iPad Pro 2021 already hit with major delay

iPad Pro 2021
(Image credit: Apple)

When Apple unveiled the 2021 iPad Pro at its Spring Loaded event, it revealed everything except the release date, only stating that the hardware would be on shelves in the second half of May. 

Now it appears that may have been optimistic for the more advanced 12.9-inch model. Pre-orders for the new iPad Pro hardware opened yesterday on Apple’s site, and the delivery times for the larger version suggest early adopters are in for a long wait.

As first spotted by Bloomberg, if you attempt to add a 12.9-inch iPad Pro to your basket on the Apple website, even the basic model will give you an estimated delivery date of between June 24 and July 8. 

Given the 11-inch iPad Pro has a delivery date of late May, the most likely culprit for this delay is the mini-LED technology debuting in the larger model. While we haven’t had the opportunity to review the new iPad Pro yet, the new technology should be a significant improvement over previous generations in terms of picture quality

But this improvement requires more than 10,000 LEDs for each panel — a big step up from the 72 used in previous generations, and it’s perhaps unsurprising that there are delays, especially with supply chains still not firing on all cylinders from last year’s coronavirus disruption. 

Other generational changes are shared between the 11-inch and 12.9-inch models of iPad Pro. There’s the same M1 chip used in last year’s MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and Mac mini for a 50% boost in CPU performance on the previous generation, an improved front-facing camera and Thunderbolt support. This is also the first time an iPad has supported 5G, although you’ll have to pay an extra $200 for the cellular version.

Thankfully, the other Apple products introduced last month don’t appear to have such a long delivery time. The fancy looking purple iPhone 12 will be shipped in early May, and the new Apple TV will follow a little after that. The colorful new 24-inch iMacs will ship in late May for the entry-level model, or early-to-mid June for the versions with 8-core GPUs and additional ports. Curiously, while a single $29 AirTag will arrive in the first half of May, you’ll have to wait until June if you want the cost-saving $99 four pack. 

TOPICS
Alan Martin

Freelance contributor Alan has been writing about tech for over a decade, covering phones, drones and everything in between. Previously Deputy Editor of tech site Alphr, his words are found all over the web and in the occasional magazine too. When not weighing up the pros and cons of the latest smartwatch, you'll probably find him tackling his ever-growing games backlog. Or, more likely, playing Spelunky for the millionth time.

Read more
iPad 10th generation
iPad 11 tipped for early 2025 launch — and it sounds more impressive than we thought
MacBook Air M3
Apple's MacBook Air OLED may be delayed until 2029 — thanks to the iPad Pro M4!
iPad mini 7
An OLED iPad Mini is rumored to arrive in 2026 — here's what we know
iPad Air M3
iPad Air M3 vs iPad Pro M4: What should you buy?
MacBook Pro 2023
MacBook Pro tipped for M5 upgrade ahead of iPad Pro — what we know
Apple Store with white Apple logo
Apple smart home hub — report says when the company's totally new product could launch
Latest in iPads
Concept image of foldable iPad
Apple reportedly has an 18.8-inch foldable iPad prototype with under-display Face ID
iPad Air M3
Apple iPad Air M3 review: The sweet spot just got even sweeter
iPad Air M3
iPad Air M3 and iPad 11 surprisingly miss out on Apple's C1 modem
iPad Air M3 tablet shown in various colors
iPad Air M3 vs iPad Air M2: What's different?
Apple iPad 11
iPad 11 just announced — here’s what’s new
iPad Air M3
iPad Air M3 is here — price, release date, specs and all the upgrades
Latest in News
iOS 19 logo on an iPhone
iOS 19 — all the rumors so far
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Tuesday, March 11 (#639)
An image of a CAPTCHA
Hackers are using reCAPTCHA to trick users into infecting their own PCs with malware — how to stay safe
Gmail logo on iPhone
Gmail just got a huge AI upgrade that will save you a ton of time
Nina Oyama and Kate Box in Deadloch
One of my favorite shows on Prime Video has been totally overlooked — and it's got 100% on Rotten Tomatoes
Xbox handheld
Xbox handheld reportedly arriving this year, new PC-like console in 2027
  • joehanna
    What a mess. As if Apple didn't know they would fall short of stock so quickly. Well don't announce the product if it is not there to buy. 3 weeks to wait before placing an order, then wait 6 weeks for delivery. Seriously? 9 weeks after the launch? Apple should have waited later in the year before announcing it when they had a chance to build up inventory. What a waste of all our time. I think I'll get the previous model from eBay. They can deliver within a week.
    Reply