Australian Review: iPad Pro 9.7-inch (2016) – Make iPad great again

On paper, the 9.7-inch is iPad Pro is more of the same. It’s another yearly refresh that adds faster hardware and a few new features. While these features might not really seem like major additions, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro plays host to a number of small-but-meaningful changes that can improve the tablet experience for most users, no matter what the use-case.

From a design perspective, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro isn’t really that different from the iPad Air or the iPad Air 2. In fact, stereo speakers and a slight camera bump are all that make the iPad Pro look like an iPad Pro, unless you’re gazing at the rose gold model, that is. But as soon as you switch it on, you’ll start to see changes.

The most significant of these is the True Tone display. The 9.7-inch iPad Pro is able adjust the colour temperature and intensity of the display to match the lightning of the environment you’re using it in. While might sound minor, it makes the iPad Pro much easier to use for extended periods of time without any noticeable eye strain.

When combined with iOS’ newish night mode, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro becomes perfect for reading e-books. I’ve powered through novels quickly and comfortably, almost as if they’re paper. Turning off True Tone makes the iPad Pro display look unnaturally blue, which is a bit jarring, especially given that’s what we’ve been looking at for years. Fingers crossed Apple adds True Tone to the next iPhone.