iPad Pro A9X 2015

With its larger screen and more potent internals, the original iPad Pro was targeted more towards advanced content creation than previous iPad models.

Both 12.9-Inch iPad Pro devices, this Cellular-equipped version and its Wi-Fi only counterpart, feature an "epic" fully-laminated 12.9-inch oxide TFT touch-sensitive Retina display with 5.6 million pixels (2732x2048 at 264 ppi), a variable refresh rate, and a fingerprint-resistant, antireflective coating. It is powered by an Apple A9X processor, has 4 GB of RAM, and this model offers 128 GB or 256 GB of flash storage (the 256 GB option was added on March 21, 2016). The housing is available in silver with a white front, gold with a white front, and a medium-toned "space" gray with a black front.

Other notable features include dual cameras—a rear 8-megapixel "iSight" camera for stills and 1080p video, and a front 1.2-megapixel "FaceTime HD" camera for stills and 720p video. It also has dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi with HT80 with MIMO, Bluetooth 4.2, dual microphones, and two sets of stereo speakers that automatically adjust to avoid being muffled.

Connectivity is provided by a Lightning port. A new "Smart Connector" allows for an optional Apple Smart Keyboard (A1636, MJYR2LL/A, US$169) and third-party keyboards. Additional input is available through an optional "Apple Pencil" (A1603, MK0C2AM/A, US$99), which provides pressure-sensitive sketching and drawing capabilities.

Battery life is rated at 10 hours for Wi-Fi web surfing, video, or music, and nine hours on cellular data.

This Wi-Fi/Cellular iPad Pro supports A-GPS, GSM/EDGE, UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA, CDMA EV-DO, and LTE bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 38, 39, 40, and 41. In the US and UK, it comes with an Apple SIM. In other countries, a traditional nano SIM can be used.

The original 12.9-inch iPad Pro with cellular was a groundbreaking device aimed squarely at creative professionals. Its massive, high-resolution Retina display provided an expansive canvas for drawing and multitasking that was previously unavailable on an iPad. The A9X chip delivered impressive performance for the time, capable of handling demanding apps and complex tasks. The introduction of the Apple Pencil was a transformative feature, offering pressure and tilt sensitivity for a remarkably natural drawing experience. The four-speaker audio system was also highly praised for its rich, immersive sound. This cellular model, with its broad LTE support and included Apple SIM, offered the freedom to create and connect from anywhere. While its large size made it less portable than other iPads, and the price was substantial, it was hailed as a powerful and versatile new tool that successfully created a new category of professional-grade tablets.