Apple releases 2024 iPad Pros with dual-layer OLED displays, M4 chipsets

The 2024 iPad Pros may be the greatest upgrade since the series was first introduced. Just about everything on them is new and better than what was available before. Let’s start with the Apple M4.

Put up on a second-gen 3nm node, the CPU is 1.5x faster than the M2, while graphics tasks can see a boost of up to 4x. Proficiency is doubled as the M4 can bring the same performance as the M2 found inside the 2022 iPad Pros at half the power. Apple unveiled several new AI-powered features for Final Cut Pro and other apps and that is supported by the M4, which promises up to 38 TOPS. For comparison, the Snapdragon X Elite promises 45 TOPS.

The thinnest ever

These are the thinnest Apple products ever – thinner than even the 7th gen iPod Nano, which was a mere 5.4mm thick. The 11” model is 5.3mm and the 13” one is even thinner at 5.1mm. The aluminum bodies of the tablets (available in Silver and Space Black) are made out of 100%recycled materials.

Stunning display

The Promotion displays can adjust their frame rate between 10Hz and 120Hz. Both have 264ppi pixel density, which for the 11” model means 2,420 x 1,668x resolution, and for the 13” one 2,752 x 2,064px. Optionally, the protective glass can be etched with a nano-texture to reduce glare and scatter less ambient light. Note that this is an extra that costs $100 and is available only with the 1TB and 2TB models (more on them later).

Pro Version Stylus

Apple is introducing a Pro version of its stylus. It has a new sensor that senses how hard you squeeze the stylus, which can be used to trigger actions (e.g. for quickly changing tool settings while drawing). Squeeze gestures will be confirmed by a custom haptic engine. Also, the Pencil Pro connects to the Find My network, so you can track it down if you lose it.

New accessories

There are more new accessories – the all-new Magic Keyboard is thinner and lighter, matching the slenderer design of the new Pro tablets. The keyboard now includes a function row and has a larger trackpad. Apple says that “the entire experience feels just like using a MacBook”. If you don’t need a full keyboard, there is also a new Smart Folio that also attaches magnetically to the tablet and can hold it at multiple viewing angles.

Availability

Customers can order the new iPad Pro with M4 starting today, May 7, at apple.com/store. The 2024 Apple iPad Pros will be available online in 29 countries and Apple stores from May 15. The 256GB and 512GB models come with 9-core CPUs (3 performance, 6 efficiency), while the 1TB and 2TB models get 10-core CPUs (4 performance, 6 efficiency). Both versions have the same 10-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine, but the versions with more storage get double the RAM – 16GB instead of 8GB.

Pricing

• The 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $999 (U.S.) for the Wi-Fi model, and $1,199 (U.S.) for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. The 13-inch iPad Pro starts at $1,299 (U.S.) for the Wi-Fi model, and $1,499 (U.S.) for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. Additional technical specifications, including nano-texture glass options, are available at apple.com/store.
• For education, the new 11-inch iPad Pro is available for $899 (U.S.) and the 13-inch iPad Pro is $1,199 (U.S.). Education pricing is available to current and newly accepted college students and their parents, as well as faculty, staff, and home-school teachers of all grade levels. For more information, visit apple.com/us-hed/shop.
• The new Apple Pencil Pro is compatible with the new iPad Pro. It is available for $129 (U.S.). For education, Apple Pencil Pro is available for $119 (U.S.).
  Apple Pencil (USB-C) is compatible with the new iPad Pro. It is available for $79 (U.S.) and $69 (U.S.) for education.
• The new Magic Keyboard is compatible with the new iPad Pro. It is available in black and white finishes. The new 11-inch Magic Keyboard is available for $299 (U.S.) and the new 13-inch Magic Keyboard is available for $349 (U.S.), with layouts for over 30 languages. For education, the 11-inch Magic Keyboard is available for $279 (U.S.) and the 13-inch Magic Keyboard is available for $329 (U.S.).
• The new Smart Folio is available for $79 (U.S.) in black, white, and denim finishes for the new 11-inch iPad Pro and $99 (U.S.) for the new 13-inch iPad Pro.
• Logic Pro for iPad 2 is available on May 13 as a free update for existing users, and for new users, it is available on the App Store for $4.99 (U.S.) per month, or $49 (U.S.) per year, with a one-month free trial. Logic Pro for iPad 2 requires iPadOS 17.4 or later. For more information, visit apple.com/logic-pro-for-ipad.

• Final Cut Pro for iPad 2 will be available later this spring on the App Store for $4.99 (U.S.) per month, or $49 (U.S.) per year, with a one-month free trial.