line of iPad tablet computers designed, developed, and marketed by Apple Inc.

Considering how poorly Microsoft has been doing with its Surface , it’s quite remarkable to see Apple jumping into the same product category with the 12.9″ iPad Pro, which arrived in November.

That said, Apple is taking a whole different approach than Microsoft. Where Microsoft started out with two kinds of Surface tablets – the ARM-based Surface RT that only uses Windows RT apps from Microsoft’s online Windows Store and the x86-based Surface Pro that can run regular Windows apps and competes with laptops – the iPad Pro is strictly an iOS tablet. Although it may steal some MacBook Air sales, it does not run Mac software. It’s iOS-only, although with true multitasking in iOS 9, it’s no longer limited to one active app at a time.

Microsoft did so poorly with its ARM-based tablets that it discontinued the last one in January 2015, making Surface an x86-only platform at that point. The original Surface and Surface 2 can only run Windows RT apps compiled for their ARM architecture.

Specs (via Low End Mac)

• Announced: 2015.09.09 at $799 (32 GB) and $949 (128 GB). $1079 for 128 GB cellular version. Available November 2015.
• Cpu: 2.25 GHz 64-bit dual-core Apple A9X
• Ram: 4 GB (assumed)
• Display: 12.9″ 2732 x 2048 pixel multitouch screen @ 264 ppi
• Code Name: XX
• Weight: 1.57 lb. (713 g) for WiFi model, 1.59 lb. (723 g) for cellular version
• Dimensions: 12.0″ x 8.68″ x 0.27″ (305.7 x 220.6 x 6.9 mm)
• Included Accessories: USB 2.0 Lightning connector, USB power adapter
• Identifiers: WiFi only: unknown Cellular: unknown
• Wifi Only: unknown
• Cellular: unknown
• Model Numbers: WiFi only: unknown Cellular: unknown
• Architecture: 64-bit
• Audio Chip: Cirrus Logic CS4398
• Graphics Engine: quad-core PowerVR GXA6850
• Cameras Rear: 8 MP 1080p iSight HD with image stabilization front: 1.2 MP 720p FaceTime HD
• Rear: 8 MP 1080p iSight HD with image stabilization
• Front: 1.2 MP 720p FaceTime HD
• Sensors: accelerometer, ambient light, compass, 3-axis gyroscope, barometer, iBeacon microlocation, fingerprint identity scanner in Home button
• I/O Ports: Lightning connector, Smart Connector
• Wifi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz – up to 866 Mbps
• Bluetooth: 4.2
• Wireless Data: UTMS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz), GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz), CDMA EV-DO Rev. A/B (800, 1900 MHz), LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 38, 39, 40, and 41)
• Wireless Data Rate: up to 150 Mbps via LTE
• Gps: WiFi-assisted GPS
• Battery: 38.5 Watt-hour lithium polymer
• Battery Life: up to 10 hours on WiFi, 9 hours using cellular data
• Original Os: iOS 9.0
• Maximum Os: current
• Itunes Versions: iTunes 12.3 and later
• Mac Os Required: OS X 10.7.5 or later
• Windows Versions Supported: Windows 7 or later