Apple launched the third-generation iPad Pro on November 7, 2018, following an official announcement on October 30 of that year at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. This hardware revision marked a total design shift for the tablet lineup, replacing home buttons and thick bezels with an edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display and Face ID.
If you are tracking device longevity, software support windows, or looking at secondhand hardware markets, knowing the exact timeline matters. This model introduced USB-C connectivity, ditched the proprietary Lightning port, and set the physical standard for Apple tablets for years. Let's break down the exact release timeline, design milestones, and hardware upgrades that defined this generation.
The Official Timeline and Launch Dates
Apple revealed the 11-inch and 12.9-inch third-generation iPad Pro models during a special October event in New York. Pre-orders opened immediately, and units hit retail stores worldwide on November 7, 2018.
Unlike minor spec bumps that only upgrade internal components, this release represented a complete structural overhaul. Apple removed the physical Home button, reduced the chassis thickness to a slim 5.9 millimeters, and introduced flat aluminum edges that mirrored modern industrial design trends.
Key Milestones in the Product Lifecycle
- October 30, 2018: Apple announces the third-generation iPad Pro.
- November 7, 2018: Official global release in stores and initial customer deliveries.
- March 18, 2020: Apple discontinues the line upon introducing the fourth-generation refresh.
- October 2026: Software support reaches its final major milestones, as newer iterations take over primary ecosystem development.
Hardware Innovations That Defined the Generation
The third-generation release wasn't just about a calendar date; it introduced performance architectures that changed how mobile workflows operate.
The A12X Bionic Processor
At the heart of the device sat the A12X Bionic chip, featuring an 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU. Apple designed this silicon to handle pro-grade tasks like 4K video editing and heavy 3D rendering. Base models shipped with 4GB of RAM, while the 1TB storage configuration doubled that allocation to 6GB. Benchmarks at the time showed multi-core CPU speeds rivaling many mainstream laptops, positioning the tablet as a legitimate computer alternative for mobile professionals.
Transition to USB-C
Moving away from the Lightning connector was a major turning point for tablet peripherals. The new USB-C port allowed users to connect external monitors, cameras, musical instruments, and high-speed storage drives directly to the iPad. This flexibility opened up workflows that were previously impossible on iOS and iPadOS.
Liquid Retina Display and Face ID
The display transitioned to rounded corners with uniform bezels housing TrueDepth camera sensors. This enabled Face ID, allowing users to unlock the device in portrait or landscape orientations. The inclusion of ProMotion technology enabled adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, keeping stylus latency exceptionally low when paired with the second-generation Apple Pencil, which attached magnetically to the side of the chassis for wireless charging.
Evaluating Third-Generation iPad Pro Today
Buying or using a third-generation device today requires understanding its current standing in the Apple ecosystem. While the hardware remains surprisingly snappy for web browsing, media consumption, and note-taking, software support cycles dictate its limits.
[2018: Launch] ---> [2020: Discontinued] ---> [Current: Legacy Support & Resale Market]
If you find one on the used market, check the battery health and ensure the USB-C port is clean and functional. Many creative professionals still utilize these units as secondary displays or portable sketch pads via tools like Apple Support. For more details on current device specifications, consult the Apple official site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year did the third-generation iPad Pro come out?
Apple released the third-generation iPad Pro on November 7, 2018.
What sizes were available for this generation?
Apple released two sizes: an 11-inch model (which replaced the older 10.5-inch footprint) and a redesigned 12.9-inch model.
Does the third-generation iPad Pro use USB-C or Lightning?
This generation marked Apple's transition to a USB-C port, replacing the traditional Lightning connector.
Can this tablet run modern iPadOS versions?
While it powered years of software updates, it represents an older hardware tier, meaning newer resource-heavy features may be limited compared to M-series devices.
