Reference Mode is not available on all iPad Pro models. It is specifically designed for professional content creation workflows, such as color grading, editing, and content review, where accurate colors and consistent image quality are critical. To use Reference Mode, you need an iPad Pro with certain specifications:
1. Supported Models: Reference Mode is available on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (5th or 6th generation) and the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro (M4 models). The 12.9-inch models must have a Liquid Retina XDR display, which is a requirement for this feature[1][2][5].
2. Software Requirement: The iPad must be running iPadOS 16 or later to access Reference Mode[1][2].
3. Features of Reference Mode: When enabled, Reference Mode allows the iPad Pro to display reference color for various color standards and video formats, including BT.709, BT.601 SMPTE-C, BT.601 EBU, sRGB, HDR10 BT.2100 PQ, BT.2100 HLG Dolby Vision Profile 8.4, and Dolby Vision Profile 5. It targets a D65 white point and disables dynamic display adjustments like True Tone, Auto-Brightness, and Night Shift[1][2].
4. Usage with Sidecar: Reference Mode can also be used with Sidecar, allowing the iPad Pro to act as a secondary reference monitor for a Mac. This requires a Mac with Apple silicon and macOS Ventura or later[2][5].
Older models, such as the iPad Pro 3rd generation, do not support Reference Mode because they lack the necessary Liquid Retina XDR display[9].
Citations:[1] https://eshop.macsales.com/blog/93817-how-to-use-ipad-pro-as-a-reference-monitor-for-video-and-photo-editing/
[2] https://support.apple.com/en-us/111792
[3] https://appleinsider.com/inside/ipad-pro/tips/how-to-use-reference-mode-on-the-ipad-pro
[4] https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/system-requirements-ios.html
[5] https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/tech-talks/110337/
[6] https://www.liftgammagain.com/forum/index.php
[7] https://discussions.apple.com/thread/255607850
[8] https://stackoverflow.com/questions/41591386/postgresql-column-does-not-exist-but-it-actually-does
[9] https://discussions.apple.com/thread/254478027