Released on November 7, 2018, following an announcement on October 30, the 3rd generation iPad Pro fundamentally shifted what tablet hardware could achieve. Apple stripped away the classic home button, narrowed the bezels, and introduced an industrial flat-edged design language that permanently moved the product line away from its curved-back roots. If you're tracking how this machine shaped modern mobile computing or evaluating its enduring performance, understanding its core specifications and rollout details reveals why it remains a benchmark in Apple's hardware catalog.
The primary driver behind this release was a total architectural overhaul. Packing the A12X Bionic chip, the tablet delivered multi-core processor performance that routinely rivaled contemporary mid-range laptops. By replacing the proprietary Lightning port with a versatile USB-C connection, Apple opened the ecosystem to external monitors, direct camera imports, and complex audio interfaces, transforming a media consumption device into a legitimate mobile workstation.
The 2018 Launch Timeline and Rollout
Apple revealed the third-generation tablet lineup during a special event at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York. Pre-orders opened immediately, culminating in an official global retail release on November 7, 2018.
Two distinct sizes debuted simultaneously:
- An 11-inch model replacing the older 10.5-inch chassis.
- A redesigned 12.9-inch model that dramatically reduced the overall physical footprint compared to its 2nd-generation predecessor by shrinking the borders around the display.
Both variants launched in two classic finishes—Silver and Space Gray—with storage tiers spanning 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, and a massive 1TB configuration. Notably, models equipped with 1TB of storage doubled the onboard memory to 6GB of RAM, while lower storage capacities featured 4GB.
Architectural Shifts That Redefined Productivity
Before this generation, tablets functioned primarily as oversized phones running scaled-up mobile interfaces. The 2018 redesign altered that trajectory through several critical hardware milestones.
Transition to Face ID and Liquid Retina
Apple eliminated Touch ID on the Pro line, opting instead for a TrueDepth camera array enabling Face ID. Unlike contemporary iPhones, the sensor array on this generation operated in any orientation, unlocking smoothly whether held vertically or snapped into a landscape keyboard dock. The Liquid Retina display maintained a sharp 264 PPI density, supported ProMotion for adaptive 120Hz refresh rates, and utilized True Tone to adjust color temperature dynamically based on ambient lighting.
The USB-C Transition
Moving away from Lightning was a watershed moment for power users. The physical port supported USB 3.1 Gen 2 speeds, enabling users to:
- Drive external 4K displays natively.
- Connect USB-C hubs, SD card readers, and Ethernet adapters.
- Charge external accessories like iPhones directly from the tablet's 9720 mAh battery.
Second-Generation Apple Pencil Integration
The magnetic side rail introduced a charging and pairing dock for the Apple Pencil (2nd generation). Stylus management shifted from awkward plugged-in charging to a seamless snap-to-charge mechanism, complete with double-tap gesture support to switch tools inside drawing and note-taking apps.
Comparative Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | 11-inch Model (1st Gen) | 12.9-inch Model (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Display Type | Liquid Retina IPS LCD | Liquid Retina IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 2388 x 1668 pixels | 2048 x 2732 pixels |
| Processor | Apple A12X Bionic (7 nm) | Apple A12X Bionic (7 nm) |
| Base RAM | 4GB (6GB on 1TB model) | 4GB (6GB on 1TB model) |
| Thickness | 5.9 mm | 5.9 mm |
| Biometrics | Face ID | Face ID |
For official technical documentation and support details regarding legacy hardware architecture, consult the Apple Support archives.
Common Misconceptions About the 2018 Release
When looking back at hardware history, several myths persist regarding what this generation could achieve at launch.
- Myth: iPadOS was available on day one. The tablets originally shipped with iOS 12.1. Dedicated tablet multitasking features like refined window management and mouse support didn't arrive until Apple split the software line into iPadOS the following year.
- Myth: All models received 6GB of RAM. Marketing materials grouped performance specs together, leading many to assume every tier had identical memory pools. In practice, only the 1TB storage variant received 6GB of RAM, while 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB models stayed at 4GB.
- Myth: The chassis was prone to bending easily. While online communities focused heavily on structural rigidity complaints during the initial unboxing phase, Apple clarified that the slight panel variations in aluminum cooling tolerances didn't impact everyday structural integrity under normal use.
Longevity and Software Support
One of the most remarkable aspects of this hardware release is its software lifespan. Thanks to the raw processing headroom of the A12X Bionic chip, the device continued receiving major operating system updates long past typical mobile lifecycles. For deeper historical perspective on how mobile silicon evolved during this period, review reports from Ars Technica.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact release date of the 3rd generation iPad Pro?
Apple announced the hardware on October 30, 2018, and released it globally on November 7, 2018.
Does the 3rd generation iPad Pro feature a headphone jack?
No. Apple removed the 3.5mm headphone jack from this lineup, requiring users to rely on Bluetooth headphones or a USB-C to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter.
Can you use the Magic Keyboard with the 2018 iPad Pro?
Yes. Apple's Magic Keyboard with trackpad, introduced in 2020, is fully backward-compatible with both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch third-generation models.
What charging brick came in the box?
The retail packaging included an 18W USB-C power adapter and a one-meter USB-C charge cable.
