Apple Unveils iPad Pro with USB-C, Ditching the Home Button

Apple has just taken the wraps off its most advanced iPad yet, the redesigned iPad Pro. Unveiled at today’s keynote in Brooklyn, the new device features an edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display, Face ID, and, in a surprising move, a USB-C port instead of Apple’s traditional Lightning connector.

The move to USB-C is a major shift for Apple, allowing the iPad Pro to connect to a wider range of accessories, including external displays, cameras, and even charging other devices. This change signals Apple’s vision of the iPad as a serious tool for professionals, further blurring the line between tablet and laptop.

Powered by the A12X Bionic chip, the new iPad Pro boasts performance that rivals many full-fledged computers. Apple demonstrated pro-grade apps like Adobe Photoshop running smoothly on the device, reinforcing its appeal to designers, video editors, and other creatives.

However, the removal of the home button and the switch to Face ID has sparked some mixed reactions. Longtime iPad users will need to adjust to new swipe gestures, similar to those introduced with the iPhone X.

With models starting at $799 for the 11-inch version and $999 for the 12.9-inch version, the iPad Pro is aimed squarely at professionals who want a powerful, portable computing device. Whether it can fully replace a laptop remains to be seen, but Apple is clearly betting on a future where tablets take center stage.