# Today in Apple History: The iPad Pro Makes Its Big Debut The 12.9-inch iPad Pro launched in 2015, signaling a shift in Apple's product philosophy. - **Source:** [Cult of Mac](https://brifing.si/source/7e2968d9-bc24-4286-8f9e-146807f06336) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [technology](https://brifing.si/c/technology) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/15eea334-23fe-4ad1-8083-02e723dfa867 ## A New Strategic Direction On November 11, 2015, Apple officially released the first 12.9-inch iPad Pro. This launch marked a significant departure from the original vision established by Steve Jobs. By introducing a larger screen and professional-oriented features, CEO Tim Cook signaled that the tablet was evolving into a serious machine for creative and productivity tasks. ## Challenging Legacy Beliefs The iPad Pro launch famously defied Steve Jobs' long-standing aversion to styluses. Jobs had previously dismissed such accessories as signs of failure in user interface design. By introducing the Apple Pencil, the company demonstrated a willingness to adapt its core philosophy to meet the evolving demands of professional users and creative workflows. ## Hardware Specifications Overview The original 12.9-inch model featured the A9X chip paired with the M9 motion coprocessor. It boasted a high-resolution Retina display with 2,732-by-2,048 pixels at 264 PPI. The device included 4GB of RAM, four integrated speakers, and the proprietary Smart Connector, which allowed for seamless attachment of the new Smart Keyboard accessory. ## Defining the Pro Vision Beyond the screen size, the iPad Pro introduced a new ecosystem of accessories, including the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard. These additions were designed to transform the tablet from a media consumption device into a productivity tool. This move reflected Cook's broader strategy to redefine the future of personal computing beyond traditional laptops. ## Design and Portability Available in gold, silver, and space gray, the device maintained a lightweight profile despite its significant 12.9-inch footprint. This design choice aimed to balance the need for a larger workspace with the portability expected of a tablet. It stood in contrast to the larger iPhone models, which often proved difficult to use one-handed. ## The Stylus Innovation The Apple Pencil was engineered to be a pressure-sensitive tool, setting a new standard for digital input. While critics initially feared it signaled a compromise in Apple's design excellence, it became one of the most praised accessories under Tim Cook's leadership. It effectively bridged the gap between traditional drawing and digital creation. ## Market Positioning Strategy Apple marketed the iPad Pro as a potential PC replacement, targeting professionals who required more power than standard tablets offered. While it did not fully replace the Mac for all users, it successfully carved out a niche for high-end mobile computing. This established the Pro line as a permanent fixture in Apple's catalog. ## Evolution of Tablet Computing The 2015 launch represented a pivot point where Apple began treating the iPad as a distinct computing platform rather than just a larger iPhone. This evolution continued with subsequent models, refining the hardware and software integration. The Pro series remains a central component of Apple's strategy to capture the creative professional market. ## User Reception and Debate Public reaction to the iPad Pro was mixed, reflecting a divide in how users perceive tablet utility. Some users embraced the device for its portability and creative capabilities, while others argued it could not replace a full-sized laptop. This debate continues to influence how Apple develops its tablet hardware and software features today. ## Historical Context of Innovation The iPad Pro's introduction followed the release of the larger iPhone 6 Plus, showing a trend toward bigger screens across Apple's mobile lineup. By 2015, the company was actively testing the limits of its hardware designs. This period was characterized by a shift toward more specialized devices tailored to specific user needs. ## Technological Legacy The inclusion of Touch ID and the A9X chip showcased the cutting-edge technology available at the time. These components ensured the device could handle demanding applications, laying the groundwork for future iterations. The iPad Pro remains a testament to the company's ability to iterate on its foundational products to reach new audiences. ## Lasting Impact on Industry The iPad Pro fundamentally changed the tablet market, forcing competitors to rethink their own professional-grade offerings. By proving that users would pay for a premium, stylus-enabled tablet, Apple expanded the definition of mobile productivity. Today, the Pro series continues to influence the design and functionality of modern mobile computing devices worldwide. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.cultofmac.com/apple-history/first-ipad-pro-goes-on-sale — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._