit-class LTE support.
iOS
Apple makes sure to keep iOS updated with the latest security updates and bug fixes. They also do a major update to iOS by adding features every year. One of the major additions that came with the latest iOS 12 is Group FaceTime. Instead of just being limited to a one-on-one FaceTime video chat, you can now chat with multiple people at the same time. People can be added at any time and join later while the session is still active. This allows for a dynamic video conference call where people can jump in and out when needed.
You can also use Split View to open two apps at the same time. While Split View has the two apps evenly split the screen into two halves, you can use the Slide Over feature to adjust the sizes of the apps to your preferences. The Picture in Picture feature also allows you to multitask, such as type out a document while using FaceTime.
Apps
Don’t forget that your iPad Pro comes with several free Apple apps preinstalled. Pages, Numbers, Keynote, iMovie, and Garageband are all available, right out of the box.
No stranger to the world of productivity, the Microsoft iOS apps are quite useful. You’ll be able to download Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneDrive apps to your iPad Pro, allowing you to keep all your documents and files synced up with your work computer.
Google also has a plethora of iOS apps you can choose from, such as Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, and more. You can also save files to Google Drive to free up your iPad Pro storage.
With millions of apps available in the App Store, don’t hesitate to explore the Productivity section to see everything the iPad Pro and iOS offer.
Have you tried using the iPad Pro for work yet? Have you tried using the Smart Keyboard Folio or the Apple Pencil? Let us know in the Comments section, below.
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