[7][8] A smaller 9.7 inch model, based on the form factor of the iPad Air 2, was released in March 2016.

On March 21, 2016, the 9.7-inch version of the iPad Pro was announced at an Apple keynote with an additional rose gold color option.

New features include a smart connector for a keyboard and four stereo speakers located in pairs on top and bottom of the device.

The special edition iPad Pro has an "Edition 1 of 1" label engraved on its back and comes with a custom yellow-gold anodized finish, a blue leather Smart Cover and an orange leather Apple Pencil case cover, all of which are not sold by Apple elsewhere.

[15] Matt Swider from TechRadar complimented the easy handling, large 256 GB configuration and True Tone display, but was upset about the high starting price.

[16] Gareth Beavis gave a positive review, commending the expansive screen and audio quality but stated that the battery life could be made longer.