There’s a new screen, a new keyboard, and a new chip. But the design is the thing you notice first on the 2024 iPad Pro.
Apple just announced a new iPad Pro, and at a watch party in New York City, a few reporters got to take a look at Apple’s new tablet firsthand. After holding and playing with the device for a few minutes, I can say pretty confidently that Apple’s not kidding about how much more svelte the new model is. At 5.3mm thick for the 11-inch model and 5.1mm for the 13-inch tablet, this new iPad is noticeably thinner and lighter than anything the company has made before.
It’s such a big difference that the larger model, which I’ve always felt was kind of preposterously huge, feels much more comfortable to hold and use. (And it’s technically even larger now, up to 13 inches from 12.9 before.) You can tell the difference between the Pro and the new Air from practically across the room, and as someone who has carried around an 11-inch Pro for the last year and a half, it’s really a big difference. The biggest question I have for now is about fragility: is the new Pro potentially too thin? It feels rigid and sturdy enough in my hands, but there are always tradeoffs with a device like this. We have lots of testing to do.
A Display That Shines—Literally
The new Pro’s most notable new spec, other than its waif dimensions, is the new OLED screen. It’s a little tough to make too much of exactly how it looks based on a quick glance in a crowded room, but even from a distance, it’s clear how much crisper the display really is. The “Tandem OLED,” as Apple calls it, appears to be plenty bright, and the viewing angles are excellent in the way they typically are on an iPad. The screen didn’t wow me immediately the way the redesign did, but it does look great.
Apple is claiming that the new OLED panel offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and improved HDR performance compared to the mini-LED panel in the last generation iPad Pro. That’s a bold claim, given that Apple’s previous high-end displays were already fantastic. But after a brief hands-on session, I can say that the colors do look more vibrant, and the blacks are indeed incredibly deep. It’s the kind of screen you’d expect to see on a premium device, and if you’re someone who uses an iPad for media consumption, creative work, or gaming, this display could be a major selling point.
The M4 Chip: Power for the Future
As for the M4 chip powering the whole thing? Well, we’ll have to see. For most uses, the iPad has had more than enough horsepower for a long time — the M4 is clearly meant to power extremely intense use cases, like the new multicam setup in Final Cut Pro or some of the more advanced artistic features in apps like Procreate. In a short demo, it was super fast. The iPad is pretty much always super fast.
The real question is how many people will actually need this much power. For casual users browsing the web, streaming video, or taking notes, the M4 chip might be overkill. But for professionals—video editors, illustrators, and 3D designers—the combination of the M4 and the iPad’s improved software ecosystem could make this the most compelling iPad Pro yet. Apple is clearly positioning the iPad Pro as a high-end, workstation-class device, and the M4 is a major part of that strategy.
Accessories: A New Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro
The new iPad Pro, Apple also introduced an updated Magic Keyboard and a new Apple Pencil Pro. The Magic Keyboard has been refined to feel more like a laptop keyboard, with a sturdier base and an aluminum palm rest. In my brief time using it, the keyboard felt solid and responsive, a small but meaningful upgrade from the previous version.
The Apple Pencil Pro, on the other hand, adds a new “squeeze” gesture that can bring up tool palettes and perform quick actions. There’s also haptic feedback now, which gives a more tactile feel when using it. These are small refinements, but they could make a big difference for artists and designers who rely on the Apple Pencil daily.
The appeal of the new iPad Pro is further enhanced by its two standout accessories—the Apple Pencil Pro and the upgraded Magic Keyboard. The latter, in particular, elevates the user experience with a refined aluminum body and a significantly larger trackpad, offering a more premium feel than its predecessors. Typing on it closely mirrors the experience of using a MacBook Air, an intentional design choice that enhances productivity.
Apple has added a row of function keys at the top, making the keyboard more versatile for everyday use. However, while this improvement bolsters the iPad’s potential as a keyboard-and-trackpad device, iPadOS remains somewhat lacking in trackpad optimization. Whether Apple addresses this limitation will likely become clearer at WWDC.
The Pencil Pro retains the familiar feel of its predecessor but introduces subtle yet meaningful upgrades. The haptic feedback is immediately noticeable, offering a reassuring tactile response when performing gestures like squeezing or double-tapping. This small but significant addition enhances the user experience, making interactions feel more dynamic and responsive. The overall performance on the iPad Pro’s screen is exceptionally smooth and precise, with minimal lag while drawing or manipulating objects. That said, a professional artist or designer would be best suited to truly push the Pencil Pro to its limits and evaluate its real creative potential.
The most exciting advancements come from the software side. Apple has laid the groundwork, but the true power of the Pencil Pro will unfold as third-party developers integrate its new features into their apps. Whether it’s advanced brush dynamics in illustration apps, pressure-sensitive note-taking enhancements, or new gesture-based shortcuts, developers will have the opportunity to unlock fresh and innovative ways for users to interact with their devices.
The iPad Pro: A Premium Powerhouse
Starting at $999 for the 11-inch model and $1,299 for the 13-inch version, the iPad Pro is undoubtedly a high-end device aimed at professionals and power users. This pricing places it well above the iPad Air and the 10th-generation iPad, both of which cater more to casual users looking for an everyday tablet experience. The iPad Pro is designed for those who demand top-tier performance, whether for creative work, productivity, or even gaming.
Apple has a track record of showcasing its best hardware innovations in its Pro devices, and this latest iPad Pro continues that tradition. From its cutting-edge display to its powerful new chip, everything about this device is built for speed, precision, and high-end performance. The real question now is whether these improvements justify the steep price tag for users outside of the creative and professional fields.
For those who need the best that Apple has to offer, the new iPad Pro looks like a worthy successor, pushing the boundaries of what a tablet can do. But for casual users, Apple’s more affordable models remain the better choice.
Frequently Asked questions
How thin is the new iPad Pro?
The 11-inch model is 5.3mm thick, and the 13-inch model is 5.1mm thick, making them the thinnest devices Apple has produced.
What sizes are available for the new iPad Pro?
The new iPad Pro comes in two sizes: 11-inch and 13-inch.
What display technology does the new iPad Pro use?
It features a “Tandem OLED” display, offering a bright and crisp viewing experience.
Which processor powers the new iPad Pro?
The device is powered by Apple’s M4 chip, designed to handle demanding tasks.
What new accessories are available for the iPad Pro?
Apple introduced an upgraded Magic Keyboard with an aluminum body and larger trackpad, and the Apple Pencil Pro with haptic feedback and new gestures.
What are the starting prices for the new iPad Pro models?
The 11-inch model starts at $999, and the 13-inch model starts at $1,299.
What color options are available for the new iPad Pro?
The new iPad Pro is available in silver and space black finishes.
Conclusion
The new iPad Pro stands out with its remarkably thin and lightweight design, measuring just 5.3mm for the 11-inch and 5.1mm for the 13-inch models. This sleekness enhances portability and comfort during use. The introduction of the “Tandem OLED” display delivers vibrant visuals, while the powerful M4 chip ensures seamless performance for intensive applications. Complementing these features are the updated accessories: an aluminum-bodied Magic Keyboard with a larger trackpad and the Apple Pencil Pro, which offers haptic feedback and intuitive gestures. Collectively, these advancements position the iPad Pro as a versatile tool for both professionals and creatives.
