At their March 21 Keynote presentation, Apple announced the release of a new 9.7 inch iPad Pro, which delivers the enhanced performance and features of its full-sized predecessor in the more space-conscious size of the iPad Air 2. Apple reports that the new screen reduces reflectivity by 40 percent and increases brightness by 25 percent compared to the iPad Air 2, and automatic white balance adjustments allow colors to stay accurate in different levels and kinds of lighting. Combined with iOS 9.3’s Night Shift, which adjusts colors after sunset to ease strain on the eyes, these features will likely make the new iPad Pro’s viewing experience the best for use in the cockpit.
What we’re most excited about with the new iPad Pro is the ability to use it with Apple Pencil, introduced last year alongside the original iPad Pro. Made for the iPad, Pencil brings incredible precision to ForeFlight features like Scratchpads, annotations on plates and documents, and Logbook endorsements. Using the Pencil for these tasks helps you perform them faster and with better legibility over using a finger or a generic stylus.
The ability to use this helpful tool with a smaller iPad makes owning a Pencil far more practical for pilots than when it required the full-size iPad Pro, which is over-sized for most cockpits. We’re looking forward to hearing your feedback on using the Pencil once the new iPads start shipping at the end of this month.
