On May 7th, 2024, Apple’s “Let Loose” event unveiled the highly anticipated refresh to its flagship tablet, the iPad Pro. While rumors swirled about a complete redesign, the 2024 iPad Pro focuses on internal upgrades, boasting the powerful M4 chip and a stunning new display technology. Let’s delve into the details and see how this new iPad Pro stacks up against its siblings, the iPad Air and the entry-level iPad.
iPad Pro 2024: Key Features
M4 Chip: Powerhouse Performance
The heart of the new iPad Pro is undoubtedly the next-generation Apple M4 chip. Building upon the M1 and M2’s success, the M4 promises significant performance improvements. Apple claims a 20% boost in CPU performance and a 30% jump in graphics processing compared to the M2. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster rendering times for demanding creative applications, and an overall more responsive user experience.
The M4 chip also features an upgraded neural engine, further enhancing machine learning capabilities on the iPad Pro. This can benefit tasks like photo and video editing, object recognition in augmented reality apps, and even more natural-feeling handwriting recognition with the Apple Pencil.
Ultra Retina XDR: A Visual Spectacle
Another major highlight of the iPad Pro 2024 is the introduction of the Ultra Retina XDR display. This next-generation Liquid Retina display technology borrows from the Pro Display XDR found on Apple’s high-end desktops, bringing exceptional contrast, brightness, and color accuracy to the iPad. The Ultra Retina XDR boasts a mini-LED backlight system, similar to the Pro Display XDR, enabling deep blacks, incredible peak brightness, and support for the high dynamic range (HDR) format. This is a game-changer for professionals working with color-critical tasks like photo and video editing, graphic design, and even high-end gaming.
Design and Other Features
While the overall design of the iPad Pro remains largely unchanged, Apple has managed to make it even thinner than its predecessor. Both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch models are now even slimmer at 5.1-5.3 mm thin, making them incredibly portable and comfortable to hold for extended periods.
The iPad Pro retains other familiar features like the Thunderbolt port for high-speed data transfer and connection to powerful peripherals, Face ID for secure unlocking and authentication, and the iPadOS 16 pre-installed, offering a range of multitasking and productivity features.
Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard: Enhanced Companions
Alongside the iPad Pro, Apple also unveiled a new Apple Pencil Pro. This updated stylus features pressure and tilt sensitivity for a more natural drawing and writing experience. Additionally, the Apple Pencil Pro boasts new features like hover detection, allowing for even more precise control and interaction with the Ultra Retina XDR display.
The Magic Keyboard also received an update, now featuring a full row of function keys for increased productivity and a layout similar to traditional laptops.
iPad Pro vs iPad Air vs iPad: A Specs Showdown
Here’s a table comparing the key technical specifications of the new iPad Pro with its iPad siblings:
| Feature | iPad Pro (2024) | iPad Air (2024) | iPad 10th Gen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | M4 Chip | M2 Chip | A14 Bionic Chip |
| Display | Ultra Retina XDR ProMotion technology P3 wide color | Liquid Retina IPS P3 wide color | Retina IPS sRGB color |
| Display Size | 11-inch, 13-inch | 11-inch, 13-inch | 10.9-inch |
| Storage Options | 256GB to 2TB | 128GB to 1TB | 64GB to 256GB |
| Rear Camera | 12MP Wide | 12MP Wide | 12MP Wide |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP Ultra Wide | 12MP Ultra Wide |
| Battery | Up to 10 hours (Wi-Fi) | Up to 10 hours (Wi-Fi) | Up to 10 hours (Wi-Fi) |
| Connector | USB‑C with Thunderbolt / USB 4 | USB‑C | USB‑C |
| Security | Face ID | Touch ID | Touch ID |
| Starting Price | $999 | $599 | $349 |
Who Should Consider the iPad Pro 2024?
The iPad Pro 2024 isn’t for everyone. Its high price tag and powerful features cater to specific user needs. Here’s a breakdown of who would benefit most from this latest iPad Pro:
Creative Professionals:
- Graphic Designers and Illustrators: The Ultra Retina XDR display with its exceptional color accuracy and HDR support is ideal for color-critical work. The M4 chip’s power ensures smooth rendering and handling of demanding design software.
- Photographers and Videographers: The M4 chip facilitates faster photo and video editing, while the high-resolution display offers a fantastic preview canvas.
- 3D Artists and Animators: The M4 chip’s graphics processing enhancements benefit 3D modeling and animation workflows.
Business Professionals:
- Power Users: The M4 chip offers exceptional multitasking capabilities for running multiple demanding applications simultaneously.
- Mobile Workers: The slim design and long battery life make it ideal for working on the go.
- Students: While not strictly necessary for basic note-taking, the iPad Pro offers a powerful platform for students in demanding fields like engineering, design, or video editing.
Other Potential Users:
- Gamers: The M4 chip and the smooth high refresh rate display (expected but not yet confirmed) make it a compelling option for mobile gamers who demand high performance.
- Artists and Designers (Hobbyists): If you’re a serious hobbyist who wants a future-proof device and prioritizes a top-tier display and performance, the iPad Pro could be a good investment.
However, the iPad Pro 2024 might be overkill for:
- Casual Users: For basic tasks like web browsing, email, and social media, the iPad Air or even the regular iPad offer excellent performance at a more affordable price.
- Students (Basic Needs): For taking notes, reading textbooks, and attending online classes, the iPad Air or regular iPad would suffice.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs and budget. If you require the absolute best performance, a stunning display, and future-proofing for demanding workflows, the iPad Pro 2024 is a worthy investment. However, if your needs are more modest, a less expensive iPad model might be a better fit.
I am officially a tech addict and enjoy providing my views on matters related to this industry. I am always interested in trying out new tech gadgets and I have owned multiple smartphones including the legendary HTC One, SGS2, Nexus 4, iPhone 4, 5S, 6S, XR, Note 9. You can ask me any tech related questions in the comment section or on twitter @hookedNav