How the latest iPad Pro models are helping US college football teams

Apple recently highlighted the adoption of its iPad Pro with nano-texture display by three major college football conferences: the ACC , SEC, and Big Ten . In a blog, the Cueprtino-based tech giant emphasized the display's glare-reducing properties which makes it ideal for use on the sidelines during games. This follows a recent NCAA ruling that allows for the use of up to 18 active tablets in locker rooms, coaching booths, and on the sidelines. Apple's nano-texture display, first introduced in May 2024, minimizes glare and reflections, ensuring optimal visibility in bright outdoor conditions.

What colleges said about this iPad Pro model


In a statement to Apple, Doug Aucoin, Louisiana State University 's director of video said: "The new iPad Pro with the nano-texture display technology is unbelievable. If the nano-texture glass on the new iPad Pro wasn't available, it would be almost impossible to view any footage on the field with the glare that comes from the sun."

Aucoin manages a game-day system powered by Catapult sports software, which provides SEC coaches with video just seconds after each play ends. The footage is supplied by the teams' videographers as well as broadcast coverage of the game.

"As [the team tags plays for down, distance and so on], we are in the background chopping up the video clips, synchronizing them. and sending the video packages to iPads that are both in the coaches' press box and on the sidelines. It's easy to use, and it's a familiar interface — there's zero learning curve. We can put an iPad with our software in the coaches' hands and they'll be self-sufficient. They understand how to use the iPad, and they understand the touch elements,"

Catapult's chief product officer, Matt Bairos noted.

Another tight ends coach at Berkeley's, University of California , Mike Saffell added: "Having iPad on the sidelines makes coaching way more effective in-game. Live feedback enables the players and coaches to correct quickly. It also makes the game more competitive since both teams are able to fix issues on game day."

Meanwhile, in the ACC and Big Ten, a DVSport technician tags the game, while the home team records footage from the sideline and end zone.

DVSport's president and CEO, Brian Lowe, highlighted: " DVSport's work with Apple is a great example of new software and hardware working together to deliver game-changing solutions. Equity, speed, and high visibility are core components of the solution, and Apple's latest iPad Pro and iPad Air truly excel in providing a simple and elegant end user experience."