iPad · Retina & Beyond · 2015
iPad Pro (12.9", 1st generation)
A giant 12.9" iPad aimed at pros, launching the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard and reframing the tablet as a laptop rival.
First iPad Pro, first Apple Pencil, first Smart Keyboard and Smart Connector.
iPad Pro (9.7") (2016)
iPad Pro (12.9", 1st generation): key facts
When was the iPad Pro (12.9", 1st generation) released?
The iPad Pro (12.9", 1st generation) arrived on November 11, 2015. Apple discontinued it in June 2017.
How much did the iPad Pro (12.9", 1st generation) cost?
The iPad Pro (12.9", 1st generation) launched at $799 in 2015, about $1,063 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: Apple A9X at 2.16 GHz, 4 GB RAM, 32 GB storage, 12.9" Retina IPS, 2732×2048 display.
Why does the iPad Pro (12.9", 1st generation) matter?
First iPad Pro, first Apple Pencil, first Smart Keyboard and Smart Connector.
Full specifications
| CPU | Apple A9X · 2.16 GHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 2 |
| Memory (RAM) | 4 GB |
| Storage | 32 GB |
| Display | 12.9" Retina IPS, 2732×2048 |
| GPU | PowerVR (12-core) |
| Ports | Lightning, Smart Connector |
| Weight | 713 g |
| Dimensions | 305.7×220.6×6.9 mm |
| Operating system | iOS 9.1 |
| Released | November 11, 2015 |
| Discontinued | June 2017 |
| Launch price | $799 |
How the iPad Pro (12.9", 1st generation) compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 4.0× more memory than this device shipped with.
At 2.16 GHz, the clock is roughly 1.5× slower than a single performance core of a 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro, and that is before counting cores, width and IPC.
This held about 8,190 modern phone photos, a respectable library even today.
Launched at $799 in 2015, about $1,063 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Method note: clock comparisons use frequency only; price conversions use US CPI.
Sources
Specs checked against Apple technical specifications archive, EveryMac, Mactracker, Wikimedia Commons image credits.
Did you know?
Tim Cook started calling the iPad Pro his primary computer.
Related iPad models
Open the iPad Pro (12.9", 1st generation) in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11