Apple's 12.9-inch iPad Pro has an official thumbs up from the FCC, which means the company can sell it in the United States. Apple plans to start selling its new model in November, so the FCC approval means the company is still on track to keep that promise.
Apple's iPad Pro FCC approval means November launch still on track
The iPad Pro was unveiled in September at a special media event where Apple said the device would be available in November. The new model sports a 12.9-inch display, a 64-bit A9X processor, Touch ID sensor, 8MP iSight camera, 1.2MP FaceTime camera, stereo speakers on each corner, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and in some models LTE.
It's the radio parts—including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and LTE—that require FCC approval before a device can be sold in the United States. The FCC uses the approval process to make sure devices operate safely and without causing radio interference. Once the FCC is satisfied a device operates within its guidelines, it gets approval for sale within the country.
Apple's iPhones go through the same approval process, as do Macs, wireless keyboards and mice, Wi-Fi Base Stations, and even smart lights like Philips Hue.
With FCC approval out of the way, Apple is free to move forward with its iPad Pro launch schedule. Since the Apple Pencil, iPad Pro's companion pressure sensitive stylus, also has FCC approval, it should be available at the same time.
iPad Pro is priced at US$799 for the 32 GB Wi-Fi model, $949 for the 128GB Wi-Fi version, and $1,079 for Wi-Fi plus LTE. Pre-orders haven't started yet, although that's likely coming soon since November is only a couple weeks away.
[Thanks to GforGames for the heads up]