Apple adds 9.7in iPad Pro to tablet portfolio

Prices start at £499 for small top-end tablets

Apple has unveiled a 9.7in version of its iPad Pro device that boasts many of the features on the original, larger device.

The 9.7in iPad Pro features the same powerful A9X chip as its bigger iPad Pro brother, as well as the integrated M9 coprocessor that supports the "Hey Siri" feature.

It also has the same 2,048x1,536 resolution, 264ppi screen as that found on the iPad Air 2. But the new display is 40 per cent less reflective than the iPad Air 2, and puts out 500 nits of light, making it the brightest tablet available, according to Apple.

As well as supporting Night Shift, the new display incorporates a new feature called Two Tone Display that compares the colour temperature with the ambient light and adjusts the screen accordingly.

The 9.7in iPad Pro has the same camera as the newly announced iPhone SE. There's a 12MP front-facing iSight camera, a new image signal processor, True Tone Flash, 4K video and the ability to create a Panorama of up to 63MP. The handy Retina Flash feature is back too.

On the front there's an improved 5MP FaceTime HD camera for calls and selfies.

Despite its diminutive stature, the 9.7in iPad Pro will still make a heck of a racket. The four-speaker audio system is said to be twice as powerful than the iPad Air 2.

The 9.7in iPad Pro also comes with a custom Smart Keyboard and supports the Apple Pencil, with the same pressure detection, tilt-angle and built-in palm rejection software.

Size-wise the new iPad Pro measures 240x169.5x6.1mm. The Wi-Fi model weighs 437g and the Wi-Fi with cellular 444g.

There's also a smattering of Lightning adaptors, including a USB Camera Adaptor and an SD Card Reader that will go on sale shortly.

Orders for the 9.7in iPad Pro will go live on 24 March, and it will be available to buy in the shops on 31 March. Prices are £499 for the 32GB Wi-Fi-only model, £619 for 128GB and £739 for 256GB.

Wi-Fi and cellular prices are £599 for 32GB, £719 for 128GB and £839 for 256GB.

Apple also announced that the bigger 12.9in iPad Pro will be available in the 256GB configuration. Prices are £919 for the Wi-Fi edition and £1,019 for Wi-Fi and cellular.

Analysts noted that the new device could be good for companies looking for new digital creative options.