iStore, a retail chain owned by South African Apple distributor Core Group, has unveiled local pricing for the latest iPad Pro M4 models introduced earlier this week.
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For those eyeing the pinnacle of specifications, the top-end 13-inch model with cellular connectivity, boasting 2TB of storage and nano-texture glass, commands a hefty price tag of R60,000 at iStore. The highest-spec variant without the nano-texture glass coating carries a slightly lower price of R58,000. Currently, these models are available for pre-order only, with a pre-order deposit of up to R12,000 required.
On the more affordable end of the spectrum, the entry-level 11-inch iPad Pro featuring the M4 chip and 256GB of storage comes in at R23,000. For a comprehensive overview of pricing, interested customers can visit the iStore website.
Mid-range options within the Pro lineup include the 13-inch iPad Pro with 512GB of storage and Wi-Fi connectivity (excluding cellular), priced at R35,600 for South African Apple enthusiasts.
Apple’s recent unveiling of the new iPad Pro and iPad Air models sparked controversy due to an advertisement that depicted various creative tools being destroyed. Apple issued an apology for the ad, acknowledging that it “missed the mark.”
The introduction of the next-generation M4 processor in the latest Pro models precedes Apple’s upcoming strategy announcement for generative artificial intelligence at its developer conference in San Francisco. Apple aims to differentiate itself by emphasizing private, on-device AI processing, contrasting with competitors like Microsoft and Google, which rely on vast public cloud computing resources.
Reuters highlighted the unusual move by Apple, noting that the company typically introduces its latest chips in its Mac lineup. The M4 chip boasts an expanded “neural engine,” aligning with industry trends toward neural processing units.
iStore has also disclosed pre-order pricing for the new iPad Air models, equipped with Apple’s older M2 chip. Available in 11-inch and 13-inch variants, prices start at R14,000 for the base 11-inch model with 128GB of storage and R18,500 for the equivalent 13-inch version. The most premium configuration, featuring the 13-inch iPad Air with 1TB of storage, is priced at R30,000.
