Apple iPad Pro set for UAE release, to ‘replace desktop computers’

Apple's biggest iPad yet could revolutionise the computer market according to chief executive Tim Cook.

The new iPad Pro models are unveiled during an Apple media event in San Francisco, California. AFP

A new era for the Apple tablet is set to begin this week with the release of the big-screened iPad Pro.

And that could spark a revolution in the personal computer market, according to Apple chief executive Tim Cook.

The tablet features a 12.9-inch Retina display with 5.6 million pixels - the most ever in an iOS device. It is joined in the company’s eco-sphere by the Apple Pencil, which can be used for “fine art illustration and detailed 3D design” according to Apple, while the new smart keyboard takes the product into laptop territory.

Mr Cook this week reinforced the view that the new device is a threat to the future of PCs. He told the Telegraph in London: "I think if you're looking at a PC, why would you buy a PC anymore? No really, why would you buy one?

He added that “the iPad Pro is a replacement for a notebook or a desktop for many, many people. They will start using it and conclude they no longer need to use anything else, other than their phones.”

The future of tablets has appeared grim as technology users migrate towards big-screen smartphones and increasingly choose not to upgrade their existing tablet.

“The tablet market is coming under increasing pressure,” said Annette Zimmermann, research director at Gartner in a report in September. “Users of tablets with a screen size between seven and eight inches are increasingly not replacing their devices.”

A Gartner survey conducted in June across six countries found that 44 per cent of current tablet users were planning to substitute their tablets with a different device.

However, Apple expects the iPad Pro’s versatility to win over both casual users and those looking for a new professional tool.

“The early response to iPad Pro from app developers and our customers has been incredible, and we’re excited to get iPad Pro into the hands of customers around the world this week,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.

“iPad Pro is the most powerful iPad we’ve ever made, giving users the ability to be even more creative and more productive.”

The iPad Pro starts at Dh3,099 for the 32GB with Wi-Fi model and Dh4,199 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular 128GB model and comes in three finishes: silver, gold and space grey.

The Apple Pencil costs Dh399 and the and Smart Keyboard Dh649.

The new products are available to order online from tomorrow and will be in stores in the UAE by the end of the week, Apple said.

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