„ProMotion” Refresh Rate Sets New Benchmark for Tablet Performance
Apple announced its latest MacBook and iPad models on October 28, continuing a fall hardware push that is sharpening the competition with Android tablets. The event took place at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California, and was broadcast worldwide through the company’s online streaming platform. The new devices aim to solidify Apple’s dominance in the premium laptop and tablet markets while challenging Android manufacturers to innovate further.
Breaking news
Town AI Secures $108 Million Series B, Valued at $1 Billion After $55 M Pre‑Series
Apple Prepares for Major Product Launch Event on October 28
Apple Releases Release Candidates for watchOS, tvOS and visionOS 27.2
Apple Limits iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro Max to Reservation-Only Sales in Japan and South KoreaThe new MacBook, dubbed the „MacBook Pro 2026,” features a 16‑inch Liquid Retina XDR display, a new Apple Silicon M3‑Pro chip, and up to 64 GB of unified memory. It also introduces a redesigned keyboard with improved tactile feedback and a new „ProMotion” 120 Hz refresh rate. The accompanying iPad, the „iPad Pro 12.9‑inch 2026,” boasts a mini‑LED display, a new A17‑Pro processor, and support for the 5th‑generation Apple Pencil with magnetic charging. Both devices are priced at $1,999 and $1,099 respectively, positioning them in the high‑end segment.
Apple’s strategy seems to focus on delivering performance and ecosystem integration that Android competitors find hard to match. The new MacBook’s M3‑Pro chip promises up to 30 % faster CPU performance and 50 % better GPU performance compared to its predecessor, according to internal benchmarks. The iPad’s A17‑Pro chip is expected to deliver a similar leap in speed, while the mini‑LED display offers higher brightness and contrast ratios. Apple also emphasized the seamless continuity between macOS and iPadOS, allowing users to start a task on one device and finish it on the other without interruption.
One of the most talked‑about features is the 120‑Hz refresh rate on both the MacBook and iPad Pro. This high refresh rate reduces motion blur and improves responsiveness, especially for gaming and professional video editing. Industry analysts note that few Android tablets currently offer a comparable refresh rate, with most limited to 60 Hz. The new Apple devices also include a „ProMotion” adaptive technology that adjusts the refresh rate based on content, conserving battery life when high frame rates are unnecessary.
Will Android Manufacturers Respond? (What’s Next for the Tablet War?)
The 120‑Hz display also benefits users who rely on the Apple Pencil. The new Pencil’s magnetic charging and improved latency make drawing and note‑taking smoother, a feature that Android tablets with stylus support have struggled to replicate. The combination of high refresh rate and low latency positions Apple’s tablets as the preferred choice for creative professionals.
Android tablet makers have historically lagged behind Apple in display technology and processor performance. However, several manufacturers have announced plans to catch up. Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Tab S15 is rumored to feature a 120‑Hz display and a new Exynos 2400 chip. Google’s Pixel Slate 2027 is expected to adopt a 120‑Hz screen and a custom Tensor G3 processor. If these devices deliver on their promises, the market could see a more balanced competition.
Apple’s announcement also highlights the importance of ecosystem integration. While Android offers a fragmented experience across device manufacturers, Apple’s tightly coupled hardware and software create a seamless user journey. This advantage may be difficult for Android competitors to overcome without significant investment in software development and ecosystem building.
Frequently Asked Questions
The release of the new MacBook Pro and iPad Pro could shift consumer expectations for performance and design. Android manufacturers may need to accelerate their own product roadmaps, focusing on higher refresh rates, better processors, and improved stylus support. The upcoming releases from Samsung and Google will be closely watched to gauge whether the Android tablet market can close the gap.
What is the price difference between the new iPad Pro and the latest Android tablets? The iPad Pro starts at $1,099, while the most advanced Android tablets, such as Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S15, are priced around $900–$1,000. Apple’s devices are positioned at the higher end of the premium market.
Will the new MacBook Pro support Windows? Apple’s MacBook Pro runs macOS exclusively. Users who need Windows must rely on virtualization or dual‑boot solutions, which may not provide the same performance as a native Windows laptop.
How does the 120‑Hz display affect battery life? The adaptive ProMotion technology lowers the refresh rate when high frame rates are unnecessary, helping to conserve battery. Nonetheless, the high refresh rate can still lead to slightly reduced battery life compared to 60‑Hz displays.
