iPad Pro 2022 release date: Apple's M2-powered tablets will arrive in stores next week with iPadOS 16

Apple unveiled a range of new iPads, including the M2-powered iPad Pros and a redesigned entry-level tablet on Tuesday. The company has also finally provided a release date for the delayed iPadOS 16 update.

Confirming earlier reports, Apple launched a new generation of iPad Pro that includes its latest in-house chip. Unlike last year, the latest iPad Pro announcement did not happen in a full-scale event the new premium tablets were simply introduced through the company's website.

Opting for a simpler announcement makes sense, considering that the biggest changes in the new 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro are only based on its new processor and the upcoming software update. The new iPad Pros generally look the same as previous models released since 2018, although the same cannot be said for the new entry-level iPad announced on the same day.

The highlight of the new iPad Pro tablets is the use of the M2 chip, which Apple says delivers up to 15% faster CPU compared to the M1 that powered the 2021 models. Apple also included Wi-Fi 6E support in the new flagship tablets, a feature that was missing from last year's iPad Pros, which enables the devices to deliver up to 2.4Gb/s download speeds.

Other notable upgrades are made possible with the iPadOS 16 update, including the improved Apple Pencil hover experience. Apple says the new tablets will be able to detect the second-generation Apple Pencil while hovering up to 12mm above the screen.

As expected, the new iPad Pros will ship with iPadOS 16. For other compatible iPads, the software update will start rolling out on Oct. 24. But Apple reiterated that the support for connecting M1-powered iPad Pro and iPad Air to an external display with up 6K resolution will go live "later this year." It means this option will not be available immediately when the new iPad Pros arrive in stores next week.

Apple retains the Silver and Space Gray color variants, as well as the storage options from 128GB to 2TB, for the six-generation iPad Pro. It is also worth noting that the company finally brought the all-screen design to the new entry-level iPad powered by the A14 Bionic chip. The tablets announced on Tuesday are now available to pre-order on Apple.com. But in-store availability will not start until Wednesday, Oct. 26.